The third city in our trip was Granada. Located in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is home to the fairytale Alhambra, the 10th century Moorish citadel and palace renowned for its beautiful courtyards decorated in brightly colored tiles surrounded by intricate archways and landscaping. Granada is also home to the winding alleys of the medieval Albaicín, the old Muslim quarter.
Granada was full of life at all hours of the day. Our hotel was located on a narrow pedestrian street full of tapas bars and cafes.
We were pleasantly surprised by the shopping scene in Granada. From the Arab Bazaar to the high end fashion stores downtown, there was a wide variety of stores to explore.
The spice market in Alcaiceria bazaar was full of exotic spices and teas. We bought saffron to make paella.
After walking through the spice markets, we made our way through the city towards the bottom of the Albaicin. On the way, we passed the Monument to the Capitulations of Santa Fe, signed by Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. It was signed in a village near Granada in 1492 and granted the rights to Christopher Columbus to set off on his voyage to find the western route to the Indies, which actually lead to his voyage to the New World.
Labeled "the most romantic street in Andalusia," the Carrera del Darro runs along the Darro River and is crossed by two brick and stone bridges. From the scenic street, one can also catch glimpses of the Alhambra and the top of the Albaicin.
From the Darro we walked through the old Arab Quarter known as the Albaicin. It was declared a world heritage site in 1984. It is known for its narrow winding streets, original Moorish houses, and views of the Alhambra.
View of the Alhambra from the top of the Albaicin
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a stunning historic fortress palace overlooking the city of Granada. It is a large complex with gardens, palaces, and cathedrasl built and renovated by Muslim and Christian leaders over several centuries. It was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, taken by the Catholic Royals, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1492. The capture of the Alhambra from the Moors was symbolic, as Isabella and Ferdinand compled the Reconquista and symbollically united Spain.
Nasrid Palace
The first courtyard we walked through in the Nasrid Palace is the Court of the Myrtles. It takes its name from takes its name from the bushes that grows on the longer sides of the pond. This section of the palace was the private residence of Emir Yusuf (1333-1354). The large wall behind the walls of the courtyard is the Charles V Palace which was build hundreds of years later in the 1500s by the Holy Roman Emperor.
The architecture of the Nasrid Palace is characterized by elaborately carved stucco, geometric glazed-tile dadoes, carved woodwork, and an extensive cycle of poetic inscriptions that create an intimate connection between word and architecture. It is said that Muslim architecture in Spain reached its apogee at this palace.
The Arabic inscriptions surronding the arch translate to "Only Allah is conqueror." This inscrition can be found throughout the palace.
Many consider the Court of the Lions as the gem of the Alhambra. This was the heart of the palace, the most private section where the sultan enjoyed his harem. In the center of the court is the Fountain of Lions, a basin supported by 12 lions made of white marble. The lions were a symbol of strength, power and sovereignty. Legend has it that at each hour one lion would produce water from its mouth.
The Court of the Lions is also famous for its architectural achievements. It is lined with arcades supported by 124 slender marble columns.
The oldest palace of the Alhambra is the Palacio del Partal. All that is left of the palace is pictured below, the Torre de Las Damas (Ladies' Tower) and its pavilion with the five-arched portico.
The Alcazaba
The Alhambra was originally built as a military fortress in the Middle Ages. Dating from the 9th century, it is the oldest part of the complex. From the watchtower, one can get a spectacular view of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
View from the watchtower
The Generalife
The Generalife was the recreation and retreat area for Granada's monarchs when they wanted to escape palace life, particularly in the summer.
The Charles V Palace (Palacio De Carlos) was added to the Alhambra complex in the mid 1500s by the Holy Roman Emperor. Built in pure Renaissance style, the palace is an anomaly amongst the rest of the Moorish compound.
We are so glad we had the opportunity to visit the Alhambra. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Spain.
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