"Views of the Generalife" THE ALHAMBRA: GENERALIFE GARDENS Tip by von.otter

High above the Alhambra, on the breast of the mountain, amidst embowered gardens and stately terraces, rise the lofty towers and white walls of the Generalife; a fairy palace, full of storied recollections.
from “Tales of the Alhambra” by Washington Irving

A Place to Escape To We left the Alhambra for el Generalife, a place of leisure for the sultans of Granada. Here they escaped from the pressures of life at court.

El Generalife occupies the slopes of the Hill of the Sun, Cerro del Sol. There are several interpretations of its name; among them are the Governor's Garden and the Architect's (alarife) Garden.

It was built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1319. In spite of it being very close to the Alhambra and the close relationship between the two, it is considered to be outside that complex.

It is not known what el Generalife originally looked like because it has been extensively altered. The first changes were necessary because of a state of deterioration and neglect in the late Moorish period; later the changes were made at will.

Address: Calle Real s/n
Directions: advanced booking is advised to prevent crowdings
Phone: + 34 958 227 525
Website: http://www.alhambra-patronato.es