Andalucia's Crowning Glory - The Alhambra of Granada.
- Date: 2007-08-14 - Word Count: 498
Share This!
There are few visitors to Andalucia who do not have the Alhambra of Granada at the top of their agenda. This marvellous palace complex, home of the last ruling Muslim dynasty in Spain, is renowned throughout the world for the stunning beauty of its architecture and decoration. The Alhambra received around two and a half million visitors last year, and it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance if you do not want to miss what will no doubt be the highlight of your trip. Reservations can be made by phone, fax or online and your ticket will specify a window of time during which you can enter the Alhambra.
There are several buildings within the complex, including the Royal Palace (where the most beautiful Moorish decoration can be seen), the Renaissance Palace of Carlos the Fifth, Holy Roman Emperor, and the Generalife, which was the summer palace of the Moorish rulers whose beautiful gardens are legendary. Most memorable to the visitor are the intricately-decorated ceilings from which delicate plaster stalactites seem to hang, and the harmonious beauty of the geometric patterns used in the decoration.
It is always surprising to find that the Alhambra lay neglected for many years during which time its beautiful buildings and gardens fell into disrepair. A French occupying force during the Peninsular War realised the magnificence that lay dormant and undertook considerable repairs, although they blew up part of the exterior walls on their departure! Later, the American writer Washington Irving spent a long period in residence at the Alhambra in the early nineteenth century. His subsequent book, Tales of the Alhambra, which extolled the beauty of the palace and recounted many exotic Arab tales, seized the imagination of the public. Restoration began a few years later and has continued ever since. The success of many years of restoration can be gauged by the fact that the Alhambra only narrowly missed being selected as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a recent international competition.
Of course Granada, backed by the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, has much more to offer the traveller than just the Alhambra. The historic quarter known as the Albaicin, whose streets are in many parts too narrow for cars, allows visitors to experience life as it must have been back in Moorish times. Traffic-free, whitewashed streets, delicious cooking smells, exotic bazaars and Moorish-style tea shops, all transport the visitor back in time. The nearby cave-houses of Sacromonte are a popular venue for flamenco performances. Granada's marvellous Renaissance cathedral also merits a visit. Finally, Granada is a college town (the university is one of the oldest in Spain) with excellent nightlife. Tapas bars and restaurants abound, many of which are open into the early hours of the morning, allowing the visitor to experience the delicious traditional cooking and vibrant atmosphere for which Andalucia is famous!
Read more about food, travel, lifestyle and property in Andalucia, Spain at our website Andalucia Coast and Country
Copyright 2007 Heather McMillan
There are several buildings within the complex, including the Royal Palace (where the most beautiful Moorish decoration can be seen), the Renaissance Palace of Carlos the Fifth, Holy Roman Emperor, and the Generalife, which was the summer palace of the Moorish rulers whose beautiful gardens are legendary. Most memorable to the visitor are the intricately-decorated ceilings from which delicate plaster stalactites seem to hang, and the harmonious beauty of the geometric patterns used in the decoration.
It is always surprising to find that the Alhambra lay neglected for many years during which time its beautiful buildings and gardens fell into disrepair. A French occupying force during the Peninsular War realised the magnificence that lay dormant and undertook considerable repairs, although they blew up part of the exterior walls on their departure! Later, the American writer Washington Irving spent a long period in residence at the Alhambra in the early nineteenth century. His subsequent book, Tales of the Alhambra, which extolled the beauty of the palace and recounted many exotic Arab tales, seized the imagination of the public. Restoration began a few years later and has continued ever since. The success of many years of restoration can be gauged by the fact that the Alhambra only narrowly missed being selected as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a recent international competition.
Of course Granada, backed by the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, has much more to offer the traveller than just the Alhambra. The historic quarter known as the Albaicin, whose streets are in many parts too narrow for cars, allows visitors to experience life as it must have been back in Moorish times. Traffic-free, whitewashed streets, delicious cooking smells, exotic bazaars and Moorish-style tea shops, all transport the visitor back in time. The nearby cave-houses of Sacromonte are a popular venue for flamenco performances. Granada's marvellous Renaissance cathedral also merits a visit. Finally, Granada is a college town (the university is one of the oldest in Spain) with excellent nightlife. Tapas bars and restaurants abound, many of which are open into the early hours of the morning, allowing the visitor to experience the delicious traditional cooking and vibrant atmosphere for which Andalucia is famous!
Read more about food, travel, lifestyle and property in Andalucia, Spain at our website Andalucia Coast and Country
Copyright 2007 Heather McMillan
Related Tags: travel, information, tourist, andalucia, visit, granada, stay, alhambra
Heather McMillan is the publisher of Andalucia Coast and Country, a website devoted to articles about food, travel, lifestyle and property in Andalucia, Spain. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me