Alhambra Spain: Of Fairy Tales and Glory

Every little girl dreams of being a princess at least once in her lifetime. Wondering what it's like to be surrounded by grandeur, majestic fountains and beauty the envy of all. In search of this paradise, I visited famous monuments, including India’s very own Taj Mahal in Agra. But none captured my heart like the Alhambra Spain in the glorious city of Granada.

 

The Red Fortress - A World of Royalty

Alhambra, popularly known as the ‘Red Fortress’ due to the red clay used to build it, is a palace right out of a fairy tale. Gentle sound of running waters, melodious nightingales and courtyards with blossoming flowers – the beauty is enchanting and perfect for romance in Europe. Built during the 13^th century during the Nasrid Dynasty, the Alhambra is steeped in history and was the royal residence of Moorish rulers. Later, it was used as a citadel till the 15^th century when Christians conquered Spain. Walking in the sheltered paths of this fortress, I simply stared in awe at the intricate Moorish art renderings. Since God could not be depicted in human form due to religious reasons, geometric patterns and citings from Quran adorned the walls and ceilings.

 

During day time, the exquisite carvings shimmer as sunlight filters inside. I would have stood there for hours had I been alone. Alas, time often has a way of travelling faster when one is enjoying the simplest joys. After spending some time in the oasis of tranquility, I continued on my journey to discover more glorious sights of Alhambra - Palacios Nazaries (Nasrid Palaces), Charles V’s Palace, and the Generalife Gardens. The Nasrid Palaces have charming stucco decorations but the hallmark is the Courtyard of the Lions with 124 marble columns.  Considered the glory of Alhambra, the fountain area is majestic and is a beautiful mix of both Moorish and Christian styles. In fact, students have often been asked to create replicas of the courtyard in Spanish art competitions!

 

Generalife Gardens – Bedazzling like Emeralds

Stepping into the Generalife Gardens, I had an almost eerie recollection of how Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, had left this palatial home to marry Prince Arthur in England. How could she manage to leave these breathtaking orchards behind? I wondered, as I strolled through the maze of citrus and lemon trees.

Bubbling fountains, lush greenery and bright flowers painted from the most intriguing art palette; it was almost as if I had walked right into a setting from a Shakespeare novel. There was even a 700-year old trunk of a cypress tree where Sultana Zoraya was rumored to have met her lover. Love, gardens the colour of emeralds and patios – it couldn’t get more romantic than that!

 

Traveller’s Tip: Since the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular destinations all year round, it is best to buy tickets beforehand. You can opt for a guided tour, including transfers from nearby places like Sevilla, for Euro 49 onwards. You can also visit on your own should you wish to discover the palace at your own pace. The morning slot from 8 am to 2 pm is relatively less crowded. The Alhambra is a fabulous reason to travel to Spain, so why not go ahead and discover the cultural mecca of Europe? Book your tickets to Spain and have a grand Spanish holiday!