A view from the gardens overlooking the Alhambra
While in Southern Spain, I decided to make a visit to the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It seems to be that a visit in Andalusia (Southern Spain region) would not quite be complete without spending a half day at this place.
To provide a bit of history, the Alhambra was officially named an UNESCO world heritage site back in 1984 though this palace and fortress complex dates back to the 13th century. It was originally built by Moorish rulers atop the hillside in the north eastern section of Granada protected by mountains but later fell to Catholic Monarchs in 1492.
Archway view overlooking Granada
The main villa of the sultans from within the Alhambra
The site´s design is originally made up by Islamic architecture but was also influenced by Jewish and Christian artisans
and builders as each section of the palace and gardens hold a mix of
architectural details as you can see in these photos.
Fountain within Generalife
An example photo of the many designed landscapes
Walkway within the gardens
The design and layout of the complex inspired one of the worlds most
famous graphic artists, M.C. Escher for many of his works and they
dedicated an entire area within the palace to his many works. Although
you may not all know him by name, you would surely recognize many of
his artwork in present day. He has always been a favorite of mine so
it was great to spend time within this area.
Museum dedicated to M.C. Escher within the Palace of Charles V
Palace of Charles V
The photos below make up the Alcazaba area which is the military complex within the Alahambra. This area contains the famous Torre de la Vela, a watchtower that has an unbeatable view of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The soldiers’ houses have disappeared, and the dungeons are closed, but you can walk along the towers.
View from atop one of the towers toward the Nasrid Palaces
Below are photos from the Nasrid Palaces which made up an entire complex of places that were used for the residing kings of Granada.
Patio from within the Nasrid Palaces
And upon leaving the gardens of Generalife on may visit out of the Alhambra, I took this photo along the walkway. It was definitely a good relief from the sun as it was extremely hot that afternoon.
Pathway in Generalife gardens
6 Comments... Join the conversation below
Rory, just stunning photos…gorgeous. You can really see the Moorish influence in southern Spain in these photos. I am assuming you have had great weather there on your tours for the most part…(besides it being hot!)
Thanks for sharing these… wish I was under that canopy of flowers instead of here at the desk!
Rory, one more thing,…I am really enjoying your travelogue, too. Very interesting.
Very detailed descriptions and background. So…tell the truth…you were a World History teacher before you started at Ferguson, weren’t you! Lol. Amazing log, bro.
Yes, 13 years. Yet, you seem so surprised…
Rory,
Did MC Escher spend any time in that area, or was it just infatuation on the part of the Spanish for his ‘mathematical’ artwork?
Also, what are distances here that you are traveling? From Malaga to Grenada to Seville, etc? Are they long rides and are you staying in each place overnight, or going back to one place to sleep and travel during the day?
He actually traveled to the Alhambra several times as he found inspiration in the design and architecture for his work.
As for the rides, the longest bus ride I´ve been on has been around 3 hours. You can find bus tickets here to be much less than the trains which take the same amount of time. While slightly less comfortable, its a no brainer. And I´ve not done any day trips yet though I will I am sure before I leave this region. Some of the smallers towns just don´t have accomodation.