History and Alhambra Tourism

Located in Granada Spain atop a hill, Alhambra has its name in the history as the retreat of the scholars and artists who took shelter after the Christian Spain defeated Al Andalus. The total area is a threefold organization of a castle, palace, and a residential house wherein the buildings on a great height are similar to several medieval Christian edifices. Out of them, the alcazaba or citadel is the most ancient edifice standing on the isolated and steep land. Today, only grand walls, fortifications, and towers are left.

History of the Alhambra

During the battles between the Arabs and the Muladies at the time of the Abdullah Ibn Muhammad (888-912), a bloody fight led to the conquest of the Arabs who consequently had to take refuge in a prehistoric red castle in the Elvira province, now in Granada. The found evidences in form of related documents reveal that the castle was not that huge and its walls were not so secure that is could prevent an army for an invasion. Since then, until the 11th century, the castle was abandoned and it was only known when Samuel of the Zirid Dynasty renewed the ruins for protecting a small Jewish group that was also on the Sabikah hill.

Later, to prevent the maltreatment of King Ferdinand who wanted to free Spain from Moorish rule, Ibn Nasr, the pioneer of the Nasrid Dynasty, flew to Jaen and came to Granada. Here, he thrived in the Alhambra’s Palace of Badis. After some time, he decided to revive Alhambra so that even a King could stay in it due to which he designed for six palaces, two circuit towers, and several bath homes. Out of the six, five palaces formed a royal quarter in the northeast. Thus, the Alhambra city became a palace city instead of the defensive structure with full irrigation system missing before.

Alhambra Tourism

We started climbing the hill on foot to explore its natural beauty and it is generally recommended to do so. The 15th century Puerta de las Granadas (Gate of Pomegranates) bring you here, which is regarded as the arch of victory holding tree-lined avenues. Along this way on a sheer climb, you can see the Pillar of Charles V, a fountain of the 16th century, and then the main entrance, the Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Judgment). Once used as a court of justice by the Moors, this gate is a big and attractive horseshoe doorway with an oblong tower. A mascot of the hand of Fatima with outspread fingers against the wicked eye is seen over the gate.

To see the Moorish palace, Palacio Arabe, a small door with a corridor forms the entrance that takes you through the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles) that is also famous as the Patio de la Alberca (Court of the Blessing or Court of the Pond). In the middle of this court, a large pond rests in the marble concrete wherein goldfishes are seen in it and myrtles around it. Do not miss to spot the walls of the Torre de Comares in the north when you are here. You can also see the galleries on the north and south where the south gallery stands due to a marble column.

The walls are layered with blue and yellow tiles within the borders of blue and gold, while the columns withstanding the roof and gallery are unevenly located, but are decorated with different foliage. Do notice that a large square of arabesques above each arch and that filigree work exist over the pillars.

Next, the Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions) is a rectangular court enclosed within a low gallery of 124 marble columns. To this court, a pavilion with filigree walls and a domed roof is linked. Among all, the most amazing attraction is the Palacio de Generalife of the 13th century, but is restored today. The famous gardens nearby holding caves, fountains, and cypress avenues exhibit the retained Moorish style. We also visited the Torres Bermejas on Monte Mauror, a Moorish fortification holding underground cisterns and stables. Do not miss the Flamenco Show that is held daily at 10:00 – dance in caves of the Sacromonte.

The admission tickets will cost you €10. If you want to visit the famous gardens, its charge is €5. Opening from 8:30 am, reach before 9:30 am to get the tickets as it is difficult to get one in a peak season.