One of the great joys of visiting the southern Spanish city of Granada is the Alhambra, an ancient Arab fortress that dates from the 13th century when Spain was in the control of North African Moors who ruled the nation for almost 800 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alhambra is one of the few places outside the Middle East where tourists can see outstanding examples of medieval Arab architecture.
The Alhambra, contrary to popular perception, is not a single building but a complex of palaces, gardens, and town buildings that together make up the fortress that for decades solidified and represented Moorish control of Spain. Thousands of visitors tour the Alhambra daily. The entrance requires a short walk uphill. Begin at the Plaza Nueva (New Town Square) in the center of Granada and follow the street called Cuesta de Gomérez through a verdant park featuring woods and streams.
Sites to See in the Alhambra
The most famous part of the Alhambra is the Nasrid Palace, which features a wealth of geometric ornamental art which reflects the Islamic prohibition against representations of humans or animals in art. Another essential part of the Alhambra is the Palace of Charles V, Holy Roman Emporer; this structure dates from after the Christian re-conquest of Granada.
Also be sure to visit the scattered towers and ramparts dotting the site, including the old citadel called the Alcazaba, which offers views of Granada below. Holiday rentals in Spain in cities such as Granada allow visitors to stay near major tourist attractions such as the Alhambra.
