Existing Member?

Alhambra of Granada

Alhambra of Granada

SPAIN | Thursday, 28 May 2015 | Views [242] | Scholarship Entry

The old man with white hair and a big smile looked at me and said “This place has its magic and once you come here, you will come again”. And here I was back again for the third time. I really missed the place and I couldn’t wait to be in the presence of its mountain landscape, its tailored gardens, its luscious fountains, its aromatic flowers, its flowing rivers, its mosaic interiors, its patterned floors, its subliminal messages, its friendly inhabitants, and most of all the Alhambra.

Although Granada has many gems that have withstood the tests of time since its creation just about 1000 years ago, one of its main attractions is the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a palatine city that looks like a huge boat on top of a mountain that’s enclaved by its city wall, its 30 towers, and its gardens. Every sultan or king who has lived there has left an artistic masterpiece of an imprint that stays with you forever. It has inspired romantic artists and writers for centuries (Irving, Dumas). You will walk from garden to garden overlooking the city far below and admiring fountains and water canals that will stimulate your senses. You will see various types of flowers and trees that have come from a long way through ancient trade routes. The Alhambra has three main parts: the Alcazaba (military role), the Medina (city), and the Nasarid Palaces (royal and administrative residence). The Alcazaba and the Medina are mostly in ruins and you can see the archeological excavations of where these buildings once stood.

The true beauty of the Alhambra lies in the Nasarid Palaces. When you look up to the ceiling of these palaces, you will often be amazed at the great works of art in either wood or plaster that include a few representations of heaven. The walls of these palaces are full with geometrical and floral patterns mostly displayed in coloured tiles, wood, and plaster that will leave you feeling nothing less than fascination. On the walls, you will also find words, phrases, whole poems, and religious verses. The motto of that dynasty “There is no winner but God” can be seen written in practically every room in various artistic styles as well as expressions like Fortune.

The Alhambra is a very special place that is like a complete artwork made up of landscapes, gardens, fountains, trees, flowers, rivers, mosaics, inscriptions, poems, phrases and wishes. Perhaps its overwhelming message is unity through diversity.

Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship

About missdana


Follow Me

Where I've been

My trip journals


See all my tags 


 

 

Travel Answers about Spain

Do you have a travel question? Ask other World Nomads.