Island Hopping 2024: Spain, Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba

One comes to this point on the face of the Earth to see one thing, Alhambra, with its Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens and Alcazaba.  This Unesco World Heritage Site is remarkable, and it draws the crowds.  We came to Grenada deeply out of the tourist season and on the slowest day of the week.  Still, the tourists were numerous and the selfie takers uncountable (because, of course, the only way to improve the magnificent sights of Alhambra is to stand in front of them and take a picture of yourself).  A travel tip to myself is that if I ever do this again, schedule for the latest entrance possible, the crowds did tend to be a little smaller later in the day.

First we entered through the Courtyard of the Lions. We made our way to  the Nasrid Palaces. The Nasrids were the Moorish dynasty that built Alhambra in the 14th century.  The intricate stucco work and delicate calligraphy painted a portrait of a civilization that had mastered the art of turning dreams into stone.  Each room was a measure of opulence and grace. 

The courtyard of the Lions

An Arabian scene painted on a ceiling

Every window is interesting

A vaulted room and a bunch of tourists

Awesome

Windows everywhere

Water everywhere

We enjoyed even more the Generalife Gardens.  The name Generalife is rooted in the Arabic phrase “Jannat al-‘Arif” which means the Garden of the Master Architect.  The gardens were designed as a retreat and leisure space for the Muslim rulers, providing a serene and beautiful environment for relaxation and contemplation. The name reflects the appreciation for the artistry and architectural mastery involved in creating these gardens, showcasing the intricate design elements, water features, and landscaping that characterize all Islamic gardens.

Using the reflection in the water to enhance the garden plantings

Unending manicured hedges

A sculptured garden for the caliphs

Always using water as part of the design

A pleasant path in the Gardens

Hardscaping compliments the plantings 

A fountain in the Garden

How did they run all these fountains without electric pumps?

View of Nasrid Palaces and Alcazaba, from Generalife Gardens.  Note the trees in the foreground are trimmed to match the crenelated turrets of Alcazaba

And lastly Alcazaba: while the Palaces and Gardens were built for pleasure Alcazaba was built for battle.  It is the fortress designed to protect Alhambra.  From its ramparts we could see for miles in all directions.  Even today it looks impregnable but in 1492 it fell to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.  Nothing ever stays the same. 

The outside view of Alcazaba

Inner passageways of the fort

The enemy could be seen as soon as they came out of the snowy Sierra Nevadas

Inside the fort where the soldiers and guards bivouacked

Highest point on the fort

Cathedral in which lie King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are entombed
 

We finished the night in the smaller of the two restaurants at the hotel.  After a month on the road we went for the All-American meal.

Cheeseburger, fries and a Coke.  It wouldn't be on the menu if they didn't want us to order it!