Granada, known as the ‘city of Pomegranates’ which, along with the orange trees, are everywhere. It is a beautiful city with a fascinating history.
For two centuries up to 1492, Grenada reigned as the capital of a dwindling Moorish empire until Christian forces pushed the Moors further and further south.
With our expert guide Alberto, we discovered the magnificent parts of the the Alhambra – the Summer Palace and Gereralife, the Alcazbar and the most preserved section – the Nazrid Palaces.
The most elaborate and ornate palace was built by Mohammed I (outdoing his father & grandfather’s structures). Islam religion prevents the depiction of animals or people as decoration which is why all their designs are based on nature or geometrics.
However Mohammed decided that his quarters would be so private that he could bend these rules – so the lion fountain and the gold leaf painting is unique.
Interestingly, when Mohammed discovered his wife was having an affair with his best friend he exacted revenge by personally beheading 41 of her family, and the lions head fountain gushed red as the water channels collected the blood!
On a more pleasant note walking around the alleyways and lanes of the Albaicin neighborhood was a lovely end to the day.
One thought on “Day 18 – Grenada Rest Day”
The architecture and designs are absolutely stunning! One could spend hours walking through and admiring it all.
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