Granada – The Alhambra Generalife

Turning inland to Granada just before Motril, East of Malaga on the Costa del sol, you will find yourself taking a steady climb into the beautiful Sierra Nevadas.  Granada is a sophisticated town and the Alhambra rises impressively above the city.

Andalucia

I have visited the Alhambra many times and never cease to be impressed by the majestic towers, castle ramparts, beautiful gardens and wonderful palaces;  a maze of visual delights.

For 780 years this part of Spain was in Moorish hands.  Granada was their capital and the Alhambra their fortress.  Alhambra means ‘the red castle’ and is built on a steep hill of woods and gardens and, in some ways, is quite similar to Edinburgh Castle with its total command over the surrounding area.

Ferdinand and Isabella wrested the castle from Boabdil, the last Moorish King in 1492, the year Columbus discovered America.  Over the centuries, the general aspect of the Alhambra has changed quite a lot.  In its heyday it had no less than 30 grand towers but Charles V pulled some of them down to make way for his palace.  Napoleon blew up eight more and an ‘Act of God’ (an earthquake) was the cause of some others.

Inside are richly decorated walls and ceilings with aesthetic geometric designs and delicate reliefs, lovely archways and countless fountains.  The names in the Alhambra conjure up intriguing romantic visions:  Court of the Sultana, Tower of the Witches, Gate of Justice, Court of the Myrtles, Hall of the Two Sisters, Tower of the Fair Captive, Court of the Lions… it goes on and on.

Other attractions are the beautiful 16th century cathedral containing the royal jewels and tombs of Spain’s greatest rulers, The monastery of St Jerome and the caves at Sacromonte, where gypsies entertain with music and dancing.

Over the years I have sold many properties in the surrounding areas of Granada to people from all walks of life and all are fortunate enough to be able to visit this magnificent place to enjoy The Alhambra and Generalife again and again.

Until next time,

Eugenie