One of the most memorable spots in the Spanish ring is Granada. As in other places in Southern Spain, every conqueror and civilisation that laid his claim on this piece of land managed to leave their mark here.
Granada got its name from an Arabic word meaning 'hill of strangers'. It became a vital hideout of the Al-Andalus after the Muslim invaders, the Nasrids, decided to build their fortress up in the hills. With their advanced engineering prowess and creative designs, they managed to divert the flow of a river, create a tributary to irrigate the highland, built a castle fit for a king together with an eye-soothing garden to match.
Alhambra and Generalife are living proofs that the Muslim practitioners of yesteryear were not fatalistic but believed in using aql (intellect) in solving worldly problems. Irrigating a dry plateau, they created a picturesque garden which stands stark in contrast its plain-hued scarcely vegetated surroundings.
Flamenco is the traditional dance of the Roma people (not PC to refer to them as gipsies). Ostracised by society for their hue and nomadic lifestyles, their melancholic expressions of their plight forms their pastime. It is said that the performance in the cave of Sacromonte gives one of high quality. The following Flamenco show was seen at a restaurant among the narrow streets of the Albaicin Muslim quarters.
Spain is no short of Cathedrals - Granada Cathedral.
A word of caution: Entrance to many of these heritage sites are regulated. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are not always available upon arrival.
https://asok22.wixsite.com/real-lesson
Granada got its name from an Arabic word meaning 'hill of strangers'. It became a vital hideout of the Al-Andalus after the Muslim invaders, the Nasrids, decided to build their fortress up in the hills. With their advanced engineering prowess and creative designs, they managed to divert the flow of a river, create a tributary to irrigate the highland, built a castle fit for a king together with an eye-soothing garden to match.
The result of this is the Alhambra atop the Assabica hill. It has a Moorish palace with the exotic and elegant design using the help of Nature and natural light.
Leaders who came after them added their extensions to the main structure. The Christian conquistadors and the Church which followed also left their mark. Emperor Charles V even had an exquisite palace constructed, which he never lived.
Alhambra with the city of Albaicin was declared UNESCO heritage in 1984.
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| You would expect a country with a sunny predisposition not to be associated with skiing. Hold behold, somewhere in the horizon stands the Sierra Nevada the third highest peak in Europe. During winter, these snow-capped peaks draw winter sports enthusiasts. ©FG |
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| Generalife - the garden associated with Alhambra ©FG |
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| Spanish Garden ©FG |
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| State Emblem ©FG |
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| The view from the Queen's chambers ©FG |
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| The stalactite motif on the inner surface of the dome. ©FG |
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| An anomaly as depictions of lifeforms is rare in Muslin architecture. ©FG |
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| Patio of Lions ©FG |
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| Alhambra ©FG |
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| Built after Emperor Charles V made a stopover. Completed many years later. Sadly he never lived here. ©FG |
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| The skyline of Granada city, Albaicin. ©FG |
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| Recurring motif: No Victor but Allah ©FG |
Alhambra and Generalife are living proofs that the Muslim practitioners of yesteryear were not fatalistic but believed in using aql (intellect) in solving worldly problems. Irrigating a dry plateau, they created a picturesque garden which stands stark in contrast its plain-hued scarcely vegetated surroundings.
Flamenco is the traditional dance of the Roma people (not PC to refer to them as gipsies). Ostracised by society for their hue and nomadic lifestyles, their melancholic expressions of their plight forms their pastime. It is said that the performance in the cave of Sacromonte gives one of high quality. The following Flamenco show was seen at a restaurant among the narrow streets of the Albaicin Muslim quarters.
Spain is no short of Cathedrals - Granada Cathedral.
A word of caution: Entrance to many of these heritage sites are regulated. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are not always available upon arrival.
https://asok22.wixsite.com/real-lesson
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