The highlight of the Alhambra is the Nasrid Palace. This 13th century palace is the pinnacle of Spanish Islamic architecture. Even after the Reconquista at the end of the 15th century, the Spanish monarchies maintained the architectural details of the Nasrid Palace. They made small alterations or added on, but they left the intricate plaster work and colorful mosaic tiles. I find it a bit ironic that Spanish monarchs who perpetuated some great crimes in the name of Christianity by means of the Spanish Inquisition spent time in a palace decorated with Arabic verses from the Koran. Perhaps they didn’t know what it was. Meaning that in this case ignorance was bliss.
Limited Visitation
The Alhambra is the most visited tourist site in Spain. Millions flock there every year. Since the Nasrid Palace is comprised of small rooms with lots of delicate details, they limit the number of visitors allowed to enter each day. Those that are allowed, are given a set time to enter. This was the only issue we had with our tour, and it wasn’t the tour company’s fault. Our tour started with plenty of time to experience the Alhambra and go on the standard route. However, our group was assigned a slightly later entrance time for the Nasrid Palace. This meant we would miss our bus back to Madrid.
I hadn’t gone all the way to Granada and toured the Alhambra to not see the lion courtyard fountain or the other intricate design work of the Nasrid Palace. We decided to stay for our turn through this masterpiece and get a later bus back to Madrid. Everything worked out in the end for us but be sure you plan sufficient time for your itinerary. If you can find out the exact entrance times of the tour, so you can make your arrangements as necessary.
Stunning Details
Make the necessary arrangements to visit the Nasrid Palace! You will not regret it. I remember studying the Alhambra in my historical architecture and furnishings class at LDS Business College. There’s a reason we did. I find it hard to describe this amazing place. The details come in a few different ways.
First, the tile work. As I mentioned before, M.C. Escher was inspired by the tile mosaics in the Alhambra. It is easy to see how. Throughout the palace there are various designs in bright colors. These geometric mosaics are mostly on the lower parts of the walls.
Above these stunning ceramic works, spectacular and intricate plaster designs climb the walls and cover the ceilings. This plaster work is reminiscent of the intricate carved stone work in Mughal designs in India. Knowing that the plaster designs have been there for hundreds of years makes it even more impressive. They used to be brightly painted and gold-leafed as well. Some still have visible pigments giving an inkling of how glorious these ceilings used to be.
There is also some lovely stone and wood carvings throughout the palace. The most iconic part of the palace is the lion court. The middle of this courtyard space has a lovely stone fountain on the backs of stone lions. The most spectacular rooms surround this courtyard including one with some colorful stained glass.
The Rest of our Tour
Our tour of the Nasrid Palace ended in some of the newer additions including where Washington Irving spent his residency at the Alhambra. We went through the hammam and into a lovely garden. This garden has a few buildings and pavilions and water features. You’ll find great views of the old city from here as well.
After our formal tour, we had to rush to the bus depot and find a new bus to Madrid. We walked back to our hotel to grab our bags and found that we were a very short walk from the palace through some amazing old streets and a lovely park.
I hope to go back to Granada and spend a little more time in the shadow of this magnificent palace and walk through its rooms again. Visit my Alhambra gallery to see more detailed photos of this magnificent palace!
