The Alhambra is difficult to describe. It comprises a fortress, palaces and gardens both formal and informal and sprawls over some 142,000 square metres. It is Moorish in origin but has a Christian palace built by Charles V, inserted within. It fell into disrepair for many years but was ‘discovered’ again in the 19th century and restoration began.
Today, one needs to plan ahead as visitor numbers are limited, especially to the Nasrid Palaces within the Alhambra, where you are given a particular time slot to enter and will be refused entry if you arrive late. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance and in holiday times, sell out quickly.
It is however, totally worthwhile.
The intricate plasterwork covering whole walls and ceilings and the use of tiles was like nothing I have ever seen before (but have since) and I was totally mesmerized. And then there were the gardens…..
We actually spent a tad over 5 hours wandering around this amazing complex and took countless photos which still don’t do it justice.
Quite a bit of research prior to the trip had suggested that we also buy tickets to the night visit which is only to the Nasrid Palaces. This proved to be worthwhile, a very different experience at night and only 400 tickets sold so much less crowded.
This session goes from 10pm -12 so we were very tired when we climbed those last lot of bloody stairs and fell into bed!
OK, let me indulge myself….
Part of Charles V contribution
beautiful section of the palaces with the Albaicín in the background
part of the Generalife section
and looking back across the valley to the Albaicín.