The allure of Alhambra

Nowhere is the Arab heritage of Al-Andalus era more grandly on display  than in Alhambra in Granada.


 

  This cluster of palaces initially built as a fortress by the Nasrid Dynasty in 889 is considered to be the brightest jewel in the crown of Islamic architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and today one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.

Alhambra is said to have been named after the Arabic word for "red", so prominently used in the buildings. After Reconquista, the Christian takeover of the Iberian peninsula in 1492 the new masters took the liberty to alter and add to the existing buildings as they saw fit, but even still the palaces are a very impressive sight.

With its fountains, streams, pools and other water features the Alhambra gardesna re said to have been modelled to showcase Paradise on earth. And paradise-like the atmosphere is. I wouldn't have minded staying there for longer. Like for the rest of my life.

The place is definitely worth the visit and it's best to arrive here early in the morning. Otherwise there's there's a risk of missing out of the tickets which regularly sell out. For more information, check out their website.

Once you've secured the admission you're free to explore the area in your own time, but the tickets come with an allocated slot which is the only time all day they allow the entry to the most spectacular of the destinations: Palacio de Nazares, the palace of the Sultans.  And fit for the Royalty it is...