Visiting the Palace of Granada: The Alhambra
If you ever find yourself in Granada, Spain, don't miss the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of The Alhambra.
History
Made to embody “paradise on earth”, The Alhambra rises majestically upon Roman ruins echoing the legacy of the Nasrid Dynasty (1232-1492), the final Muslim rulers of Spain. Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the first Nasrid ruler began construction of the complex in 1238. The site was added to with each ruler and the palaces were completed in the 14th century during the reigns of Yusuf I and Muhammad V. 1492 marked the end of the Nasrid Dynasty and the beginning of Ferdinand and Isabella’s rule. During their time, they changed certain aspects of the palaces and endorsed Christopher Columbus’ expedition, but only lived in the palace for a couple months. In 1526, Charles V began building a Renaissance-style palace but never finished it. There wasn’t any major destruction of the original site until Napoleon, his short man complex, and army caused significant damage while occupying it during the Peninsular War (1810-1812).
The Alhambra was nominated as a wonder of the world but unfortunatley came in 8th place. However, both the Alhambra and the Generalife were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and have been one of the most important tourist destinations in Spain.
Why Visit the Red Fortress?
Spanning 26 acres, this architectural gem, known as the "Red Fortress," bears its name from the Spanish rendition of 'qa'lat al-Hamra', an Arabic term signifying the fortress's red color, crafted from sun-dried bricks. Overlooking the whole city of Granada, the Alhambra has stood firm upon a hilltop for 785 years. Over time, rulers continuously expanded it, trying to make it grander than before. The blending of Moorish, Islamic, and Andalusian styles into a mesmerizing story of beauty and innovation, the site contains a collection of palaces, a fortress, and citadel.
I visited in September of 2022 and still remember the feeling of awe. After a while, you get used to seeing cathedral after cathedral. This was different. This was the very first time I was seeing a major Islamic monument. One of the Seven Wonders of the Muslim World. Another moment that has never left my mind was my program manager drawing parallels between architectural styles and religious ideologies. He compared the Alhambra’s real beauty being hidden within instead of being shown on the outside, to that of the modesty and privacy found in wearing the hijab. He explained his thought process as the woman’s beauty is within (her heart) and it shouldn’t be shared with just anyone. He was a Catholic Spaniard. Manu, if you’re reading, you’re a king!
Another way to describe it is through that of geodes which are spherical rocks that contain hollow cavities lined with crystals. Like geodes, the Alhambra has a strong and firm exterior while hiding a stunning and magical interior. As Manu said, the Islamic architecture seen in the Alhambra doesn’t “show off” on the outside as opposed to the Rennisance-style palace Charles V began building.
As visitors surrounded by thousands of other tourists and distractions, it’s easy to become over stimulated. However, the way the site was built not only assists in grounding visitors, but it also ignites all senses in the most calming way. The many fountains and pools around the Alhambra work together to create a serene aesthetic while cooling the areas around them. The sound of running water creates a peaceful and reflective environment for visitors during hectic and humid weather. The Nasrids really knew what they were doing back then let me tell ya.
Now imagine, you’re focused on the sound of the water and your tour guide. You are immersing yourself in the history and envisioning who stood in the very spot you are standing in now. You smell flowers and oranges from the gardens while the sun kisses your skin, but not too much because the buildings are built strategically to create the perfect amount of shade. Flled with Arabic inscriptions, the walls, ceilings, and columns are covered in poems and quotes from the Qu’ran. The most common words seen are “happiness” and “blessing”. Because of this, it is said that the walls of the Alhambra speak, as whoever is around them is reminded of the beauty and spirituality in everyday life.
Fun fact: The phrase “only God is victorious” alone is seen 9,000 times throughout the grounds.
The architectural elements including elaborate arches, domes, open courtyards, and gardens paired with the beautiful calligraphy, symmetry, geometric patterns, and integration of running water throughout the grounds create a sense of ethereal opulence worthy of being called paradise on earth.
Your Visit:
Prepare for a guided tour lasting 3-5 hours, to include visits of all three parts of The Alhambra. The Alcazaba, the oldest and westernmost, was used for defense, while the residential and public quarters lie to the east. At the heart lies the Nasrid Palaces, the jewel of the Alhambra, once home to Muslim rulers. If you want to get the most out of your visit, a guided tour is essential. They are immersive and rich in knowledge. Prices range depending on duration and tour type but I recommend the “Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets” which is a three hour tour, including tickets, skipping the line, and an English speaking tour guide.
Tips and Hacks:
Visit in the spring (April to June) and the fall (September to October)
Dress comfortably for your visit; there's no specific dress code unless you plan to enter the church within
See the Alhambra from the San Nicolas viewpoint at sunset
Make sure to watch a Flamenco show before leaving Granada
As always, be present and let your eyes eat before your phone does!
