Andalusia 2019 - Part 10 - the Alhambra

The reason for our prompt departure from Antequera was that we had tickets to enter the Alhambra in the afternoon. Much like the Alcazar in Seville, it's the sort of place where you stick to your slot.

It didn't feel as busy, but I think that's because it's built over a much bigger area. A much, much bigger area. There's a reason it's described as the Alhambra complex in lots of books.

The Alhambra was the main reason we went on holiday to Spain. Mum had always wanted to go, and spurred on by her friend J's wise words of advice to "just go for it," I decided to take her.

It was totally worth it.

The route the guide took us in took us via the Palace of Charles V (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Charles_V).

( Which was very impressive, even if it didn't fit it with anything else )

We wandered through the Alhambra at quite a pace, so yes, this is also on the "to be revisited" list.

The Alhambra pays thanks to Washington Irving with a plaque.

( Plaque )

( We saw the Court of the Myrtles )

( And the Court of the Lions )

The ceiling of the Sala de los Abencerrajes was possible the most intricate thing we saw all trip.



Borrowing the description from Wikipedia - "It is covered by an elaborate muqarnas vault ceiling, featuring a 16-sided lantern cupola in the shape of an eight-pointed star, possibly symbolizing the celestial heaven."

My less technical take is "imagine beautiful inverted termite mounds".

There is an even prettier ceiling in the Sala de Dos Hermanas, but I was particular taken by the interplay of the muqarnas ceilings and the stained glass in the Mirador.



( View of the Partal palace )

( View over to the Generalife )

( View back from the Generalife )

The Alhambra really is surrounded by Grenada, as can be seen from this photo:



And that was where we went the next day.