If all you do is visit the Alhambra in Granada, it will be well worth the trip to this beautiful city. That’s exactly what we did. (Not to say Granada doesn’t have more to see!) A little over an hour drive from Antequera, we did a single day trip to visit this popular tourist destination. By the end of our stay in Andalucía, we still considered the Alhambra one of the greatest highlights. It is simply amazing.
So what is the Alhambra? The Alhambra is only considered the “best preserved Muslim Medieval City in the world.” Its origin dates back to the 13th century when the last Muslim dynasty to rule in Spain chose this rocky hill surrounded by mountains and forests to construct their military fortress. It ultimately held royal palaces and was the walled city center housing nobles and plebs alike. In 1492, Granada was seized by the Catholic Monarchs, and they continued to build more noble houses, military barracks, a church and a monastery.
We were awestruck by the beauty of the entire complex – the architecture, the gardens, the creative design, the grandeur, and how well it has all been preserved. All around you will see traditional Islamic details including geometric patterns, column arcades, painted tiles, Arabic inscriptions, reflecting pools, and fountains. (We were there in December, so can only imagine how beautiful it must be in spring and summer in full bloom. No matter when you visit, though, book your tickets in advance!) You’ll also notice three key materials used together – wood, ceramic tiles, and carved stucco. Photos don’t really do it justice. Kind of like buying a house online – you can see great photos, but it’s not until you actually visit can you feel the floor plan, the scale, and the environment. Just visit! We can also recommend a restaurant very nearby – Restaurante Jardines Alberto.
Beautiful architecture:
Incredible detail:
Endless peaceful gardens:
From its strategic hilltop location, the Alhambra affords a great view of the city of Granada. Our time there was brief, so we’ll definitely have to return to see more of the city itself!
Sailing Sabática 