srettig24 Alhambra- Patio de los Arrayanes
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Spain Granada has a more nature-oriented atmosphere. Granada’s tourism industry caters to Nature lovers as the area has great hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. Not interested in outdoor recreation? The downtown area offers plenty of options for those who would rather ‘shop till they drop’. Alhambra is a keystone in understanding the history of Andalusia and is undoubtably one of the most relevant and stunning UNSECO world heritage sites I have ever been to.
Sierra Nevada
The views of the Sierra Nevada are a fairly short walk from any point in the Granda. Local families and tourists alike on weekends climb the hills and enjoy an afternoon picnic. There are plenty of day trip options and excursions that you can take into the heart of the mountains or you can do some planning on your own and hit the trails.
Carmen de los Mártires
While there is plenty of nature to enjoy in Granada I recommend going to this park- it is free and very tranquil. There is plenty of little spots to sit and enjoy a good book, write or take a walk with a friend.
Flamenco dancing is unique to Andalusia, there are many Flamenco shows that you can get tickets for online or at the door! There are also local couples who will Flamenco in the city square in the afternoon on weekends in most towns in Andalusia!
Sacomonte Caves
You may be able to spot some white walls in the center of the photo above, these are Sacomonte Caves. These homes are dug into the side of the hill and are primarily inhabited by Spanish Gypsies, but have also been home other marginalized groups in the past. People still live in these caves today. Some of the Cave homes have been converted into a museum if you are curious what they look like inside and want to learn more about the history, culture and communal identity of those who used to dwell here.
The City Streets
While I felt as though I was walking uphill both ways at times, the quiet stone streets are worth a wander. If you are willing to go a bit off the beaten track- there are plenty of restaurant and cafe options higher up that offer great views and present a more “authentic and less touristic” experience. Be aware during peak hours and on weekends after 12 you will likely have lots of competition for a table.
Alhambra
Alhambra- Wow, there is not enough space or time to really fully dig into this place. What, I learned about this place and the photos below just scratch the surface. Alhambra is special because it is the most intact and impressive structure created by the Moors that still exists in Spain. While places like Cordoba have beautiful architecture as well- other sites do not provide such an illustrative picture of Moorish culture, and way of life. Alhambra demonstrates innovation, beauty and power that was more or less unmatched at this time.
The Landscaping
The landscaping in Alhambra was unbelievable for a few reasons. The first- I was there in January-not really the time of year you would expect things to look even a little beautiful. Second- this is not a small place. The grounds are enormous, and I have no doubt a surprisingly small staff maintains everything, the trees, shrubs, and flowers. The landscaping has a large variety and showcases roses, fruit bearing trees, lots of perennials and annual flowers. If you aren’t a history buff- but want to get lost in a lush garden this is your dream get-away. Spring in full bloom is it’s busiest season, but it’s easy to understand why!
Generalife
Generalife which was the place the King would come to hang out in his spare time. It is located on what is called the Hill of the Sun- the photos I took below might give away why it was called such. Even in this vast garden- there are still touches of detail and plasterwork that really make this a garden for a king.
Torre de Las Damas
The Garden of the Partial is located near the middle of Alhambra, these expansive gardens hold the Toree de Las Damas, or Ladies Tower. The interior plasters are the oldest in Alhambra, you can see a photo of the plasters below. The partial refers to how the 5 arches reflect in the rectangular pond as seen in the photo below.
Fuente de los Leones
Below is just one photo of the hundreds you could take… and I probably did take of this building. You might be impressed- it is rather beautiful. But what is truely special about this structure is the fountain of the lions, which is the oldest and possibly the first recorded foundation in the world. To really understand the magnitude of this- mountain runoff was directed to a man-made pool- which was then funneled down an aqueduct, that was under the palace and physics was used to create pressure to force the water up and through the fountain… oh yeah and this is the 14th century.
Palace of Charles V
Palacio de Carlos V was designed by Pedro Machuca who had a love for the renaissance. Started in 1527 this structure took until 1957 to be finished… so a really short and fast build only about 200 years. It is very different than the other buildings at Alhambra. It was created to offer everything that, somehow all the other buildings in Alhambra don’t offer…? Because several bathhouse, gardens, palaces, a fortresses, visitors quarter, dignitary/official business palace leave A LOT to be desired apparently.
Alcazaba- Alhambra
This is one of the oldest parts of Alhambra and is called the Alcazaba or Torres Bermejas. The earliest recording of the tower was in the 9th century, but archeologists believe that there were several structures here before. The structure that I saw and was able to experience was built by Mohammed I, and was built as a defense system, and as the Royal quarters before the rest of the palace was built. This building was used by the Christians later- and even used as a prison by the French during the occupation. The photo below looks down on the Arms Square, which at one time was the entrance to the Alcazaba.
One of the most peaceful trips of my life, when I meditate sometimes I come back to this place- to this time. I hope some of that peace comes through in this work
