Editor Pick
An Spellbounding Experience
- February 18, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Colette-Marie from Manchester, United Kingdom
Magical, mystical and magnificent. Narrowly missing out on being one of the New Seven wonders of the World, the Alhambra Palace is an experience that is a must for any intrepid traveller and once visited, it'll stay in your heart forever.
In some respects I didn't expect a lot from the Alhambra Palace, after all in many ways it was no different to visiting a stately home in England - something that would be interesting for a few hours between all the eating, drinking, shopping and relaxing; provide a setting for some great holiday photos; and enable me to tell everyone back home that I had visited Granada's most famous landmark. However, the experience that I had that late September morning in Granada was one that will be with me always.
To say that there was a large queue when we arrived at around 7.30am would be an understatement. The queue was massive, snaking round to make it look shorter than it was. It was full of people hoping to get into the palace that day, either in the morning or afternoon slot, with everyone fully aware that there is a daily ticket limit. The trouble for me was that I was flying back to England that night and only had time to go in the morning. I would recommend that anyone visiting Granada pre-books their Alhambra tickets which can be done online or by phone, it also costs one euro cheaper at just twelve euros per person. I was in Granada with my cousin and we had pre-booked our tickets but unfortunately the day that we had booked saw the worst storm in Granada for a long time which temporarily flooded parts of the city and made a trip round the Alhambra (which is mainly outside) and miserable impossibility. So we decided that our only option was to chance going two days later. Fortunately we were able to get tickets but only thanks to the fact that my cousin is a Spanish resident and therefore resident card which enabled her to use her credit card. The cash queue was a lot longer than the credit card queue and I doubt that we would have got tickets if we didn't have the other option.
Once inside we got the audio guides, which really enhanced our visit, as it is so easy to walk around appreciating the beautiful buildings, gardens and scenery without really understanding their significance. These cost three euros each plus a ten euro deposit which is returned at the end of the tour.
As we walked from the entrance towards the Generalife I found myself feeling strangely emotional and overcome by the serene beauty of the Alhambra. The Generalife gardens are characterised by their use of water features as well as symmetry and organisation. There is no hint of wildness about them as they were carefully planned and are well maintained. The calming sound of running water can be heard everywhere almost soothing your soul as you walk around. This is particularly evident in the main hall of the palace, the Patio de le Acequia with its symmetrical garden areas, fountains and long, thin pool of water dividing the area in two.
Every so often there are signs with numbers coinciding with a number on your audio guide. There are no rules about the direction in which you chose to tour the Alhambra, however as your ticket only permits you into the Palacio Nazaries, (situated on the opposite side of the palace to the Generalife) at a certain time it is worth planning your visit around this as the Alhambra is big and you only have a half hour time slot in which to enter the Palacio Nazaries which, trust me, you wouldn't want to miss!
Granada is a city where East meets West and this is none more so apparent as in the Alhambra itself with the Muslim and Christian architecture interweaving with each other representing centuries of feuds and conquests of this, the greatest of all prizes. Admittedly some of the architecture looks out of place, one example being the Palacio de Carlos V built by Charles V on his honeymoon with Isabel de Portugal. The square building houses a circular inner courtyard which was considered the classic ideal when construction began in 1526. But nevertheless its presence adds to the diversity of the Alhambra Palace and reflects the multi-cultural city of Granada.
At 11am we were permitted to enter the Palacio Nazaries (Nasrid Palace). I was curious to find out what was so special about this part of the Alhambra and why it seemed to be the diamond amongst the other impressive and beautiful buildings and areas of the Alhambra. It did not take long to see why. Once inside this palace with its beautiful mosaics, intricate designs and impressive courtyards, I was captivated, finding myself more and more amazed as I entered each part of it. However for me the most stunning area of the Palacio Nazaries was in the courtyard of the Palacio de Comares. This representation of the Islamic paradise with its impressive rectangular courtyard, seven arch porticos on opposite sides and long, mirror-like pool, made me draw breath as I took in my surroundings. Such beauty in a building I had never beheld before and wondered whether there was anywhere else in the world as exquisite. As with any popular tourist attraction the trouble with somewhere like this is that you are sharing your experience with many others and so taking photographs without random people in the background is somewhat difficult , but still it is possible to capture some of the amazement on camera although for the full experience a visit is a necessity.
There is so much more to say about the Alhambra, so much to tell but really there is only so much that can be written about such a place. A trip to the Alhambra is very much a personal experience and in some ways, if you are that way inclined, a spiritual one. Words and pictures can only give a snapshot of actually being there and in order to feel the magic for yourself you simply have to go. Believe me, this is one place you'll never, ever forget it.