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.