Separate from the city of Granada in Spain, the famous Alhambra palace and all that it contains have been a star attraction of the region for centuries. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Here are some Alhambra palace secrets revealed:
It's the world's only still existing medieval Muslim palace. There are other Muslim palaces, but none are as old as the Alhambra which was built starting in the 1300's. According to Travel + Leisure, people from Granada are very proud of the Alhambra and their city. Every guest is brought to the Alhambra.
It took four generations of Arab rulers to build the Alhambra. The Nasrid Dynasty, which lasted from 1232 to 1492, marked the last period of Muslim rulers in Spain. Although the Alhambra started as a 9th-century military fortress, it passed four sultans to effectively change the site into the actual palace today.
Alhambra was purposely built just four miles from a major river. This was needed to supply water to the rectangular pools, fountains and marble baths around which each section of the palace was centered. Flowerbeds and the abundant greenery needed watering, too, so water from the fountains was used as irrigation. Meanwhile, many of the royal residences contained toilets with flushing cisterns. Remember, this was in the 1400's.
Compared to other museum estates in found in Europe, you won't find glass cases and framed portraits at the Alhambra. Here the "art" is built right into the walls, the ceilings, the window frames, the floors. Throughout each of the palaces, you'll gaze at carved stucco panels inscribed with Arabic poetry. Look down, and bold squares of colored tile work play out like an old Technicolor movie picture. Wander through the Palace of the Lions' covered patio, where slender, carved columns sprout out of the ground like ivory saplings. More secrets about the Alhambra Palace can be read here.
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