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Casa del Horno - House of the Kiln |
| boutique townhouse in alhama de granada, andalucia, spain |
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Tel: +44 (0)113 275 0743
Mob: +44 (0)7866 438 056
Granada
Granada is in the heart of Andalusia. One of a three key Moorish towns in Southern Spain, the others being Cordoba and Seville. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of three rivers, Beiro, Darro and Genil.
It is a very atmospheric and interesting town, world renowned for the Alhambra Palace of course, but there is a lot more to the town than a stunning piece of world class architecture. The squares, the cafe's, the tapas bars, churches, the markets, the Albaicin!
Alhambra
Of course Granada is world famous for the Alhambra Palace. It is one of the most renowned historical sites in the world. A trip to this part of Spain would not be complete without visiting the Palace. It is advisable to book tickets online to avoid disappointment, tickets cost 12 euros for the day, there are a number of different ticket options available.
Alhambra means "The red one" referring to the mountain on which the palace is built. Completed towards the end of Moorish rule in Spain in (1333-1353), the Alhambra is a reflection of the culture of the last days of the Nasrid dynasty. It is a place where artists and intellectuals had taken refuge as the Catholics won victories over Andalucia. The Alhambra mixes natural elements with man-made ones, and is a huge testament to the skill of Moorish craftsmen of that time.
The craftsmanship in the palace is stunning: ceilings, floors, screens and doors. Perfect mathematical proportions. Dark wood, beautiful Moorish tiles are in sharp contrast to white, plaster walls. There are fountains and water features all fed through a series of brilliantly engineered aqua-ducts by the melt water of the Sierra Nevada. Brightly coloured interiors feature dado panels, yesería, azulejo, cedar, and highly decorative ceilings and other woodwork. The harem even contains a bathroom with running, hot and cold water, baths, and pressurized water for showering.
Nasrid Palace
Albaicin
The Albaicin is the old Arabic quarter, a maze of winding alleyways and streets, with cafes and Arabic teterias (tea houses) with their cool, dark fragrant interiors they beckon visitors out of the bright sunlight, a place where you can treat yourself to sweet pastries and drink aromatic teas around traditional, three-legged sinya tables.
There are fantastic shops selling rugs, lamps, mirrors, furniture, jewelry and clothes. As you climb the winding streets you are offered glimpses of the fabulous Alhambra on the opposite side of the valley. The locals say that, to understand it, you need to spend time in "el Corazon de su Corazon" - at the heart of its heart. Finding that heart, through its maize of cobbled, winding streets, is not so easy.
A great place to take photos of the Alhambra is in the plaza at the top of the hill (Mirador de San Nicolas Church) many people gather here every evening as the sun is setting, as it is such a good view and there is great soft orange light on the Alhambra.
Fountains
General interest
Links
Andalucia.com - The Alhambra HistoryWikipedia - The Alhambra
Islamic Architecture - The Alhambra
Red2000 - Alhambra
Architecture - The Alhambra