Granada - Spain
The Jewel of Nasrid Art
The Alhambra is known throughout the world as one of
the most beautiful monuments ever built by human beings.
The Alhambra and the Generalife were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1984
The Albayzin quarter was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994
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The site formed by the Alhambra, the Generalife and the Albaicín (or Albayzin) in Granada is one of the most fascinating in the world and attracts thousands of visitors from all countries every year. In addition, the history of the city of Granada is one of the richest and most evocative of all the towns and cities in Spain. Its origins perhaps go back to the period of the Turtedani in the 5th century BC. In documents, it appears mentioned by Hecateus of Mileto under the name of Elibyrge. During the Roman period it must have been important because evidence has been found of the minting of money under the name Iliberri. The remains of the old Roman city can be found in the areas where the Citadel and the Albaicin now stand. The Alhambra was built between the 9th and the 14th centuries and combines functions that are military (walls, large towers etc.) with residential ones (small palaces, rooms, courtyards, rooms for the harem, gardens, baths, etc.)In the 16th century, the palace of the Emperor Carlos V, considered a jewel of the Renaissance, was added. The Generalife is on a nearby hill and was conceived as a recreation area for the Nasrid court. Its gardens, fountains, water tanks, ponds, etc. are outstanding. It was built in about 1319 by Aben Walid Ismail. Extraordinary decoration can be found in the Alhambra, surrounding the visitor with an ethereal, almost a fantasy, environment. The main centre of the Alhambra is formed by the Comares Palace and the Lion Room. Some of the rooms that best symbolise the site are the Two Sisters Room, Abencerrajes Room and the Ambassadors Room. The most beautiful courtyards are the Courtyard of the Lions, that of the Myrtles and that of Mexuar. The Albaicín is to the north of the Alhambra. It is basically a district that preserves the medieval structure of winding streets and small squares that surprise the visitor. In the district you can still contemplate remains of Arab architecture and its 'carmens' (villas with small gardens). From it, you can see one of the most amazing views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Granada. Granada's cosiest place. Family run B&B in the centre.
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