To enter the royal palace is to enter another world. The palace was built mostly in the 14th century and is quite well preserved. The colours on the walls have faded and it is necesary to try to imagine what this place would have looked like filled with brightly coloured carpets strewn with exquisite cushions, wall hangings, curtains and stunning wooden furniture.
It is impossible to photograph entire rooms, all I can do is show you bits – very impressive bits.
in the mexuar – administrative rooms
another beautiful doorway
one of the columns
detail on the column
is this not incredible?
beautiful Arabic script on the walls
beautiful details
wooden ceiling
wall decoration
part of the Cuarto Dorado
beautiful wall
entrance arch to Salon de Comares
Salon de Comares
This was the throne room of the palace, where the sultan would sit opposite the entrance. The domed wooden ceiling consists of 8,017 pieces of inlaid wood. You could get a crick in you neck looking at this.
In 1492, after a 700 year battle, the Reconquista was finalised in this room when Boabdil, the last Moorish king signed the surrender. In the same year Columbus stood before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel to convince them he could make a successful sea voyage to the east. Standing in here can make a person feel a touch insignificant.
looking up to the ceiling
calming water
Patio de los Arrayanes
The Court of Myrtles is named for the 2 myrtle hedges.
tile decoration
exquisite detail
looking up
amazing detail
imagine this in full colour
part of Palacio de los Leones
the ceiling of the Sala de los Abencerrajes
faded detail on the ceiling
the detail in this room is incredible
imagine living here
an arch to another room
this tiny alcove would have held something exquisite
The last few photos are of the private rooms of the Sultana, the main wife, mother of the future leader. They are the most sumptuous and highly decorated of all. They must have been incredibly beautiful in full colour with exquisite decorations. There was a big price to pay for living here. She was rarely allowed to leave.
Beautiful photos again of a most wonderful building. The legend says that, after leaving the Alhambra, Boabdil looked back at it for the last time and cried. His mother then told him “Don’t cry as a woman for what you have not been able to defend as a man”. A very tough lady…..
By: Mulino Dominillo on May 7, 2011
at 5:28 am
I heard that too. It must have been truly awful to have to leave that place. Imagine how it would have looked when it was new and full of beautiful things – at a time when a lot of people lived in hovels.
By: bagnidilucca on May 7, 2011
at 5:32 am
That detailing is incredible! :O Hypnotising really.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on May 7, 2011
at 8:43 am
You could spends days there and not see everything.
By: bagnidilucca on May 7, 2011
at 5:37 pm
Those pictures are breathtaking! Thanks for pointing out the faded bits of paint, it was something that I had never noticed before. It’s remarkable that the blue tints are still there. I was planning to visit the Alhambra back in March, but after hearing that the Courtyard of the Lions was under renovation I thought I would save it for another time.
By: James on May 7, 2011
at 11:10 am
It will amaze you!
By: bagnidilucca on May 7, 2011
at 5:36 pm
When I enlarge the photo of the ceiling of the sala de los Abencerrajes it becomes the most extraordinary kaleidoscope. I can’t imagine how they designed and built such an exquisite interior. How sad that such a beautiful place was built for a woman who became a virtual prisoner – almost a queen bee in a fantastic hive – but then perhaps life outside would have been pretty darn grim.
By: Jan on May 7, 2011
at 11:59 pm
Escher was inspired by the interiors at the palace – you can see it in his work. As lovely as it is I wouldn’t want to be stuck inside there all day, every day.
By: bagnidilucca on May 8, 2011
at 6:11 am
[…] rate well as I think it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Palacios Nazaries – Alhambra’s jewel was also overlooked a bit. inside the […]
By: Take a look at my 7 links « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on July 30, 2011
at 6:57 am
[…] stayed in Granada at the exquisite Parador inside Alhambra. Click here and here to see these. beautiful green farmland lots of olive trees white hilltop town – note Jim's […]
By: Driving all over Spain « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on September 12, 2011
at 12:36 pm