The Alhambra and the backdrop of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range
La Casa Real
Perhaps the most beautiful part of the famous Alhambra in Granada, Spain, 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.
It is comprised of several palace groups with
a series of courts and structures surrounding them which were born
out of transitory or ornamental necessity. Since the 16th century
these "Nasrite alcázares" (palaces) have
been designated the "Casa Real Vieja" (Old Royal
House) in order to distinguish them from the Christian buildings.
The Alhambra contains the three divisions usually
found in a Moslem palace, including a reception salon and the royal
apartments Chamber of the Lions. This spectacular chamber is the
work of Muhammed V and illustrates the most beautiful possibilities
of Granada Moslem art. Throughout this chamber a subtle air of femininity
and daintiness is sensed, in keeping with the function of these
private apartments, devoted to the placid enjoyment of home and
family life.
The Court of the Lions is characterised by its profound
originality, a harmonious merging of East and West. It has been
compared to a grove of 124 palm trees, most with double columns,
around the oasis of the central fountain with its twelve lions.
The twelve-sided marble fountain rests upon the backs of the lions.
Water, so essential as a decorative element acquires here an exceptional
importance. It ascends and spills from the basin, which has been
compared with the 'sea of bronze' of Solomon's Temple, to the mouths
of the lions, from which it is distributed throughout the courtyard.
A lovely "qasida" (ode) by Ibn Zamrak circles
the rim of the basin.
Four large halls border the courtyard. The first,
entering from the Court of the Myrtles, is the "Sala de
los Mozárabes", whose name is perhaps derived from
the three stalactite arches which form the entrance to the Court
of the Lions. To the south is the "Sala de Abencerrajes",
famous in legend with a gateway decorated with "lazo"
(ornamental knots). Light penetrates the hall through 16 graceful
fretwork windows. On the east side is the "Sala de los
Reyes" which is unusual and resembles a theatrical set,
divided in three sections which correspond to three lovely porticos,
separated by double arches of "mozárabes"
(stalactites).
North of the Court of the Lions is the "Sala
de las Dos Hermanas", so called because of the two large
marble flagstones flanking the central fountain and spout. The adjoining
hall is the "Sala de los Ajimeces" with two balconies
overlooking the Garden of Daraxa. Between these two balconies is
the "Mirador de Daraxa", dressing room and bedroom
of the Sultana and a delightful retreat in this secluded section
of the palace, in the style of a bay window or mirador.
The last hall gives access to the "Peinador
de la Reina", also called the Tocador. An open gallery
and an airy little tower, it was once designed as the residence
of the Empress Isabel and later of Isabel of Parma. Some restored
frescoes portray scenes of Charles V's expedition to La Goleta.
In the Christian Alhambra Within the Alhambra enclosure there are
also monuments which are exclusively Western. For example, in the
"Jardines de los Mártires" there was once
a monastery of the barefoot Carmelite order.
The Church of St Mary is built upon the site where
the royal mosque formerly stood. The Monastery of St Francis, which
is now a parador, was erected upon an Arab palace and has the additional
merit and sentimental value of having housed the temporary sepulchre
of the Catholic Monarchs - Ferdinand and Isabella, until their transfer
to the "Capilla Real". Palace of Charles V The
Palacio de Carlos V or "Casa Real Nueva" as it
is better known, was commissioned by the Emperor in an endeavour
to emulate the Palace of the defeated Moslems and also to provide
for himself a habitable residence. Construction was started in 1527
under the direction of Pedro Machuca, who had studied with Michelangelo
in Italy. The palace is built in the form of a square and comprised
of two main parts: the first, in Tuscan style, and the second with
Ionic pillars.
 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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