 Durant
& Cheryl Imboden'sEurope for Visitors europeforvisitors.com |
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Touring the Alhambra and GeneralifeFrom: The Alhambra
ABOVE: A reflecting pool inside the Nasrid Palace of the Alhambra. Inside the AlhambraWalking uphill to the entrance to the Alhambra is tiring but well worth the trouble. Follow the Cuesta de Gomérez from the Plaza Nueva in Granada's city center, which will lead you onto a path through a lush park with small streams running down either side of the walkway. The wooded path is simply a hint of what's to come at the top of the plateau. Nasrid Palace
Describing the palace in words is difficult.
Palace of Charles V
While less elaborate as its Islamic neighbors within the Alhambra, Charles' building certainly qualifies as grandiose. Its circle-within-a-square design is unique among its structural contemporaries, and even if you aren't architecturally inclined, you'll get the feeling that Charles was not one to settle for a mail-order bungalow. Other parts of the Alhambra
The Generalife
Though similar in many ways to its wintertime counterpart (the Nasrid Palace) the Generalife estate feels more laid back and emphasizes water and greenery even more. The views across the divide to the Alcabaza and palace areas of the fortress are impressive as well. Next page: Practical advice for visitors
Top photo, 1st and 5th inset photos copyright ©
Anders Imboden. |
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Once inside the Alhambra, make sure to enter the
Nasrid
Palace during the half-hour time slot noted on your ticket. If you miss your
assigned time, you'll be unable to see this crown jewel of the Alhambra.
The views of Granada are
unparalleled, and the decoration is ornate. An emphasis on
natural beauty and symmetry is clearly on display, with elaborately patterned
rooms leading into courtyards full of pools and greenery.
Years after the Christian conquest of the Alhambra, work began on the
Palace
of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor who also claimed the title of King of
Spain. 
Besides
the palaces, the Alhambra has a number of ramparts and towers worth
exploring. The Alcazaba is the old citadel, which houses the Torre de la Vela,
worth climbing for its spectacular views of the surrounding city and the
snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains nearby. The Iglesia de Santa María is a bit
mysterious in its understated design as well and is worth a brief visit. So long
as you have a map on hand (they're free at the entrance), it's easy to see
every inch of the Alhambra.
After
exploring the many towers and palaces of the central part of the Alhambra,
don't forget to visit the Generalife summer palace and gardens. Located across
a small ravine, these scenic grounds are filled with orange trees looming over
flower beds, symmetric fountains and pools, and trimmed hedges that line the
path into the palace itself. 
