Description
The Alhambra is really a palatial city defended by a network of walls and towers. The first Nasrid king, el Ahmar, in his search for a prestigious and fortified location for his palace decided to move his court here (1238) from the Albaicín across the valley. Successive rulers altered, adapted and replaced the buildings, each imposing his own style. Today's Alhambra is almost entirely the work of one king, Mohammed V.

The Royal Palace (see map) is actually three palaces (though arguably only two as one is within another) - the Mexuar, Comares Palace and the Lion's Palace. Each is built around a central courtyard with a fountain or pool.

Delicate Nasrid architecture and stunning workmanship lead the visitor from one delightful setting to another. Time so easily slips away, and for a while it's easy to understand why the Alhambra is considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.

The Hall of the Embassadors with its colossal ceiling is a masterpiece of carpentry depicting the seven heavens of Moslem paradise. Magnificent views of the city can be seen from the windows. This was the most important hall in the palace, used for royal audiences and court ceremonies. It was here where Boabdil signed the terms for surrender of the city to the Catholic Kings.

The nearby royal baths show an intimate and sensitive use of light, shape and colour. Singers and musicians would entertain the bathers from the galleries above.

The Hall of the Two Sisters with its cupola of sculpted stalagtites and rich stucco motifs on the walls is the most sumptuous and monumental room in the palace. Its name comes from the two identical white marble slabs in the floor.

The Court of the Lions is perhaps the most famous of all the Alhambra. Its pretty marble fountain is guarded by twelve stone lions, and the entire courtyard is encircled by delicate arcades supported on slender columns. The poem inscribed on the fountain tells how much fiercer the lions would look if they weren't so restrained by their respect for the sultan.

The Hall of the Abencerrages is named after a powerful Moorish family of which Boabdil's father murdered sixteen princes. The dark stain in the fountain is popularly believed to be their blood.

The Partal Gardens are relatively recent, having been planted on the site of the sumptuous palace of the Count of Tendilla, first Catholic General of Granada. Pomegranate trees whose fruit, the granada, is symbol of the city, shade the paths. To the north, with fine views of the Rio Darro and Sacromonte, is the richly decorated Ladies' Tower.

The Palace of Charles V was begun in 1526 and interrupted by the Moorish uprising (1568), since when it has never been fully completed. Initial impact on the first time visitor is unfortunate. In contrast to the light Moorish apartments, it is indeed a monolithic imposition on the landscape. Even more so when one considers that part of the arab palace was destroyed to make room for its construction. Its very groundplan shows a total unwillingness to blend in or compromise. In its own right, however, this building is considered to be one of the most important in renaissance Spain, being the only surviving work of the architect Machuca who studied under Michaelangelo. Its fine lines, dignified appearance and simple shape of circle within a square have a classical grandeur and beauty. The building houses two museums: the Hispano-Moorish Museum with its beautiful collection of ceramic vases, and the Fine Arts Museum with sculptures and paintings from 16-18th centuries.

Higher up the hill and overlooking the main palace complex stands the Generalife. This was the summer palace of the sultans, constructed in the 13th century. Here, among the shaded avenues and terraced water gardens, the king and his court could escape from the oppressive heat and catch the best of the light summer breezes . Small cascades, pools and fountains greet the visitor at every turn and almost everywhere there's the constant murmur of running water.

As you enter the Generalife gardens you'll notice a small open-air auditorium. This provides a sublime setting for the annual Music and Dance Festival held in July. Top performers are usually on the bill and, if you're going to be in the area, it's worth trying to get tickets.

The final area to be visited, if you've still got the strength, is the Alcazaba, or Fortress. This was centre of the palace defenses and its central keep offers magnificent views over the city from its roof.

For general information about the Alhambra, how to visit with a group from Granada and other cities in Andalucia, book a guided tour, reserve for a flamenco show, plus latest news about the monument, visit:

http://www.alhambra.org/eng/index.asp?secc=/inicio&popup=1

To book and pay for tickets by credit card online, either for the palaces, Generalife gardens or for a night visit, go to:

http://www.servicaixa.com

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