Granada Guide: Exploring Alhambra
If you follow me on Instagram (check me out here!) you’ll probably that this week I have moved to Marbella in Spain. In this post, I am excited to share with you the pictures from my two-day trip to Granada where I visited magnificent Alhambra.
The Alhambra is a medieval palace and fortress build in the mid 13th century by the Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, the Emirate of Granada. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the major touristic attractions.
Once you are there you have a feeling that you magically became a part of One Thousand and One Nights fairy tale. Columns, arcades, reflecting pools and fountains with running water – all structures are aimed to represent the “paradise on earth”. It is a beautiful example of Muslin art in Europe.
Most of the buildings are quadrangular with all rooms open to the central court. After construction Alhambra was always extending – additional buildings were built by new rulers.
The main colours that were used for decoration included golden yellow, blue and red. Walls were mostly covered with arabesques and traditional geometrical patterns. Materials that were mainly used included stucco, marble, colorful ceramics. Ceilings were made of carved wood.
Not only the rooms of the palace are spectacular, but gardens as well. You can find beautiful fountains, labyrinths made of box trees, tall cypresses and bamboo groves.
To visit Alhambra it is better to purchase tickets in advance through the official website. We were lucky to get them one day prior but I heard that usually it is not the case and generally it is better to purchase them at least one month in advance.
Also, I recommend taking a guide who will tell you lots of interesting stories about the Alhambra. One of the stories that impressed me most was about the sultan who knew that his wife cheating him with a guard. The next day he called all 36 guards that he had and cut their heads one by one to make sure that he killed also the lover of his wife.
Being in Granada don’t forget to enjoy the views of Alhambra from the viewpoint called the Mirador de San Nicolas. It is spectacular, especially during the sunset. There are usually gatherings of local people who play beautiful Flamenco music. It is a scene that you will probably remember all your life.
