Page 314 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

312  THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Granada: the Alhambra

A magical use of space, light, water, and
decoration characterizes this most sensual
piece of architecture. It was built under Ismail I,
Yusuf I, and Muhammad V, caliphs when the
Nasrid dynasty (1238– 1492) ruled Granada.
Seeking to belie an image of waning power,
they created their idea of paradise on earth.
Modest materials were used (plaster, timber,
and tiles), but they were superbly worked.
Although the Alhambra suffered decay and . Salón de Embajadores
pillage, including an attempt by Napoleon’s The ceiling of this sumptuous
throne room, built
troops to blow it up, it has been restored and between 1334 and
its delicate craftsmanship still dazzles the eye. 1354, represents the
seven heavens of the
Muslim cosmos.
. Patio de
Arrayanes
This pool, set amid
myrtle hedges and
graceful arcades,
reflects light into the
surrounding halls.

Entrance

KEY
1 Patio de Machuca 5 Jardín de Lindaraja sumptuous feasts. Beautiful
2 Patio del Mexuar council 6 Baños Reales ceiling paintings on leather, from
cham ber, was completed in the 14th century, depict tales of
1365, and is where the reigning 7 Sala de las Dos Hermanas, hunting and chivalry.
sultan listened to the peti tions with its spectacular honeycomb 9 Puerta de la Rawda
dome, is regarded as the
of his subjects and met with ultimate example of Spanish
his ministers. 0 The Palace of Charles V
Islamic architecture. (1526) houses a collection
3 Sala de la Barca of Spanish Islamic art,
8 Sala de los Reyes is a great
4 Washington Irving’s banqueting hall was used to whose highlight is the
apartments hold extrava gant parties and Alhambra vase.
For hotels and restaurants see pp330–32 and pp333–5

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