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Granada
offers many interesting activities, but the prime attraction for most
travelers is the Alhambra (the Red Castle in Arabic). Perched on the
top of a hill overlooking Granada and surrounded by scenic mountains, the
Alhambra provides the opportunity to examine an interesting and
multi-layered example of Spain's history. The site contains the
Alhambra, the Generalife, the Alcazaba and the Palace of Charles V.
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The Alhambra is a very popular
attraction and the number of visitors per day is limited. Even
if you arrive early in the morning, you may wait hours for entrance.
There are two
admission periods: The morning admission runs between 08:30
and 14:00, the afternoon admission runs from 14:00 to 18:00 and
later in the summer.
Entrance fees are
currently € 10.
You may want to
consider taking a tour of the site, as it can be the easiest way to
gain entrance during busy periods.
Visit
this site for more detailed
information about the Alhambra and purchasing tickets. |
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- The Alcazaba is a fortress dating from the 9th Century and its structure
has suffered over the years. The protection that the Alcazaba offered
served as a magnet and led to the building of the Alhambra Castle.
- Later occupants turned the Alhambra into the lavish buildings and
grounds that can only be sensed today, as the Alhambra has suffered from
various indignities including wars and the ravages of time.
- Although not extremely large in size, the Alhambra contains numerous
salons, patios and walkways that are intricately decorated with pleasant
designs. The buildings are relatively simple but the setting and
the application of the tenets of Moorish design makes the Alhambra a
very special place. The rooms are unfurnished and one can only wonder
how they looked when the palace was an active residence.
- The Generalife was the country retreat of the rulers and has a slightly
different flavor than the Alhambra. Take you time to tour the gardens
and any of the "special areas" that are open from time to time.
- The Castle of Charles V is interesting and impressive, but somewhat out
of place in the context of the Alhambra.
Patio de la Acequia in the Generalife
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The Castle of Charles V |
If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web
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The Alcazaba
Patio de Arraynes
Patio de los Liones |
