Should I visit the Alhambra in Granada, Spain?

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– Tanya from the T Word on Travel

Visiting the Alhambra in Granada

Quick Tips:

It is recommended that you spend 2.5 hours in the Alhambra complex, although I’m fairly certain we spent much more time than that. Try to go for opening in the morning as it will be cooler.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance of the day you arrive, as they limit the amount of people in the building every day. So if you just show up, you may not gain access. Proceed with caution with anyone trying to sell you things in the parking lot.

Do not accept anything they try to hand you. I was handed a sprig of rosemary and then told my “fortune” all within seconds. I didn’t understand a word, and then was forced to pay for this service I didn’t ask for or want. As anywhere in the world, keep your wits about you!

History on the Alhambra

I read about the Alhambra palace in so many books, it always seemed SO dreamy. I HAD to see it for myself. It 100% did not disappoint. This beautiful palace started as a military fortification; it’s hillside placement ideal for watching the surrounding countryside for marauders.

Once I was inside the building, (even though the crowds were quite thick) it was easy to picture the people who had lived here through the generations. From the commanders and soldiers, to private family quarters, the harem, and reception rooms, the courtyard of the lions, the water fountains.. it was all equally breath-taking and awe inspiring.

The founding king Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr designated the complex a royal residence during the mid 13th century. Alhambra derives from the Arabic meaning ‘the red one‘. It was later reconquered by the Catholic Queen and King, Isabella and Ferdinand, after warring with the region for 10 years.

The Connection with England

The character I had read most about in terms of a connection to this place was Queen Catherine of Aragon – the FIRST wife of King Henry the VIII of England. Her entire family was very militaristic with her mom Isabella I of Castile being an extremely powerful matriarch and a huge supporter of the Spanish Inquisition.

The joint effort with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon found them the occupants of this palace after the surrender of Granada to them in 1492.

War on Religion

The aftermath of war brought to an end coexistence between religions in the Iberian peninsula: Jews were forced to convert to Christianity or be exiled in 1492, and by 1501, all of Granada’s Muslims were obliged to convert to Christianity, become slaves, or be exiled; by 1526 this prohibition spread to the rest of Spain.

Spain would go on to model its national aspirations as the guardian of Christianity and Catholicism. The fall of the Alhambra is still celebrated every year by the City Council of Granada, and the Granada War is considered in traditional Spanish historiography as the final war of the Reconquista.

While I admire the strong convictions of this family, not tolerating other religions or beliefs is abhorrent to me.

The Writing on the Walls of the Alhambra

The writing on the walls of the Alhambra can be described as delicate and beguiling. A lot of the writing is from the texts of the Quran; containing religious phrases and verses. There are also equal parts poetry, love songs, and praise directed towards the homeland.

I wish I could read the beautiful calligraphy, but anyone can admire the Islamic flowing geometric art. For me, I cannot imagine that this was created well over 700 years ago. In Canada we don’t have any physical history older than a couple hundred years old.

Why should you visit the Alhambra in Granada?

In closing, visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is not merely a journey through history; it’s an immersive experience that transcends time and culture. With its stunning architecture, intricate gardens, and rich heritage, the Alhambra offers a glimpse into a world of beauty and wonder.

So, whether you’re drawn by its majestic palaces, mesmerized by its captivating views, stunning gardens or simply seeking inspiration, a visit to the Alhambra promises to be an unforgettable adventure that leaves an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Thanks so much for reading my blog post about the Alhambra. I visited so many years ago now, but it is one of the places that stands out the most to me on our trip to Spain. You gotta see it for yourself!

Happy Travels,

xoxo Tanya

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