Page 116 - DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - The World's Must-See Places

The Alhambra, Granada
114 EUROPE

A magical use of space, light, water, and
FRANCE. decoration characterizes this most sensual
piece of Moorish architecture. The Islamic
Barcebna. Moors first arrived in Spain in 710. By the
• Ma:irid late 13th century, only the Nasrid kingdom of
SPAIN Granada remained under their control, and the
ME DITE fl.fi.ANEAN Alhambra is the most remarkable structure to
SEA
THE ALHAMBRA,
GRANADA have survived from this period. Seeking to belie Sala de los Reyes
A TlA~'TIC
OC£AII/ ALGERIA an image of waning power, the Moors created their idea of
paradise on Earth in this palace-fortress. Modest materials
THE NASRID DYNASlY were used, but they were superbly worked. Restored in the
The Reconquista-a series of campaigns by late 1800s after centuries of neglect and pillage, the Sala de Ia Bar <a
Christian kingdoms to recapture territory lost Alhambra's delicate craftsmanship dazzles the eye.
to the Moors since 711-started in northern
Spain, arriving in Andalusia with a Christian
victory in 1212. As the Christians infiltrated the
Moorish empire, Granada became the principal THE ALHAMBRA AT NIGHT ~ Salon de Embajadores
Muslim stronghold in Spain. The Nasrids came The ceiling of this sumptuous
Night visits provide a magical view throne room, built from
to power in the kingdom of Granada in 1236,
of the Alhambra complex, when 1334-54, represents
ushering in a prolonged period of peace and subtle, indirect lighting contrasts with the seven heavens of
prosperity .. Muhammad I, founder of the Nasrid the bright city lights. Nocturnal visits the Muslim cosmos.
dynasty, undertook the construction of the only give access to the outdoor areas
Alhambra and the Generalife in 1238, building of the Nasrid palaces.
~ Patio de
a fortified complex of singular beauty that Arrayanes
became the official residence of the Nasrid
sultans. Granada finally fell in 1492 to
Ferdinand and Isabell a, the Catholic Monarchs. Patio de Machuca

THE GENERALIFE
Located west of the Alhambra, the Generalife
was the country estate of the Nasrid kings.
Here, they could escape the intrigues of the
pal ace and enjoy the tranquil! ity high above
the city. The name Generalife, or Yannat al Arif,
has various interpretations, perhaps the most
pleasing being "the garden of lofty paradise."
The gardens, begun in the 13th century, have
been modified over the years. They originally
contained orchards and pastures for animals.

MOORISH ARCHITECTURE
The palaces of the Moors were designed with
gracious living, culture, and learning in mind ..
Space, light, water, and ornamentation were
combined to harmonious effect. The Alhambra
has all the key features of Moorish architecture
arches, stuccowork, and ornamental use of
calligraphy. The elaborate stuccowork (Sala ~ Patio del Mexuar
de los Abencerrajes) typifies the Nasrid style.
Reflections in water, combined with an overall Entrance
play of light, are another central feature. Water
often had to be pumped from a source far
beneath the palaces (Patio de los Leones)
KEY DATES
The Moors introduced techniques for making
fantastic mosaics of tiles in sophisticated 1236 1238 1492 1984
geometric patterns to decorate their pal ace lhe 1\asrid dynasty Construction of the The 1\asrid dynasty lhe Alhambra and
walls. The word azulejo derives from the Arabic comes to power in the Alhambra palace surrenders to the the Genera life are
sole remaining Islamic complex begins under Catholic Monarchs added to UNESCO's
for "little stone." Exquisite azu/ejos, made of
state in Spain, the the first Nasrid ruler. during the Reconquista. \1\brld Heritage list.
unicolored stones, can be seen throughout Kingdom of Granada.
the Alhambra complex.