The Alhambra and the backdrop of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range
The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which
means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue
of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica
which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into
gold. But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem
analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress
"by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave
the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military
purposes, the Alhambra was an "alcazaba" (fortress),
an "alcázar" (palace) and a small "medina" (city), all in one. This triple character helps to explain many
distinctive features of the monument.
There is no reference to the Alhambra as being a
residence of kings until the 13th century, even though the fortress
had existed since the 9th century. The first kings of Granada, the
Zirites, had their castles and palaces on the hill of the Albaicin,
and nothing remains of them. The Nasrites were probably the emirs
who built the Alhambra, starting in 1238.
The founder of the dynasty, Muhammed Al-Ahmar, began
with the restoration of the old fortress. His work was completed
by his son Muhammed II, whose immediate successors continued with
the repairs. The construction of the palaces (called Casa Real Vieja,
"old Royal House or Palace") dates back to the 14th century
and is the work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Muhammed V. To the
first we owe, among others, the "Cuarto de Comares"
(Chamber of Comares), the "Puerta de la Justicia"
(Gate of Justice), the Baths and some towers. His son, Muhammed
V, completed the beautification of the palaces with the "Cuarto
de los Leones" (Chamber of the Lions), as well as other
rooms and fortifications.
The Alhambra became a Christian court in 1492 when
the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabel) conquered the city
of Granada. Later, various structures were built for prominent civilians
also military garrisons, a church and a Franciscan monastery.
Emperor Charles V, who spent several months in Granada,
began the construction of the palace which bears his name and made
some alterations to the interior buildings. These measures were
to cause interminable controversy often motivated by political agendas.
The remaining Austrian kings did not forget the monument and have
left their own more discreet impressions on it.
During the 18th century and part of the 19th, the
Alhambra fell into neglect and was to see its salons converted into
dungheaps and taverns,occupied by thieves and beggars. "Thus
bats defile abandoned castles, and the reality of Spanish criminals
and beggars destroy the illusion of this fairy palace of the Moors;"
writes Richard Ford. As the crowning blow, Napoleon's troops, masters
of Granada from 1808 until 1812, were to convert the palaces into
barracks During one retreat they mined the towers and blew up part
of them. Two of them, the Torre de Siete Suelos and the Torre de
Agua were left in ruins. And so the incredible neglect continued,
until 1870 when the Alhambra was declared a national monument. Travellers
and romantic artists of all countries had railed against those who
scorned the most beautiful of their monuments. Since that date and
up to now, the Alhambra, protected, restored, cared for and even
improved, has been preserved for the pleasure and admiration of
all.
For information about visiting times, tickets etc
click here.
 Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Alhambra and Generalife Gardens on this fascinating morning tour. You'll explore beyond the beautiful Moorish architecture to learn the history of one of the most visited attractions in the world.
Your visit begins in the Alhambra, whose construction began in the 11th century on the red hill known as Assabika which overlooks Granada. The Alcazaba fortress was the first structure to be built, followed by the royal palace and residence of members of the court.
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