The Alhambra sits on a hill over Granada - another fortress that defines the skyline of a Spanish city. It began construction in the 13th century under Muhammad I al-Ahmar, continuing with influence from Catholics as the land changed hands. Supposedly it was abandoned to beggars and thieves by the 18th century until Washington Irving visited and wrote "Tales of the Alhambra," which sparked a renewed interest in the site.
I stayed up until 3 a.m. wandering the streets of Granada the night before my 8 a.m. entry to the Alhambra, so I was a bit groggy for the long, steep walk up to the fortress gates. It was well worth it. I spent 5 hours on the grounds, and probably could have explored further if I didn't have a bus ticket out of town.
Watch tower looking out over Granada's old town. One of the older parts of the Alhambra.
View from the watch tower.
The high-ceiling Moorish insides of Alhambra buildings, covered in intricate stone carving and woodwork.
Luz en la ventana.
View looking away from old town Granada. It was rainy, windy and thankfully uncrowded.
Nice place to relax on a hot Spanish day.
Just your average home.
Jardines.
Generalife, the gardens portion of the Alhambra. Nicely laid out formal gardens with fountains, walls and...
Redwood trees.
Palacio de Carlos V, built 16th century.
Rain falling on Carlos V.
This is the kind of carved stonework that covers the inside of most of the buildings in the Alhambra. Amazingly intricate.
1 comment:
YUM.
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