Standing in the “Court of the Lions” I was ill-prepared for the wondrous beauty and complexity of the Alhambra Palace. It was so much more than I had imagined. As we begin this visual journey to Granada and the amazing Alhambra, I will quote from Anthony Bourdain who’s language gifts far exceed my own:

“Granada is one of the oldest, most complex, magically surreal places in Spain, and one of the most beautiful. The city is tucked against the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Andalusia in southern Spain. It’s not like Barcelona. It’s not like San Sebastian. It ain’t Madrid. Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you.”

In this 1 minute & 11-second video, Bourdain gets you hooked!

I LOVE this image of Marla heading up the hill to meet our guide at the Alhambra Palace entrance! We booked a private tour of the palaces and the Generalife Gardens through Viator. Visitors are advised to book tickets to the Alhambra 90 days in advance. Last-minute tours can be very expensive, something I learned the hard way! You would hardly notice that Marla arrived in Granada at almost 1 AM after a crazy 2 1/2 hour car service transport from the airport in Malaga! She was ready for a new adventure!

High on a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Granada is the amazing Alhambra. Originally built as a small fort in the 9th century, it was neglected until it was rebuilt as a palace in the 12th century by Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar. The Nasrid dynasty was the last Moorish Muslim dynasty in the Iberian peninsula. This is the Puerto de la Justicia built-in 1348.

After the fall of the Nasrid dynasty and the Christian conquest of the city in 1492, Alhambra began to change. In the 16th century, King Charles V built the “Palacio de Carlos V.”

The interior of the Palace is fascinating.

Bronze rings on the outside of the palace were used to hold lanterns.

We entered through a portal to the “Hall of the Myrtles.”

Beautiful reflections in the courtyard.

Our guide was very helpful in explaining the features of the palace.

A visit to the Nasrid Palace of Alhambra is like walking into a gigantic book of poetry. Over 10,000 inscriptions are carved on the walls and columns. Artisans carved passages from the Koran, poetry, references to Allah, along with words of happiness, blessings, and phrases lauding the rulers of the times. Carved inscriptions of “Only God is Victorious” is repeated over 9000 times!

The view from the windows overlooks the “Albaicin” district which was the original Moorish settlement.

Albaicin is next to the Rio Darro River. The area is a labyrinth of fascinating, tiny lanes. The hill in the upper right is “Sacromonte”, famous for gypsies, artists & bohemians, and cave dwellings. Traditional flamenco is performed here as well.

The tilework is a wonder of scientific composition and color.

I would love to return and just wander, taking in the beauty slowly.

The Court of the Lions is very popular with tourists from around the world.

Our guide suggested this shot!

The ceiling is an example of “Muqarnas”, or “mocarabe” ceiling architecture.

As you walk from room to room the wonder of it all intensifies!

One must include a tour of the Generalife Gardens while in the Alhambra.

The gardens are truly beautiful!

Marla and our guide enjoy this wonderful path.

I wish we could have spent more time wandering the garden paths.

Marla smells the roses.

The Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens were very special and a must-visit on your next to Spain. We have been blessed to be on this wonderful journey together.

PHOTOS: Dick Gentry. Not to be shared without permission.

Next week we will explore Granada along with sensational sunsets, cuisine, and wine.