The Alhambra Palace of Granada

The Alhambra Palace, located in Granada, Spain, was built in the mid-14th century during Islamic dominance in the Iberian Peninsula. The Moorish called it the “pearl set in emeralds”, for its hilltop perch surrounded by forest. The park itself is beautiful, with lush English elms, soaring nightingales, and the sound of rushing water.

The Alhambra is a palace fortress with a combination of thick defensive walls and some of the best examples of Islamic architecture around. Christian slaves were put to work on the construction hundreds of years ago, but many add-ons have diversified the architectural heritage of the landmark.

When the Emirate of Granada signed a treaty with the reconquering Christian Spaniards, it was the last of the Iberian Islamic kingdoms to fall. From the 16th century onward, Christians built additions to the palace. The site fell into disrepair until it was essentially rediscovered in the 19th century.

In addition to neglect, some restoration work also damaged parts of the palace; however, the site was granted UNESCO World Heritage status, attesting to its continued importance as a landmark from the older world.

The column arcades, various reflecting pools and intricate network of running water fountains provide the backdrop for the incredible rooms, halls and courtyards of the palace. The Hall of the Ambassadors is where Christopher Columbus received the king and queen’s support to sail westward. The Court of the Lions presents visitors with an age-old example of Muslim art.

The unique architecture owes its existence to the relative isolation in which the Moors lived from the rest of the Islamic world, and to the proximity of Christian influences. The original Moorish feature of stalactite vaulting is viewable in the honeycomb domes that many of the rooms display. The domes are crested with ornamented golden cells, giving the visitor the sensation of indoor light. Also, the Generalife garden is particularly lovely with its open portico and large pond.

Getting to the Alhambra Palace is simple, since it sits walking distance south of the town, looking over the southern approach it once guarded. Tickets can be reserved, which is a good idea. This author visited twice but all the tickets were sold out both times!