InFocus: La Alhambra & Generalife [Granada, Spain]

Comprised of a fortress (the Alcazaba), palace (Palacios Nazaries), garden (the Generalife) and government city (the Medina), the medieval complex of La Alhambra overlooks Granada is one of the most famous attractions in Spain.

Originally constructed as a military stronghold in 889 it was converted into a Muslim Royal Palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. After the Reconquista by the Catholic Monarchs, the palace was modified, and added to by subsequent Christian Monarchs, including the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V who constructed the Palace of Charles V within the Alhamabra’s walls. La Alhambra stands at the pinnacle of high Muslim art in Europe and is a sea of columned arcades, gentle running water and reflective pools all designed to combine with the austere and unremarkable exterior to promote the idea of peace and serenity.

Generalife was the summer residence of the Nasrid Emirs of the Emirate of Granada. The gardens were built during the reign of Muhammad III (1302–1309) and renovated by Abu I-Walid Isma’il (1313–1324) and consist of a long, thin pool framed by columns, flowerbeds and pavilions in the style of medieval Persian gardens.

Website: http://www.alhambra.org/

Opening Times: Oct 16 to Mar 15: Daytime: Mon – Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket office: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night-time: Fri & Sat: 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticket office: 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Mar 16 to Oct 15: Daytime: Mon – Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ticket office: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night-time: Tue – Sat: 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Sun & Mon: Closed Ticket office: 9.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Buying tickets: You can purchase tickets at the door but due to the huge demand and the limited number of visitors every day, we recommend you reserve your tickets in advance. You can do this at any La Caixa cash-point which are common throughout the city.

Tickets: Day Visit There are two different day tickets which include Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Medina and Gardens. Morning ticket: From 8:30 to 14:00. Afternoon ticket: From 14:00 to 18:00, or from 14:00 to 20:00. Night visit The capacity is restricted (400 persons). Inc. Only Nasrid Palaces

Price:  Direct Sales – Day visit: 13 € – Night visit: 8 € – Garden visit: 7 € – EU Students under 26 with valid ID: 9 € – EU senior citizens (65+), pensioners 9 € – People with disabilities 8 € – children under 12 : Free admission Advance Ticket Sales: 18,90 €.

Gallery (click to enlarge)
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written by: Jon

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