The Alhambra Palace is a massive complex with multiple sites within the Nasrid Palace. The complex was once a fortress and is made up of several separate buildings with different access point and garden areas.
The Alhambra is located west of the city of Granada in Spain. It sits on top of the al-Sabika hill on the bank of the Darro River. The name in Arabic means Red Castle because of its reddish exterior walls.
The first historical documents known about the Alhambra are from the 9th century but the beautiful Nasrid Palaces that still exist now were built in the 13th century at the end of the Nasrid Dynasty.
I don’t think it is possible to adequately show the magnitude of this palace in a single post so in this post I will feature the Nasrid Palaces, the fortress towers, the view of the area from within the palace and the Palace of Charles V. On my next post I will feature the Generalife (summer palace) and the palace gardens.
Nasrid Palace
As I just mentioned previously, The Alhambra Palace complex is massive and can be confusing. The palace flowed from one area to another and it was impossible for me to separate one designated area from another. Truthfully, I became so awestruck as I explored the complex that I could only focus on the magnificence of the palace as a whole. The best way for me to present the palace is to separate it into the pieces that made the biggest impression on me.
Arches, arches, arches
Arches were everywhere. Almost all of the doors and windows have arches on top of them.
Doors and Windows
The stone work is completely mind-blowing but the intricate architectural details also continued onto the doors and windows.
Blue Accents
The craftsmanship was so amazing that the shades of brown and tan made a big enough statement that there really was no need to have any colors but some areas of the palace also used blue accents in the stone carvings.
Other remarkable Details
Seemingly every single space is covered with decoration, no matter the size of the space or location. Everything imaginable was covered with astounding details.
Fortress Towers
The original construction of the complex was for the purpose of being a fortress and some of the fortress towers still remain.
View from the Palace
The Alhambra Palace is a masterpiece of architecture and it is easy to completely focus on the design of the palace but the views from the palace onto the surrounding area are stunning.
Charles V Palace
Charles V Palace was constructed in 1527 for Emperor Palacio de Carlos V. The palace was build next to the Alhambra in order to enjoy its wonders.
The architecture of the palace is noticeably different as it resembles the architecture that is seen in Italy or Greece. The palace is square with a circular patio in the center. The façade of the palace is new on two sides because the other two sides are connected to the Alhambra Palaces.
The Dust on My Shoes
The Alhambra Palace is one of the most amazing places that I have experienced. It is hard to describe how overwhelming it was to go from room to room and see the unbelievable craftsmanship in the architecture.
Trying to illustrate this massive complex in just a few photos doesn’t begin to show the complete picture. This is one of those places that you just have to see it to believe it.
Charles V Palace seems out of place but it is connected to the Alhambra Palaces and it is impressive in its own way. If this palace was in a separate location it would be a destination to visit but it get lost in the shuffle next to the Alhambra Palace.
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