The Alhambra palace

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Submitted by on-map on Mon, 04/01/2010 - 10:08 |

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Granada - Alhambra

The Alhambra palace, the Generalife and the Albaycín district of Granada were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984.

Though the origins of both important monuments of Granada, the Alhambra and Generalife, are not clear, there are certain remains from the 9th century, the Alhambra’s most brilliant creations date from the Nasrid Empire and the reign of Carlos V, between the 13th and 16th centuries. In its palaces, from the window of the mirador de Daraxa to the mottled stone columns of the Carlos V palace, everything is designed, planned and executed with only the thought of perfection in mind. This perfection may approach that of the Koran or Sunna or find itself closer to the Neo-Platonism of the Renaissance.

** Other important monuments in Andalusia **

The Cordoba Mosque - The Alcazar Palace, Seville

Panoramic view of the Alhambra

In order to fully appreciate the unique architecture of the Alhambra set within the surrounding landscape and the Sierra Nevada on the background, it is advisable to visit an area of the Albaycín called the Mirador de San Nicolás, or go to Sacromonte. From both of these places the Alhambra's spectacular location, lying just above the city of Granada, can really be admired.

Alhambra Granada - Andalusia, Spagna

The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa'lat al-Hamra'» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba.

Palace, fortress and more

The Alhambra was a palace, a citadel, fortress, and the home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers (from the 13th to the 14th century). Today, the monument is divided into four main areas: the Palaces, the military zone or Alcazaba, the city or Medina and the agricultural estate of the Generalife. All of these areas are surrounded by woods, gardens and orchards.

Other notable buildings, although belonging to a different time period, are also included, such as the Renaissance style Palace of Charles V, which houses the Alhambra Museum (most of the items are from the site of the monument) and the Fine Arts Museum.

Tickets

If you plan on visiting the Alhambra it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance due to huge demand. You can make reservations at the many webs so if one is sold out you may find tickets at another web or calling directly to 902 441 221:

ServiCaixa
Direct link to tickets for the general daytime visit of the Alhambra and Generalife - +34 902 888 001
NOTE: “La Caixa” bank is the only official collaborator bank entity authorised to sell the discounted Alhambra tickets over the internet
www.alhambra.org
Information about Alhambra and Generalife.
www.alhambra.info
Guides to Alhambra and Generalife. Buy and reserve your tickets.
www.alhambragranada.info
Guides to Alhambra and Generalife. Buy and reserve your tickets.