Spain's Alhambra: Where More is Moor

Red tiled roofs of the Alhambra in Spain (wikipedia)

GRANADA, SPAIN – For nearly 250 years the Alhambra palace in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, known affectionately as "The Red Fortress", served as the palace, harem, residence of court officials and, at one time, a garrison of 40,000 soldiers. Even so, though massive in scale, its relatively unassuming exterior opens into an ultra-decorated interior filled with ornate designs and geometric patterns that virtually cover every inch of its walls, ceilings, courtyards and cloisters.

Generalife exterior (wikipedia)

Begun in the 9th century by the Islamic Caliphate, most of what visitors see today is the result of two reigns between 1333 and 1391. Yusuf I and Muhammad V provided most of the inspiration in what is regarded as the greatest expression of Spanish Muslim art and architecture in the world.

As an inscription on one wall in the Alhambra says, "Nothing in life could be more cruel than to be blind in Granada."

Fountains abound at the Alhambra  (wikipedia)

But there is more to the history of the Alhambra than the Moorish influence, for the Christians ousted the Muslims in 1492 and in the process, the palace became the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Indeed, it was at the Alhambra in the same year that Christopher Columbus obtained his commission to seek a new route to India.

The king and queen stayed busy during that year, spending much of their time partially restoring the various palaces to Renaissance preferences.

Spanish Inquisition by Goya
(wikipedia)

Among the most enchanting aspects of the Alhambra is the constant sound of flowing water emanating from its fountains. Combined with tiled pools and channels, water is an integral feature of the structure as are the intricate lacy filigree that is featured in the Hall of the Two Sisters. The honeycombed patterns, while numerous, somehow retain their simplicity to create a harmonious and pleasing ambiance for all who visit.

Also present are the delightful warbling sounds of nightingales that enhance the sounds of the cascading water.

Ferdinand and Isabella were also responsible for establishing the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 in an effort to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdoms. Though not officially abolished until 1834, the Inquisition only had jurisdiction over baptized Christians. There was a loophole, however. Freedom of religion was non-existent during much of the period in which the Inquisition thrived which, therefore related to all royal subjects.

Intricate Arabic carvings can be found everywhere at the Alhambra (wikipedia)

Construction on the fortress began in 889 CE on the site of a small Roman fortification. For several hundred years the Alhambra fell into ruin until it was renovated and rebuilt in the 13th century.

Today, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which Moorish poets have described as "a pearl set in emeralds", referring to the color of the buildings and surrounding woods.

Gardens aplenty adorn the
grounds (wikipedia)

Oddly enough there are also caves encircling the Alhambra which are used as homes. Despite the historical importance of the palace, travelers get a strong dose of contemporary living when they view hundreds of television antennas emanating from the caves.

Visitors today do not enter through the Gate of Justice, the original access. Due to overwhelming attendance, the primary entrance could not accommodate modern-day throngs.

Arcaded gardens at the Generalife in Granada  (wikipedia)

The Alhambra is one of those places where visitors frequently fail to allow enough time to see it properly.

Ceiling of the Two Sisters Hall (wikipedia)

Among the most popular sites is the Court of the Lions, a rectangular courtyard that is roughly 116 feet long and 66 feet wide. It is surrounded by 124 white marble columns supporting a low gallery with a pavilion penetrating into the court at either end. The delicate and ornate walls extend to a domed roof while the walls are covered with blue and yellow tiles, with an enameled blue and gold border.

Court of the Lions
(wikipedia)

Directly in the center of the courtyard is the Fountain of Lions. Twelve sculptured white marble lions support an alabaster basin that gurgles with the sound of water gently lapping the pool. The lions are not created with anatomic accuracy but are instead designed to symbolize strength.

Often travelers in a hurry fail to experience the Palacio de Generalife or the "Garden of the Architect."

The Generalife has been restored several times since its creation in the 14th century. Situated on the summit of Monte Mauror is the Martyrs' Villa commemorating the Christian slaves who were forced to build the Alhambra and confined in subterranean cells.

Gardens and fountains are a hallmark of the Alhambra
(wikipedia)

Also situated on Monte Mauror are the Vermilion Towers which is a Moorish fortification complete with underground cisterns, stables and accommodations for more than 200 men.

The Alhambra is well worth a visit, and proof positive that under Ferdinand and Isabella, at least, "the reign in Spain didn't always fall upon the plain."