Page 498 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

496  SOUTHERN SP AIN

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 (see pp58–9) 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.
Al though the Alhambra suffered pillage and . Salón de Embajadores
The ceiling of this
decay, including an attempt by Napoleon’s sumptuous throne
troops to blow it up, in recent times it has room, built from 1334
undergone extensive restoration and its to 1354, represents the
delicate craftsmanship still dazzles the eye. seven heavens of
the Muslim cosmos.
. Patio de
Arrayanes
This pool, set amid
myrtle hedges and
graceful arcades,
reflects light into the
surround ing halls.

Entrance

KEY
1 Patio de Machuca 5 Jardín de Lindaraja sumptuous feasts. Beautiful
2 Patio del Mexuar was a 6 Baños Reales ceiling paintings on leather,
council chamber where the from the 14th century, depict
reigning sultan listened to the 7 Sala de las Dos Hermanas, tales of hunting and chivalry.
with its honeycomb dome,
petitions of his subjects and 9 Puerta de la Rawda
met with his ministers. It was is regarded as the ultimate
example of Spanish Islamic
completed in 1365. 0 The Palace of Charles V
architecture. (1526) houses a collection of
3 Sala de la Barca
8 Sala de los Reyes, a great Spanish Islamic art, whose
4 Washington Irving’s banqueting hall, was used to highlight is the Alhambra
apartments hold extrava gant parties and vase (see p58).
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp572–4 and pp598–602

496-497_EW_Spain.indd 496 26/09/17 11:56 am