Introduction
Although not known to many, Alhambra is one of the most significant buildings in the history of Spain. Its rich history has attracted exploration of the reason why it was built, its historic and current usage, architecture, and some of the major events and historic functions which have been held under its roof. This paper extensively explores the history of Alhambra Palace focusing on several topics including but not limited to its background information, history, physical description, and a brief experts’ analysis.
Background information
Located in Granada, Spain, Alhambra is always referred to as the red fortress which emanates from the literal interpretation of the “Alhambra”. It was built in 14th century by the Southern Spain Moorish ruler. According to the topology of the location, the palace rests on a hilly surface southeast of the city. The palace is currently known as a major tourist attraction site in Spain (Nerja-Capistrano, 2006). The palace experienced numerous interventions especially during the sixteenth century with some of the evidence being seen today.
Unlike other historic structures in history, Alhambra’s location makes it inaccessible to most people in Spain and even those who tour the city. The building is surrounded by hills, woodland and borders River Darro (Spanish-Fiestas, 2011). It is therefore difficult to see its beauty and architectural decorations from afar. Importantly, the location of this building was designed for military purposes and became came a royal residence during the thirteenth century. This was after the construction of the first palace in Spain by King Alhamar (Nerja-Capistrano, 2006). The fortress became an important building for three centuries from the thirteenth century, housing royal military guards and the famous medina. Alhambra is bordered by another independent palace completely surrounded by orchards.
History of Alhambra
According to historic findings, Alhambra competed when the Muslim rule was almost coming to an end in Spain led by Yusuf I between 1333 and 1353 together with Sultan of Granada and Muhammed V between 1353 and 1391. The palace is believed to denote the culture of the eminent Moorish rule. Additionally, Alhambra Palace is well known to have hosted intellectuals and artists during the time when Al Andalus lost the battle to Spanish Christians (Nerja-Capistrano, 2006). It further integrates its natural location with constructed buildings, testifying Moorish culture and immense skills of Christian, Muslim and Jewish artisans, builders, and craftsmen of that time. As mentioned above, the literal translation of Alhambra refers to “red fortress” which mainly signifies the red clay soil from which the Palace is made. It is however important to note that the building was formerly whitewashed even though it currently appears red (Spanish-Fiestas, 2011).
The leadership of Ibn al-Ahmar has significantly been linked to the history of Alhambra especially when he converted the city of Granada to be his headquarters (Spanish-Fiestas, 2011). The king renovated the Alcazaba and introduced heavy walls and towers that capture viewers’ first sight of the castle. As recorded in history, battles characterized several kingdoms as rulers purposed to guard and extent their territories. After Granada was conquered, Fernando and Isabel spent some time in the Alhambra (Pile, 2005). During that time, they repaired some of the rooms and converted them into a mosque without altering the palace. The palace suffered destruction when the grandson of Emperor Carlos V ordered the demolition of an entire wing to construct a Renaissance fortress. However, Carlos’ successors ignored the palace promoting the Palacios Nazaríes to use it as a prison at the start of the eighteenth century (Nerja-Capistrano, 2006). The palace was inhabited by Napoleon’s military forces. They damaged and looted the entire palace and attempted to blow it up as they left for the city. This plan was averted by one of the crippled officers who was left behind and deactivated the explosives.
The rediscovery of the palace was facilitated by an American writer who did a survey of the empty palace and composed romantic poems about the palace. After the publication of these poems, Spaniards authorized Alhambra to become a national monument and set aside funds for the renovation of the fortress (Spanish-Fiestas, 2011). The exercise has continued for years and has become a mega-project aimed at restoring Moorish creations that were adored. Nevertheless, most of the historic furniture and decorations of the palace have been worn off although its motto still denotes the supremacy of Allah.
Physical description of Alhambra
The Palace has a total length of seven hundred and forty meters with a significantly large width. The citadel is considered as the strongest part of the building with other sides except the western part being weak. The palace has a total of thirteen towers. Alhambra Park is divided from the city by a river (Foundation for Science Technology and Civilization, 2011).
The interior of the building illustrates Islamic architecture in three main sections. The Mexuar is mainly used for the public administration of several assemblies. The two other sections are the royal palace for the royal family and the Herem which is designed for family matters of the palace (Pile, 2005). Every section has a courtyard with an ornamental pond located in the Divan. The southern side of the palace has bathed, dating from the time of Yusuf I. They include women’s baths and the Sala de las Camas (Foundation for Science Technology and Civilization, 2011). The central part of the palace is the Patio de Los Leones that was built by Mohammed V, joining Harem. Additionally, the Lion Fountain rests within this space measuring twenty-eight meters in length and sixteen meters in width.
According to the architectural set-up of the building, the Torre de Comares contains an Ambassadors’ Hall measuring eleven meters in length and eighteen meters in width. It received foreign dignitaries and served as a throne room by Granada rulers. It has several windows and a Larchwood dome, making it one of the most beautiful parts of the Alhambra Palace (Discover-Nerja, 2011). On the other hand, the Sala de Los Reyes is located towards the eastern side of the Court of Lions. It has seven partitions that are believed to have fifteenth-century paint on their ceilings. Sala de las Dos Hermanas is located to the northern end of the Court of Lions and served as lodging for women during the winter season. The Hall of the two sisters has the finest stucco beautification, a honeycombed dome, and five thousand cells. It is evident that the Alhambra Palace has a fascinating physical appearance with artistic and ornamental decorations which characterize each of the Palace’s apartments.
Analysis
It has been arguably mentioned that Alhambra is one of the most spectacular buildings which depict Spanish-Moslem art in history. Its fortification symbolizes the manner in which palaces were protected to prevent intrusion by enemies. Starting in 1279, the palace’s main pride was derived from massive ornamentation, which gave it indescribable beauty and richness (Discover-Nerja, 2011). Both interior and exterior parts of the building signify professional artwork that formed the palace into what it is.
Conclusion
From the above survey of information, it suffices to affirm that the Alhambra Palace is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Spain, demonstrating immense culture. It demonstrates the dynasty of the Nasrid Emirate and gives a mix of natural and manmade places in the city of Granada.
References
Discover-Nerja. (2011). History of the Alhambra Castle. Discover-Nerja. Web.
Foundation for Science Technology and Civilization. (2011). Al-Hambra (Alhamra) Palace. Islamic Arts. Web.
Nerja-Capistrano. (2006). The History of Alhambra Palace. Nerja-Capistrano. Web.
Pile, J. (2005). A history of interior design. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Spanish-Fiestas. (2011). History of the Alhambra Palace. Spanish-Fiestas. Web.