Started to sweat about getting tickets for the Alhambra. Made several efforts online and by phone and on each occasion the purchase failed. Never figured out why but saw various web site comments later that complained about Australian credit cards not being accepted. Who knows. Drove on and decided to stay at a "real place'. The guy there told us what buses to catch etc and we arrived at the gate at 2:30 and bought tickets when the website said there were none available for that day.
Granada town area is off map to top left.
The Alhambra visit is really several remnants of different eras:
1.. Alcazaba (fort) on the left end overlooking the present city area, and finally
2.. Nasrid Palace with the Court of the Lindaraja, Court of the Lions and the Patio de la Mezquita
3. Generalife Palace with the manicured gardens - top right
4.. Prince Charles V Palace with the Gate of Justice (Torre de la Justica) immediately to the south
Granada town area is off map to top left.
The Alhambra visit is really several remnants of different eras:
1.. Alcazaba (fort) on the left end overlooking the present city area, and finally
2.. Nasrid Palace with the Court of the Lindaraja, Court of the Lions and the Patio de la Mezquita
3. Generalife Palace with the manicured gardens - top right
4.. Prince Charles V Palace with the Gate of Justice (Torre de la Justica) immediately to the south
The Alcazaba was built in 889 and extensively walled by the 11th century. Inside the citadel were mansions, homes, schools, mosques,shops, gardens and public bath. Unfortunately most of this was destroyed by some of the Catholic Kings remodelling but especially by Napoleons troops who tried to destroy the lot. So there are now the large complexes listed plus gardens, ruins and a few smaller remnants
GENERALIFE
The Alhambra Grounds
This was once the summer palace of the sultans, built in the mid13th century. It was further altered after the Christian reconquest. There are 2 courtyards with pool and fountains and enclosed gardens and the buildings wrap around them. The North pavilion was smaller but was extended by the Catholic Monarchs.Next to the buildings is the Escalera del Agua, a staircase with water flowing down its stone balustrades. It leads up the the Upper gardens. Water starts up the top and is recycled as it makes its way down the levels.
Alcazaba
This was partially built by 899 and extended over the next few centuries. The walls were added by the 11th century and include lots of different towers. Unfortunately alot of the Alcazaba was destoyed in subsequent battles but the two towesr remain as well as the lower walls.
Nasrid Palace OR PAlacio Nazaries
This is where the Sultans worked and lived. The Mexuar was where they granted royal audiences and was completed in 1365, Comares Palace was where important guest were received and then the Lions Palace were the private royal apartments. These were all added onto and made more luxurious by sunsequent Sultans.
TILES