Visiting Spain´s Alhambra Palace
What to See in the Alhambra, Granada’s Historic Moorish Palace
Sep 27, 2008
The Alhambra, an outstanding examples of Hispano-Islamic architecture overlooking the Andalucian city of Granada, dates back to the early days of the Moorish occupation of Spain in the ninth century. Successive Moorish rulers of the Nasrid dynasty embellished and extended it, as did the Christian Kings of Spain, notably Charles V after the reconquest. The Alhambra is divided into four main areas:
The Alcazaba
A massive fortress, the Alcazaba, stands at the western end of the complex, its towering ramparts extending eastwards to enclose the palace area. Within its keep are the ruins of the buildings which used to house the military garrison responsible for defending the Alhambra and for the security of the sultan, his family and officials.
The Alhambra Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces lie immediately alongside the Alcazaba. This complex of interconnecting palaces provided the living and working quarters for the ruling sultan, his ministers, officials, and their families, and was the centre of government for the Sultanate of Granada.
It´s a maze of interconnecting chambers and courtyards. Fretted windows allow dappled light into the cool interiors, and rooms and courtyards are richly ornamented with graceful arches and intricately carved, painted plasterwork.
There are a number of palaces in the complex; the most spectacular are the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions.
Alongside the Nasrid Palaces are later Christian buildings, including most notably the Charles V Palace, a magnificent example of Renaissance Architecture.
The Medina of the Alhambra
This was the town within the walls whose inhabitants served and supplied the needs of the Sultan and his Court. The pattern of the old buildings is still evident.
The Generalife
The Generalife is an area of ornamental gardens, originally the domestic farm and kitchen garden of the Alhambra, lying across the valley from the palace area. It is laid out as a series of garden rooms enclosed by tightly trimmed ornamental hedges and shaded walks, with geometric pools, shrubs and flower beds, and gently murmuring channels of cool, sparkling water.
Visiting the Alhambra
Visits to the Alhambra are very carefully controlled to ensure that it is not overwhelmed by vistor numbers. This system is very successful and one is never aware of excessive crowds. However, it’s essential to plan your visit carefully to avoid disappointment.
Booking your Visit to the Alhambra
The options for booking are:
- To turn up and queue for a ticket on the day, but queues are long and at busy times you’re most unlikely to succeed.
- To book well in advance, either through a travel agent, or online. This is the recommended option.
- For last minute visits, you may be able to reserve a place on a coach tour, whose organisers make block reservations in advance.
Alhambra Tickets and Time AllocationTickets are issued either for the whole complex, or just for the Generalife,
To spread the visitors evenly, full Alhambra tickets are issued for either a morning (0900 -1400), afternoon (1400 - 2000), or even night (2200 - 2330) visit, but these times vary seasonally. If you turn up outside your allocated time you won’t be admitted.
Also, unless you´re just visiting the gardens, you´ll be allocated a precise half-hour slot to enter the palace itself. Again, if you appear before or after this, you won’t be allowed in.
Do you Need a Guided Tour?
There are plenty of accredited English speaking guides, whom you may book in advance or on the day.
Alternatively you can hire a headset to listen to a taped commentary as you walk around.
Guides can be expensive, but it’s easy to find your own way round with the official English Language Guidebook on sale at the entrance.
Other Things to do in Andalucia
Visit the old city of Malaga.
Visit the Gibralfaro Nasrid fortified palace in Malaga.
Walk in the Sierra Nevada.
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