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Alhambra photographs. Alhambra palaces, gardens (photos and videos)

The advantage of Spain is budget holiday especially for those who want to travel abroad. Beaches, mountains, fairytale cities, colorful festivals, historical monuments, delicious dishes and, of course, the sun in almost all of Spain - this is a great holiday.

It's no surprise that Spain is one of the most popular European countries for those who want to combine relaxation and entertainment. Despite the economic crisis in the country, Russian travelers can find a list of budget hotels of various categories. For example, on the official website you can book a hotel with special offers.

Spain as a tourist destination

This country can boast rich history and culture, as well as fantastic food, fine wine and famous sights. One of the main factors attracting emigrants here is the standard of living in Spain. Right now, for expats, Spain is more accessible than it was a few decades ago. For example, daily expenses may be very low.

Tourism in Spanish cities

A big plus for Spain is that whether it is a tourist or a local resident, anyone can make themselves as comfortable as possible in Spain. The country is rich in museums, ancient castles, historical palaces, theaters - not only in the most big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, but also in smaller areas. Small cities include Alicante, San Sebastian, Torrevieja, etc. All of these small cities have a population of less than half a million people.

Note! Hotel prices drop sharply when it ends beach season Spain (April-October). For example, in Barcelona, a room in the four-star Vincci Gala hotel costs from 285 euros to 165 euros. The situation is similar in Madrid, where room prices at the four-star Las Letras Gran Via Hotel range from €260 to €158.* However, not all cities have reduced prices too much. For example, in Seville, the maximum temperature drops to 20 degrees. Tourists come here every year from different countries to enjoy the sunny warm days.

Some travelers like to come to Spain for the weekend. There is popular places holidays that are considered the most budget-friendly. Locals and tourists from neighboring countries love to come to Bilbao or the Barcelona province of Sant Susanna for the weekend. Granada is considered no less interesting. Old cultural city with my ancient history stands on three hills. All that captivates tourists is the incredible atmosphere in the region, white neighborhoods with new buildings and beautiful landscapes.

Description of Granada

Granada presented on a map of Spain

Traditional ancient city Granada is located in the eastern region of Andalusia, in the province of the same name. A distinctive feature of this magnificent city is its scenic diversity, architectural beauty and rich, distinguished history. Having visited this place, no one ignores the splendor of the Alhambra Palace, with mountain range Sierra Nevada. The Hanil River and its tributary Darro flow through this area.

Note! Every tourist should see the surroundings of Albaitsin. Today it constitutes a world heritage.

Although the city's origins date back to the Ibero-Celtic era, most of the city was created during the Moorish occupation. Granada's economic boom came at a time when the rule of the Córdoba Caliphate was weakening, ushering in an influx of Muslims into the city from Valencia, Córdoba and Seville. In 1013, an independent Muslim state was founded in Granada.

The Albaicin area, which is located on a hill, is called Medina or Kasbah, and is very popular. The ancient Arab area has a wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys, with whitewashed houses and hidden interior manicured gardens. Once you reach the top, you can walk to the Plaza de San Nicolas. From this place you can enjoy a magnificent view of the palace called Alhambra Spain.

To the north of the city is the Sacromont Hill area, which is famous for its cave dwellings. They are still inhabited by local residents. This area belonged to the gypsy community. Therefore, many famous Flamenco musicians and dancers grew up in this passionate and fun area.

Important! You can visit the Nasrid Palace, which is located in the Alhambra, only with a special ticket. More than 30 people are not allowed into the mansion. The castle is open until 18:00.

Every tourist can get a lot of pleasure from exploring the streets of Granada. The charm of the winding streets and impressive monuments, ancient buildings, does not leave many travelers indifferent.

The Moorish occupation of Granada literally shaped the city; when they crossed the strait and settled in what was then a small town, they laid the foundations of what is now one of the most visited places in Spain.

In the ninth century Granada Spain became important city, which reigned after the fall of the Caliphate of Cordoba. In the 12th century, Mohammed ben Nazar founded the Nasrid dynasty and the kingdom of Granada. During this period, a revolt against the Almoads was led. Thanks to local residents, the Arab ruler managed to create the Emirate of Granada. It was this period of his reign that went down in history as the heyday of the emirate. The Moorish fortress, which fell to Christian invaders at the end of the 15th century, still retains remnants of the Arab heritage, both in its customs and architecture, in royal palace La Alhambra.

Weather conditions for holidays

Weather in Granada

It is important to note that the temperature in Granada differs from nearby cities. Given the humidity, temperatures become cold during half the year. The region experiences a low probability of precipitation over 365 days. The area is less temperate than the immediate surroundings. On average, the maximum temperature reaches up to 39 degrees. To enjoy the sun, the warmest time to visit Granada is June, July, August. The hottest time of the year is generally recorded in early August, where temperatures peak around 98.1°F (36.7°C), rarely dropping below 61.8°F (16.6°C) at night.

Spring (March to May)

Humidity and temperature combine to make the weather moderate. High temperatures range from 83.2 °F (28.4 °C) and 62.6 °F (17 °C). The chance of rain is quite low. During the month, precipitation may occur on 3 to 4 days. Spring is a great time for tourism. Emigrants come here in search of work.

Note! The city has well-developed tourism activities.

Summer (June to August)

From June to August the weather is quite pleasant for relaxing on the beach. During the day from 12:00 to 15:00 fixed heat. These months experience the least amount of precipitation. June - August is the busiest season for tourism in Granada, so accommodation and other services may cost more than usual.

Autumn (September to November)

Fall temperatures range between 88.8°F (31.6°C) and 56.9°F (13.8°C), which is comfortable for sightseeing. Rains are observed extremely rarely here, usually from 3 to 5 days a month. During this period, hotel prices drop sharply. Therefore, this is the ideal time for budget travelers.

Winter (December to February)

It's too cold in Granada at this time of year. average temperature during this season is 62.6 °F (17 °C) and 55.1 °F (12.8 °C). In winter the city becomes boring.

Spanish winter

Description of the sights of Granada

Granada Spain offers visitors attractions that have been preserved since the 15th century. Among them are:

The Palace of Charles V, which was built in 1526. The Spaniard Charles V, after capturing the complex, rebuilt some of the structures. The palace complex is the National Museum of Hispanic-Muslim Art. The complex houses the Alhambra Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts (Caliphate).

Navas Street is one of the most popular and favorite places for tourists. This street is lined with bars and restaurants.

The Generalife is the summer residence of the Moorish rulers. The Alhambra has luxurious gardens with fruit trees and fountains. The Generalife mansion is summer palace Sultan.

Alhambra Mansion - what a tourist should see

Alhambra: Emir's Palace in the Spanish city of Granada

The Alhambra in Spain is an Arab palace complex located a few kilometers from the central part of the city. Translated from Arabic it means Red Arab chronicler Ibn Khatib. Most of the Alhambra itself is made up of a series of carved halls and courtyards, considered an example of the Moorish style and miraculously preserved to this day. The terraces rise through steps to the top of the hill. To see the splendor of the Alhambra Palace in the city of Granada, you need to walk along the steep cobbled streets of the ancient district. For more curious tourists, Spanish guides offer to look at the castle via satellite.

Travelers often wonder how easy it is to get to the Alhambra. In fact, tourists are advised to go to the Alhambra Castle early in the morning (on foot). In summer, it is better to buy a ticket online in advance to avoid standing in line. Tourists are usually offered a “blue pass”. The ticket price is 20 euros. The price includes a visit to the Generalife complex and gardens.

Important! In order to buy a ticket to the magnificent Alhambra fortress, you need to go to the official website. The address of the complex is also indicated on this portal.

What a tourist should know

When going for a walk, it is worth taking with you a copy of your identity document, as well as a hotel map. It is recommended to store all valuables in the hotel room in a safe. Car enthusiasts should also remember that leaving any valuables in the car is very dangerous.

Note! Most of the shops and shopping centers open from 9:00 to 20:00. Small stores may have a lunch break during the day, while large supermarkets and shopping malls work without breaks. Saturday is considered a shortened working day, and Sunday is a day off.

In conclusion, it should be noted that when going for a walk in remote areas, it is better not to walk along unfamiliar streets at night. Tourists are recommended to use the services of a guide. Vacationers should carefully look after their belongings (bag, camera, mobile device, etc.).

*Prices are valid for summer 2018.

The architectural and park ensemble of the Alhambra includes a fortress, palaces and gardens of the Moorish rulers. This complex is recognized the highest achievement of Muslim architects in Western Europe. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year to visit the museum of Islamic art and culture.

The Alhambra is located in southern Spain on top of a rocky plateau in the eastern part of Granada. Poets of the Middle Ages called this structure "emerald pearl", highlighting the dramatic structures against the backdrop of blue skies, green forests and the white snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

From Arabic the name “Alhambra” is literally translated as "red castle". According to one version, the castle got its name because of the red flame of the torches that illuminated the long-term construction site. The second version connects the name with the color of clay dried by the sun.

History of the Alhambra

Construction of the Alhambra began during the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Muslims in the 8th century. During the reign of the Nasrid dynasty from 1230 to 1492, Granada was the capital of the Emirate of Granada.

Having conquered the sunny lands of Spain, the Moorish emirs decided to create a piece of heaven on earth- this is how the Alhambra arose, surrounded by the shady gardens of Granada. For many years it served as the residence of many emirs.

The extensive complex at that time included warehouses, baths, residential buildings, mosques, gardens and cemeteries, surrounded by a fortress wall with towers. The palaces of the Alhambra that have survived to this day mainly date back to the 14th century.

From the inside, the complex is a harmonious combination of numerous graceful arches over ponds and canals, terraces and courtyards with fountains, water cascades, carved patterned windows, vaults, slender columns and the picturesque gardens of the Alhambra. All this marvelous splendor is decorated with carved patterns on wood and stone, colorful mosaics, fancy Arabic script, ceramic tiles and floral patterns.

Water and light play a major role in the overall composition of the Alhambra. The sun's rays are reflected in the canals and sparkle in the splashes of fountains and cascades that fill the reservoirs. All this splendor is buried in the greenery of cypress alleys, orange trees and bright colors of all kinds of colors.

Water was the most valuable resource for the Moors, as reflected by the inscription preserved on the fountain in the lion courtyard: “Look at the water and look at the pond, and you will not be able to decide whether the water is calm or marble flowing.” The reservoirs and canals of the Alhambra were filled with melt water from the mountain .

Get to the Alhambra maybe on the way , through the park area on the slope of Cuesta de Gomerez (Cuesta de Gomerez) between the Gate of Justice and the Pomegranate Gate. During the reign of the Moors, the Gate of Justice was the main entrance to the Alhambra Palace.

A huge gate in the shape of a horseshoe greets visitors with an inscription in Arabic: “Praise be to God. There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. There is no other authority but God's."

Alhambra architecture

The Alhambra architectural complex consists of many rooms, towers, courtyards and passages. Each element is unique and has its own purpose. Many of the names speak for themselves: "Courtyard of Lions" so named because of the 12 lions decorating the fountain.

"Hall of Two Sisters" got its name from two huge white marble slabs built into the floor. The stucco decoration and tiles of the Hall of the Two Sisters are perhaps the most impressive sight throughout the Alhambra. The hall has the largest Arabic stalactite vault. It is made in the form of a honeycomb with approximately 5000 cells.

"Myrtle courtyard" decorated with evergreen myrtle trellises.

The “Chamber of Ambassadors” was built for palace celebrations and ceremonies. The high dome of the chamber is decorated with a shimmering star pattern.

The easternmost part of the Alhambra Palace is occupied by defensive tower(Torre de las Damas) with a small mosque, an adjacent vaulted hall and a swimming pool. The remaining towers also deserve special attention.

Stands out sharply from the general background Palace of Kalos V. This is explained by the fact that the palace on the territory of the Alhambra was built at a later time. The order to build the palace was given by the Roman King Charles V in the 16th century. At the center of the square structure lies a circular courtyard, flanked by Tuscan columns on the lower floor and an Ionic colonnade on the upper floor. Today, the palace hosts music and dance performances. The interior of the Palace of Carlos V is given over to the Granada Museum of Fine Arts and the Archaeological Museum of the Alhambra.

Tickets to the Alhambra

You can visit the Alhambra in one of three periods: in the morning (from 8.30 to 14.00), in the afternoon (from 14.00 to 18.00) or in the evening (from 22.00 to 23.30 in the summer from March 15 to October 14, in the winter from 20.00 to 21.30). Tickets are sold for one of the visiting periods, and you need to come during this period.

Tickets are available buy at the entrance to the complex both for cash at the box office and by bank transfer at the terminals. Since tickets purchased here are only valid on the day of purchase, it is better to arrive in advance.

Tickets are available order by phone La Caixa jar: +34958926031 , if calling from abroad, or 902888001 for a call from Spain. Through the Internet tickets can be ordered on the official website www.alhambra-tickets.es

Ticket prices to the Alhambra

General admission ticket - 14 €

Child ticket (from 12 to -15 years old) — 8 €

Children under 12 years old - the entrance is free

Adults over 65 and EU pensioners - 9 €

Persons with disabilities - 8 €

Evening visit - 8 €

You can also book a guided tour at a cost 55 €. A tour of the Alhambra complex lasts about 3 hours. The average length of the route is 3.5 kilometers.

The Alhambra in Spain is a magnificent palace complex, the best example of Moorish architecture. It includes several palaces, magnificent gardens and fountains. From the Alhambra you can see the mountains and the distant Albaran Sea.

"Alhambra" is translated from Spanish as "Red Castle". It is located in Granada, Spain, stands on a hill and is built of red stone. This entire magnificent architectural masterpiece can be seen from several kilometers away.

The Red Castle is surrounded by thick stone walls. The main entrance to it is called the Gate of Justice; it was built in the middle of the 14th century. Next are the Wine Gates, and only after them is the entrance directly to the palace.

Alhambra Castle on the map of Granada

History of the Alhambra

The city of Granada appeared during the Roman Empire, and after the fall of Rome, this territory repeatedly passed from hand to hand of various Moorish emirs, until in the 13th century it was conquered by Muhammad ibn Nasr I and the Emirate of Granada was formed.

Muhammad made Granada the capital of the emirate and ordered the construction of the future residence of the Alhambra in it. Large construction began in the 30s of the 13th century. Thus began the golden age of Granada, which lasted almost 250 years.

During the construction of the Alhambra, the architects adhered to the principles of Moorish and Muslim architecture. Even then, this palace complex was called by contemporaries earthly paradise, one of the wonders of the world.

The construction of this unique, one-of-a-kind palace complex, surrounded by fortress walls, was carried out according to a complex project; the flow of rivers from the mountain was changed, and they began to feed the palace gardens and fountains.

In the center of the Alhambra palace, the Lion and Myrtle palaces were built, gardens were planted around them, artificial reservoirs were dug and decorated, and several open halls, internal patios, etc. are organized.

The Myrtle Courtyard still has an extremely luxurious appearance today. This is a true example of the architecture and landscape art of medieval Arabs. In its center there is a large pond surrounded by myrtle trees.

To the north of the Myrtle Court is the Comares Palace, where the throne room is located. It has a second name - the Chamber of Ambassadors. The walls of the palace inside are covered with the finest oriental carved patterns, and the dome, thanks to the lighting, flickers with patterns of stars.

Skillful wood carving is one of the well-known characteristics of eastern cultures. Particularly beautiful in the palace is the carved cedar ceiling from which stalactites descend. The stalactites in the Alhambra are often used as decoration.

Meshuar is one of the oldest palaces in the Myrtle Court. After the fall of the Emirate of Granada, it was partially destroyed and then converted into a Catholic church. The original Moorish beauty of Mechouar has not completely survived to this day.

In Mechouar, trials were held under the emir, and in the Comares palace the emir held ceremonial receptions. During Christian times, some parts of the palaces were rebuilt, but the main hall, the walls of which are decorated with sunnahs from the Koran, was preserved.

During the time of the emirs, residential quarters were located here, where the emir himself, his harem, children and servants lived. In the middle of the Lion Court there is a most beautiful fountain, required attribute all eastern palaces.

The fountain's water flows into a large marble bowl, which stands on the backs of 12 stone lions. When creating this masterpiece, Moorish sculptors compared the fountain to the throne of the biblical King Solomon.

On the sides of the Lion Court there are three beautiful palace halls. Their walls are covered with unique majolica, decorated with oriental mosaics, multi-colored marble, plaster, ceramics and other decor.

As is customary in Islam, floral and geometric patterns predominate here, gracefully intertwined with Arabic script, sophisticated multi-colored patterns that always cause special delight among the public. People cannot be portrayed as Muslims.

Later buildings in the Alhambra

Until the end of the 15th century, the Emirate of Granada was considered one of the richest states in the territory of modern Spain, but the decline of Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula began, and the Alhambra remained the last stronghold of the Moors.

Having borrowed the experience of Egypt and Rome in constructing irrigation structures, the Arabs were able to use the melting snow to mountain peaks and created a powerful hydraulic system, turning waterless Spain into a flourishing land. A new type of garden was formed here - the Spanish-Moorish one. This is a small courtyard (200-1200 m²) of atrium-peristyle type (patio), surrounded by the walls of the house or fence, and is a continuation of the front and living quarters in the open air.

A complex of such miniature patios, included in the complex structure of the palace, is represented by the gardens of Grenada, created in the 13th century. in the residences of the caliphs - Alhambra(650 X 200 m) and Generalife(area 80X100 m).

Alhambra(Spanish Alhambra, from Arabic قصر الحمراء‎‎ qasr al-hamra - “red castle”) - an architectural and park ensemble located on a hilly terrace in the eastern part of the city of Granada in Southern Spain. The main development was achieved during the reign of the Muslim Nasrid dynasty (1230-1492), during which Granada became the capital of the Granada Emirate on the Iberian Peninsula, and the Alhambra became their residence (the surviving palaces date mainly to the 14th century). The vast complex, enclosed within fortress walls with towers, also included mosques, residential buildings, baths, gardens, warehouses, and a cemetery. Currently it is a museum of Islamic architecture.

In the Alhambra, the palace premises were grouped around the Court of Myrtle and the Court of Lions. The myrtle courtyard (47 x 33 m) is surrounded by walls of buildings with an elegant arcade, richly decorated with ornaments. In the center there is a pool (7X45 m), elongated along the long axis and framed by rows of clipped myrtle. The main effect is the reflection of the arcade of the tower in the water of the pool. The Court of the Lions (28 X 19 m) is also surrounded by walls and an arcade, crossed by two mutually perpendicular channels, in the center of which there is a fountain of two alabaster vases supported by 12 black marble lions.

Alcazaba(from the Arabic word al-kasbah, meaning “fortress”) - the citadel of the Alhambra; It was here that the first fortifications were built.

Reservoir Square(Plaza de los Aljibes) is located between the Alcazaba, on one side, and the Nasrid Palaces and the Palace of Charles V on the other. It received its name from the underground cisterns dug in this place by the Count de Tendilla in 1494. From here tourists enter the Alcazaba.

Nasrid Palace consists of three monumental ensembles: Mechouara - a building for audiences and courts, the Comares Palace - the official residence of the emir, the Palace of Lions - private apartments.

Partal(Partal, from the Arabic word meaning "portico") - the area east of the Nasrid Palace. It is sometimes called the Fig Tree Courtyard (Patio de la Higuera). A significant part of it was previously the Partal Palace (Palacio del Partal), or the Portico Palace (Palacio del Pórtico), built before the Nasrid palaces - at the beginning of the 14th century, under Muhammad III. Very little remains of this palace; the largest of its buildings is the Dam Tower (Torre de las Damas), or the Prince's Tower (Torre del Príncipe), built into the outer wall. Its portico with five arched entrances opens onto a rectangular pond, like other palaces.

Generalif (plan of gardens): 1 - entrances, 2 - lower terrace, 3 - courtyard with a canal, 4 - gazebo, 5 - Sultana's Garden, 6 - upper terrace, 7 - cascade

Ensemble Generalif(Spanish Generalife, from Arabic Jannat al-"Arif‎‎ - "architect's garden") - Generalife (Spanish Generalife, from Arabic Jannat al-"Arif‎‎ - "architect's garden") - the former summer residence of the emirs of the dynasty The Nasrids, who ruled Granada in the 13th-14th centuries. The Generalife Gardens are located on the Cerro del Sol hill, 100 m above the Alhambra; together with the fortress-residence of the Alhambra and the residential area of Albaicin, located slightly to the west, which form the medieval part of the city, the Generalife is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO as "an invaluable example of royal Arab residences from the medieval period."

The palace and gardens were built during the reign of Muhammad III (1302-1309) and redecorated shortly after Sultan Ishmael I (1313-1324). The complex includes the Patio de la Acequia ("courtyard of the stream"), which houses a long pool surrounded by flower beds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions, as well as the Jardín de la Sultana la Sultana - “the garden of the Sultan”), which has a second name - “cypress courtyard”. Jardín da la Sultana is considered the best-preserved garden of Muslim Spain.

This is a complex of isolated patio gardens on terraces. The most famous is the courtyard with the canal. It is elongated and surrounded by an arcade; in the center there is a narrow 40-meter canal, decorated with two rows of fountains. Their thin streams form an arched alley. The garden is freely planted with small trees and shrubs.

In general, the traditions of the Spanish-Moorish garden are characterized by the following features: simplicity of planning and individuality of the solution. The layout is regular, determined by the geometric plan of the patio. The garden has a compositional center, most often a swimming pool. The entrance to the garden is often placed not in the center, but on the side, thereby breaking symmetry and enriching the overall picture of the garden.

The connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces of the garden appearance is achieved by arranging viewpoints decorated with arcades. This method of interconnection was subsequently widely developed in landscape art.

Water is the main motif of the garden. It is present in every patio in the form of canals, pools, and springs gushing out of the ground. The water either flows down channels made in the railings of the stairs, then permeates the plane of the garden in a narrow strip, then spreads out like a vast mirror (Myrtle Courtyard), then forms fountain streams. In all its diversity there is a desire to show the value of every drop.

Vegetation is used in such a way as to demonstrate the individual merits of each specimen. Cypress trees, orange and tangerine trees, jasmine, almonds, oleander, and roses were planted freely. Haircuts were rarely used as an architectural element.

The hot climate did not allow the use of a lawn, so most of the territory was decorated with decorative paving.

The color scheme is characterized by a combination of the overall restrained color scheme of the walls, the greenery of trees and shrubs with bright splashes of beautiful flowering plants or colored coverings. Decorative paving is one of the important elements of the Spanish-Moorish garden. Sometimes retaining walls and garden benches were lined with colored majolica. Primary colors are blue, yellow, green.

Thus, the Spanish-Moorish style was formed with a set of its own techniques that corresponded to the requirements of time, nature, and national traditions.

Myrtle courtyard(Patio de los Arrayanes). The center of the composition of the entire palace, almost the most famous place Alhambra (it is the one shown in the top photo). In the middle of the courtyard there is a marble pond measuring 34 x 7.1 m, where water is supplied from two fountains on the short sides of the rectangle, for which the courtyard is also called the Pond Patio (Patio del Estanque, Patio de la Alberca). The long sides are lined with clipped myrtle hedges, from which the courtyard received its name. On the northern and southern sides there are open porticos with seven semicircular arches with openwork carvings and columns with square capitals (the central arch is higher than all the others). On their walls, on top of tiles laid already under Christians at the end of the 16th century, there are Arabic inscriptions praising the emir, in particular, poems by Ibn Zamrak, the minister of Muhammad V. At the ends of the porticos there are richly decorated niches where vases with flowers or oils were placed lamps. Along the long sides of the courtyard are richly decorated entrances to the women's quarters.

Lion's Court(Patio de los Leones) got its name because of the fountain consisting of two pools different sizes and a large bowl supported by 12 lions. These archaic sculptures were brought here from the old palace in Albaicin. The lions are sculpted from special semi-precious marble and arranged like the rays of a star. The number of lions is not accidental. According to legend, 12 lions supported the throne of King Solomon. His vizier Ibn Nagrella told Sultan Muhammad al-Ghani about this. He also advised the Sultan to decorate the fountain with figures of lions. However, researchers classify this story as a legend, since the lions at the fountain allegedly appeared only in the 16th century - after the fall of Granada.

In its structure, the Lion Court belongs to the type of Muslim park “chor-bak”, which means “four gardens”. The principle of its construction is as follows: a rectangular room is divided into four equal parts by two channels stretched diagonally. At their intersection there is a fountain with sculptures of lions. From the mouth of each sculpture, a stream of water shoots directly into the canal surrounding the fountain, which receives water from four reservoirs under the stone floor of the hall.

The openwork arcades of the Lion Court rest on 124 marble columns, the smooth trunks of which are the main decorative element. The size of the yard is 28x16 m. Thanks to the complexity of the design, the area seems more spacious. The columns repeat the rhythm of the pattern covering the entire surface of the courtyard. The pavilions are decorated with stalactites made of wood. An important role in the composition is played by the high tile roof, executed in a rough manner, which emphasizes the elegance of the arcade design. Two gazebos have been erected on the western and eastern sides, from where a beautiful view of the lions opens, whose “mouths spew out streams of water.”

The wandering through the cramped streets of Granada ended and we reached the entrance to the Alhambra. In fact, it was the main purpose of our visit. I would also like to go to Granada itself for a longer period of time, but the lack of time associated with planning the trip did not allow this.

I read a lot about the Alhambra on the Internet, heard from Spanish friends and decided for myself that this is a must-visit place, you definitely need to get there.

So, the Alhambra is the pearl of Spain, the brightest example of Arab-Persian architecture. The construction of this complex took place during the reign of the Nasrid dynasty (1230-1492), which made Granada the capital of Islamic Spain. The Alhambra became the residence of the Nasrids (the surviving palaces were built mainly in the 14th century).

The Alhambra is a huge architectural ensemble, consisting of fortress walls, towers, palaces, gardens, courtyards, fountains. Everything in it is intertwined with some kind of jewelry sophistication. Walking there you imperceptibly get from one element of the complex to another.

The fortress was built on the forested Sabika Hill and rises majestically above the city against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks

We tried to find a place for free parking there, but it was absolutely useless, since everything was absolutely occupied, or parking was prohibited. We stopped at the official Alhambra parking lot, although we still didn’t understand how to pay there. The information board shows the cost per minute in euros with thousandths, and for the whole day 17.80. Well, we figured that we would pay that much if it was more than three hours. As a result, after 6 hours in the Alhambra, we paid approximately 11.5 euros.

Having previously studied the issue of visiting this wonderful place, we learned that tickets can be purchased in advance via the Internet. There are several types of tickets: 1. General ticket to visit the Alhambra, Generalife Gardens and Nasrid Palace 13 Euro. 2. Ticket to visit the complex, but without the Nasrid Palace, 7 Euro; 3. Night visit to the Nasrid Palace, Generalife Palace and Gardens 8 Euro. We decided to take a standard ticket, which includes visiting everything possible. But there is a certain ambush - when purchasing, you must be tied to a certain time of entry into the Nasrid palace. When purchasing online, it is easier, as you can see which sessions have available seats. When purchasing on the spot, there is a certain risk that you may be given a ticket for an inconvenient time. Many people wrote horror stories that if you don’t buy in advance, you might not get there that day. I really admit this, but I think this is more typical for the hot season. We didn’t buy a ticket in advance and, in general, we didn’t make a mistake. We wandered around Granada for a long time before we got to the Alhambra and definitely would not have made it in time if we had taken a ticket for the time that was available.

2. The path to the Nasrid Palace lies through a beautiful alley of neatly trimmed plants. I don’t know what it is, but it seems to me that it’s cypress trees

We got to the Alhambra at about 12.30, approached the ticket office, where there were about five people, and after a few minutes we entered the territory. We had a ticket to the Nasrid Palace for 13.30, i.e. the best for us. We had time to get there, take photos and calmly explore this main attraction of the Alhambra.

3. There are signs everywhere, thanks to which it is impossible to get lost there.

4. Wine gate.

A number of tourists have already gathered at the Nasrid Palace, ready to explore the sights. At the entrance to the Alhambra, for some money you could take an audio guide, but we decided not to waste time on it, otherwise we could watch and listen there for a whole week

5. Alcazaba fortress walls. Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra complex.

7. Machuca Courtyard. The courtyard is named after the architect Pedro Machuca, who kept his plans in an adjacent building while he built the palace of Charles V.

8. View of Albaicin. White walls of houses are a necessary condition for the normal existence of residents in their homes in the summer heat

10. People are stocked with sandwiches and are slowly polishing them while waiting for entry time

11. So I still don’t understand - these are real trees, trimmed in the shape of a fortress wall, or are these real walls framed by plants

Exactly at 13.30, the ministers began to let people inside. The person at the entrance took a ticket from everyone and personally scanned it into the machine. So I think, and he doesn’t get tired of doing this all day long, smiling and saying to everyone, “Hello!”

12. In general, according to the regulations, an hour is allotted for visiting the Nasrid Palace, but during practice no one will kick you out of there if you are late. In general, I had to break myself in the desire to look longer at some object more closely. There was only 6 hours, but we had to see everything.

The Nasrid Palace consists of three monumental ensembles: Mechouara - a building for audiences and courts, Comares Palace - the official residence of the emir, and the Palace of Lions - private apartments.

13. Mechoir Hall. In Mechouara, the Granadian emirs granted an audience to their subjects. Administrative work was carried out here and trials were held.

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15. Comares Tower. Its height is 45 meters, and the thickness of the walls is 2.5 meters. Such power made it possible to effectively defend against enemies

16. Comares Palace. One of the most interesting monuments of the Alhambra. The walls covered with tiles are simply a real work of art.
The filigree carvings of the walls create a fantastic atmosphere here.

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19. The Comares Palace was official residence emir.

20. I really liked the chairs, as I understand they are still quite modern and belong to the caretakers of the museum, not the Nasrids))

21. Myrtle courtyard. One of the most famous plans in the Nasrid Palace. The smooth surface of the pond makes it possible to photograph the Comares Palace with a beautiful reflection. Along the edges of the pond there is a hedge of myrtle, in fact, that’s why the courtyard was called Myrtle

22. The weather is wonderful, not cold, the sky is clear, pigeons are taking water treatments

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25. Palace of Lions. And the lion's courtyard. The palace served as the chambers of Emir Muhammad V. The style of this building already shows the influence of Christian art. The courtyard is surrounded by arches supported by 124 columns.

26. Entrance lobby to the Palace of Lions

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28. Hall of stalactites

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30. The most luxurious texture of the walls, lined with notes from the Koran

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33. The sun is moving closer to sunset. Time flies at a terrible speed, and there is still so much to see

34. Hall of the Abencerrachs. It was named after the supposedly beheaded men of the Abencerrach family here, one of whom seemed to be having fun with the Sultan’s wife. And take him and catch him, and at the same time put all your relatives under the knife. As often happens, dark legends accompany many tourist places