ALHAMBRA
The Alhambra Palace dates back to the 9th century when the Alcazaba fortress was built, but over the years it was expanded into the Moorish palace we see today. In 1492 the Muslim kingdom in Granada of Abu Abd Allah Iba Nasr Al Ahmar fell to the catholic monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand. The moors were left to settle in the Las Alpujarras, and their style of building is still evident in the villages of this area today. Remarkably, the palace survived very much in the style in which it was created, and today is the finest example of an Islamic architectural site in the western world.
There are four important areas within the 14 hectares site. The Alcazaba, the site of the original fortress overlooking Granada, the Los Palacios Nazaries containing the three Nasrid Palaces of Mexuar, Comares and Leones, the palacio de Carlos V, now a museum, and the Generalife which was the sultans royal residence. These are the main focus for attention on any visit to the Alhambra.
Access to the Alhambra is by ticket only, these can be pre booked before your holiday by telephoning 0034915379178. Tickets cost approximately £8.00 and can be secured by credit card with an English speaking receptionist, and collected from the ticket office on the day of your visit. Remember to take a note of your booking reference number. Tickets can be purchased on the day but numbers are strictly limited and there is always a long queue for spare places. If you have pre -booked go straight to the pre-booked ticket window. Tickets are issued for either the morning or afternoon and they will ask you at what time you would like to visit the Palace of Nazaries. Entry to the palace is limited to the time on the ticket, other than that you are at liberty to wander around the Alhambra to your hearts content. Be sure to bring the same credit card with you which you used to book your tickets with.
There is a car park a short distance from the Alhambra, follow the signposts from the main entry routes into Granada or park in the centre and catch the mini buses from the Plaza Neuvo. If you are thinking of walking up looks can be deceptive, it's a long steep climb. The properties in the Lecrin valley are served by a regular bus service to Granada from Durcal.
There are many guide books available that cover Granada and the Alhambra, a good one is "In Focus Andalucia" ISBN 84-95856-01-8
