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Walk through history, starting at the beautiful
arched entry, La Puerta de las Granadas, through the woods to the Puerta de la Justicia (door of justice) built in the 14th century.
The carved hand on the door represents defense against evil. |
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The Alcazaba – |
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The Alcazaba is the oldest section of the Alhambra,
and a fortified castle stood on this spot, even before the Moors arrived
in Granada. Climb to the top of the Torre de la Vela (90 feet high)
to get great view of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. |
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Nasrid Palace – |
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In the 13th century, the Sultan Ibn Nasr laid
out the luxurious palace and brought water to the citadel, setting the stage
for the Generalife gardens. Granada's Golden Age, the 14th century, blooms
in the glorious rooms of the Nasrid Palace. Walls are covered with intricate
geometric and floral details, colored tiles and inscriptions, ceilings sparkle
with forms like honeycombs, and light streams through the courtyards of
this brightly shining palace. |
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 The Patio de los Leones (Courtyard of the Lions) is probably the most
photographed spot here; don’t miss the Hall of Two Sisters where
the ceiling is carved with poetry and decorated with gold and lapis lazuli. |
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Are
your kids into gruesome stories? (Whose aren’t!) Show them La Sala de
Los Abencerrajes, where tradition has it that the Caliph Boabdil had
his family killed when he married the beautiful Christian Zoraya. |
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Stop
in the Salon de Embajadores: this is where Columbus pleaded for funds
to explore the world. The King and his advisors laughed, but the
Queen said yes and hocked her jewels to do it. |
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Stroll through the Generalife – Don’t be confused by
the name – it has nothing to do with generals. Plan your trip to the Alhambra
for the hottest part of the day – you’ll be wonderfully cool inside; then
wander here, in the gardens called la Generalife, through centuries old
gardens, beautiful pools and fountains. Water is everywhere here – running
down stairway banisters, bubbling out of fountains, running down walls,
reflecting the flowers in garden pools. |
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See la Alhambra by moonlight – It’s more magical, and
especially exciting for kids – a great way to spend an evening in the warm
Spanish air. (It’s also usually less crowded.) There are rooms devoted to
every aspect of life, each with its own beauty, from law court to harem. |
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Sleep in a 15th century convent, right in
the gardens of the Alhambra. The Parador (government run inn) is a mixture
of Arabic and Christian architecture with rooms that look out over the Generalife
and Albacin. Click
here for more information. |
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In this sparkling
adaptation from Tales of the Alhambra, Ahmed, the Prince
of Granada, lives in a high tower, with only the birds for his friends.
An owl and talking parrot accompany the prince on his search for
true love, but it takes a magic horse and flying carpet to win the
Princess Aldegonda. Enchanting illustrations. (Picture book)
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Washington
Irving, author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, spent months
living in the Alhambra in the 19th century and wrote a collection
of tales and travel sketches. These legends are marvelous (read
them out loud): "Legend of the Arabian Astrologer, "Legend
of the Three Beautiful Princesses," "Legend of Prince
Ahmed Al Kamel," "Legend of the Moor's Legacy," "Legend
of the Rose of the Alhambra." (Chapter book)
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Islam (Eyewitness Books)
Philip Wilkinson
Before
you visit the Alhambra, an exquisite example of Islamic architecture,
steeped in history, read this excellent introduction to Islam –
the prophet Muhammad, Moorish Spain, Islamic society and culture,
festivals and ceremonies. Rich, detailed illustrations, including
a painting of Boabdil, last caliph of Granada. (Picture book)
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(More children's
books on other Spain pages) |
