Granada, Spain

From the coastal town of Cadiz, I will catch a train and travel to the city of Granada. Here I will visit the famous “Alhambra” which is on the
UNESCO World Heritage list. I have read that the Alhambra is considered to be “the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. It was the palace-fortress of the Nasrid sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish kingdom, and in its construction Moorish art reached a spectacular and serene climax. But the building seems to go further than this, revealing something of the whole brilliance and spirit of Moorish life and culture. There's a haunting passage in Jan Morris's book, Spain , which the palace embodies: "Life itself, which was seen elsewhere in Europe as a kind of probationary preparation for death, was interpreted [by the Moors] as something glorious in itself, to be ennobled by learning and enlivened by every kind of pleasure."—Destination Guides

The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means “red or crimson castle”. But there is another more poetic version, evoked by the Moslem analysts who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress “by the light of torches”, the reflections of which gave the walls their particular coloration. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an “alcazaba” (fortress), an “alcázar” (palace) and a small “medina” (city), all in one. ---Andalucia.com

I took the advice recommended by Slow Travelers and booked my tickets on-line with reservations to visit the Palacios Nazaries. The Palaces of the Nazaries was constructed by Ismail I, Yusuf I and Muhammad V (1312 to1391 AD) during the Nasrid dynasty. I have read that there are some amazing architecture and beautiful gardens here and I am really looking forward to this visit. I also purchased tickets to visit the Alhambra at night which Slow Traveler, Doru, also recommended in his trip report. Very cool!

Other sights I hope to visit will include: the Cathedral which is located in the center of the Muslim area and dates back to 1523; and also the famous old Moorish quarter of the city, El Albaicin, which is located on a hill facing the Alhambra. There are apparently these dramatic views of this area from the Palace’s famous rose gardens (which I have also booked tickets for).

I will have 4 nights in Granada and will also try to experience some of the night life (a couple of Tapas Bars with live music and maybe even another Flamenco show, who knows). I think I will really enjoy my experiences in Granada a lot and I can’t wait to get there!

For more on the history surrounding the "jewel" of Andalusia (The Alhambra), check out this YouTube. Kind of touristy, but it has a great explanation of the Alhambra. I, of course, will do a really cool YouTube of my own when I return! :)