The Alhambra and Generalife

Another example of the tactful engineering and architecture left by the Moorish people is the Alhambra, and of course a visit to the Alhambra would not be complete without also visiting the beautiful gardens of the Generalife.

The Generalife

The Generalife is the garden in front of the palace where the kings would go to enjoy the fresh air and escape from their duties for a moment. I hope to return in the spring when all the plants are green and the flowers are blooming because I imagine it would be breathtaking.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra was originally built as a fortress in the ninth century and then it was converted into a palace by King Alhamar in the thirteenth century. The palace served as a both a religious monument and place of blessings for the Kings, as well as an extreme show of wealth. The Moorish people came from the desert where water is scarce and expensive, so to have fountains in every plaza and almost every room is like having liquid gold flowing through the building in excess. Anyone who came before the king would have recognized and been intimidated by this fact.

Another element of intimidation is the throne room. The ceiling of the throne room has seven main stars which represent the seven levels of heaven as well as the brightest star in the center of the ceiling which represents Allah. The king’s throne was placed directly below this star to show that he was chosen by Allah to serve. As well, there is a poem stretching around the walls that says:

“Oh, God, fighter of the devil, please help me.
In name of God, who is merciful and has mercy.
Oh, God, please be company and salvation for our Master Mohammed and his generation.
And say: May the anger of God and of every devil that allows the disturbance of hell help me;
and deliver me from the evil of the envious ones when they are going to be envious.
And no deity but God is alive, whom we must praise eternally. Praise to the God of centuries.”

This poem is accompanied by the phrase “There is no victor but Allah” which repeats thousands of times in the architecture, as well as other poems and sayings. There also structures on the ceiling created to represent stalactites as a reminder of the cave where Mohammed was enlightened.

If you have the chance to come to Granada you HAVE to visit the Alhambra and the Generalife, and I recommend going ahead and paying for a guide because you learn history and interesting facts that make you appreciate the visit that much more.

Hasta luego!

Jennifer