"Granada - The Alhambra - An Arab Palace" Granada by easyoar

Granada Travel Guide: 2,328 reviews and 4,836 photos

Patio de los Leones - Alhambra - Granada

Granada is one of the better known cities in Spain. It certainly isn't the biggest and it doesn't quite have the hustle and bustle of some of the other big Spanish Cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Valladolid, but it has one very important attraction that has turned a large part of Granada into a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It all started around the 8th century AD when Granada (and a large part of Southern Spain) was invaded and occupied by Moorish forces from Africa. The Moors were Arabs and hence Muslim, and had some highly developed skills for the day. Granada had a golden age under the Moors from around 1238 to 1492. During this time period they constructed the masterpiece that we know today as the Alhambra.

The Alhambra was built as a palace for the Moorish rulers (sultans) of the time. Most of the contruction we see today was built around the mid-1300s. The Alhambra was supposed to symbolise heaven on earth. A recurring theme you find throughout the Alhambra is the tinkling of water. The sound of water falling was highly prized by the Moors, they had come from a much dryer land, and to be surrounded by the sound of water gurgling all around you must have indeed felt like heaven on earth to them.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A stunning display of Moorish Architecture
Cons:May be considered a little quiet by some
In a nutshell:One of the highlights of Spain

Intro Updated Nov 11, 2004
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Reviews (13)

Cactus Fruits (Indian Figs) in the Generalife - Granada

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View from the Tower in the Alcazar - Granada

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The Alcazar at the Alhambra Things to Do (13)

When you enter the Alhambra, your ticket will take you into to thre separate parts of the Alhambra. The Palace area is... more travel advice

Generalife gardens - Patio de la Acequia - Granada

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Comments (27)

BruceDunning Dec 21, 2011 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

We just came through Spain and always wanted to get to here-but who knows? Your descriptions are great and the Alcazar is tops for sure
RafaelTheSecond May 26, 2006 at 4:15 PM Report Abuse

GRANADA, TIERRA SOÑADA POR MI, MI CANTAR SE VUELVE GITANO CUANDO ES PARA TI! :) It is the dreamland for people with good taste!;) hahaha :) It seems that YOUR taste is very ACCURATE!
kyoub Dec 6, 2005 at 2:49 AM Report Abuse

A very interesting virtual tour around the palace, gardens, and alcazar. Outstanding photos, Andy.
aaaarrgh Nov 12, 2005 at 5:15 PM Report Abuse

Yes, you have certainly raised the standard of tips for this location, which wasn't too difficult. I find all food morish ;-)
BerniShand Nov 4, 2005 at 10:45 AM Report Abuse

smashing page Andy, we are going to see it for ourselves on the 16th
filipdebont Oct 6, 2005 at 3:50 PM Report Abuse

Just Morish architecture pics on your page, really interesting, the alhambra looks so amazing
scottishvisitor Jun 29, 2005 at 2:30 PM Report Abuse

Great Fruits & Great page full of history - well written with good pictures!
Confucius Jun 5, 2005 at 3:06 AM Report Abuse

Thong tips do very well here at VT, mainly because said garment is a trendy item worn at VT meetings. I should warn you about gargling at the Fountain de Patio de Arrayanes; the last fellow who tried it (Ponce De Leon) was banished to Florida!
matcrazy1 Jun 2, 2005 at 4:44 PM Report Abuse

Excellent page: both writings and pictures. I found Granada fascinating city of history, tradition, moorish architecture, old local customs, food, sun and full of visitors, too.
Bwana_Brown May 20, 2005 at 4:01 PM Report Abuse

A brilliant page, Andy! Your historical Intro was great, it really helped to set the stage for your beautiful photos and tips! The Moorish architecture is fantastic and I was very impressed with their legacy of 'azulejo' tiles that I saw in Portugal.