Ancient History of Alhambra

If you are not from Spain or if you haven’t ever toured Spain, you probably don’t know much about the history of Alhambra Palace. Which is a shame, because it is so spectacularly interesting. Alhambra is located at a strategic vantage point on Sabika Hill and is surrounded by defensive walls, making her an almost impregnable fortress of her times. Spread over almost 26 acres of land, Alhambra also gives you quite the workout if you intend to see all 30 of her towers and the multitude of smaller monuments within her walls.

The Moorish palace-cum-fortress of Alhambra is the standing testimony of Islamic rule in Spain. She was built by the last remaining Nasrid Emirs in 889 (yeah, not 1889, but the EIGHTH century!), which history tells us to be the Islamic Golden Age in Europe. Today, along with her two sister sites of Albaicín and Generalife Garden, Alhambra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the finest signs of Islamic opulence in Europe, the palace that stands today has seen several changes, extensions and removals since her original construction. Post-1492, after the end of the Moorish rule, major parts of Alhambra were destroyed and then later rebuilt in the Renaissance style by Charles V. So vast is the difference in the architectural styles of the two that you can notice sharp, visible contrasts between the actual Nasrid Palace and the Palace of Charles V, where the latter resided.

Thereafter, the fortress has withstood destruction and damage by French forces, lived through an earthquake and survived several natural and manmade calamities. From 1828 till as recent as the 21st century, restoration, renovation and conservation continue at this palace and its surrounding grounds.

Alhambra, a name derived from the Arabic words qal’at al-hamra, literally translates to ‘red fort’. And the grand palace-fort, with her fine decorative artwork, landscaped gardens and enchanting water fountains, still retains all her red-stone glory despite all the restorations.

Thanks to her history, spanning centuries, not just decades, Alhambra is one of Spain’s most prolific tourist destinations today. She can draw well over 6000 people on any given day!