Palaces At Granada's Alhambra
Imposing ancient castles with reddish stone walls and intricate decorations dating as far back as the 13th century gives visiting the Alhambra an indisputable air of grandeur. The palaces at Alhambra are the only medieval palaces in the world that have survived intact to the present day and its history is closely tied to that of Granada. Surrounded by lush mountains and protected by dense forest, access is not easy. The terrain is rocky and isolated as it served as a military fortress, and prior to that the royal court of king Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr.
The citadel's towers and high walls have served as defense over the centuries, up to 1942 when it was seized by Catholic Monarchs. As you stand in the front palace, you are surrounded by fascinating gardens and orchards that formerly belonged to Granadine kings. Stepping inside the palace is like a vision from The Arabian Nights, with beautiful inscriptions of poetry, blessings, life instructions, and words of wisdom all written on delicate tiles and ceramics covering the palace walls.
The decor elaborates how revered these Sultans were throughout the kingdom, with mosaics and colored ceramic tiles enveloping the place with historic Islamic art displayed with mathematical precision. Geometrical patterns unfold colorful designs and decorations made from natural resources like cobalt, manganese, copper, iron, tin and lead. Each step brings you closer to a long-lost but tangible era of royalty and lavishness.
Visit these palaces to be transported into another world of intricacy and beauty.