I could only start from a verse from the famous song by The Clash to describe the mood once in Granada.
From Malaga to Granada by bus, parading through that arid and mountainous land that is Andalusia, interspersed with wonderful views and glimpses.
Arrival in Alhambra’s city, the exquisite hospitality of my friend Fatima, the precious company of Justyna and the friendliness of the inhabitants immediately warms up my day.
MIRADOUROS AND PUERTA DE LAS PESAS
With the fortress still in the background we chosed a nice walk to the famous Miradouros (San Miguel and San Nicolas); the legs are not yet fully worn so the first part is by bus.
The sensation is of being in the classic maze of narrow pueblo’s streets; surrounded everywhere by white and so much beauty in every corner!
Clear sky, the climbs and descents are tolerable; we would stay all day enjoying a fantastic sunset with the growing expectation of seeing the much celebrated Arab fortress the next day.
San Miguel Alto is known as the ‘Ciudad Liberal’: here has place one of the most beautiful Nazarene towers, the legendary Torre del Aceituno.
Legend tells us there was an olive tree on the site of the ancient Christian Church capable of flowering, growing and ripening in just one day!
It was destroyed by Napoleon’s troops and then rebuilt in a neoclassical style.
Continuing my walk I come across the Puerta de las Pesas.
Nevralgic center of the Albaycin, the Gate was so called because the defective weights were confiscated: the plaque declares that the square, the butcher and the laundry were property of the King of Spain by order of the Lords of the City Council.
THE MONASTERY OF SANTA PAULA AND THE ALHAMBRA
On the second day we saw the strong point of the city: but before getting there we decide to start from the bottom and come across the beautiful Monastery of Santa Paula.
The monastery was created in addition to pre-existing Arab houses; the church has a beautiful wooden ceiling with drawer textures inside.
When the Gran Via del Colon leading to the Alhambra was opened, the convent lost its garden and was equipped with that historic facade that has stood since 1540.
ALHAMBRA
What struck me the most?
First and foremost the beauty and care of the gardens: every corner is studied in the smallest detail and the play of light, the fountains, the colonnades perfectly mix Arab and French / Italian styles with an almost obsessive attention.
Even the mosaics inside the various courtyards are stylistically beautiful; the whole Citadel was designed to be an independent Medina from the city.
Mosques, schools and shops are no longer there but a few minutes walk is enough to realize the grandeur and history that you breath.
In 1492 it became the palace of the Royal Family; it was the only Arab monument that was not destroyed by the Catholic sovereigns in Granada.
Patio de los Arrayanes (myrtles) is extraordinary and caught my attention.
The myrtles are planted on both sides of the basin and in which the imposing Torre de Comares is reflected.
Wonderful Patio de los Leones welcomes the Fountain in the center.
The lions appear to come from the home of the Jewish vizier Samuel Ben Nagrela and represent the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Two of the lions, which have engraved a triangle on their foreheads, indicate the chosen tribes: Judah and Levi.
I have experienced the continuous discovery of places and rooms more beautiful than the ones just seen.
It is getting lost in the beauty and elegance of a unique complex in the world.
I recommend you stay there at least 4 hours; there are so many things to see and learn, as well as enjoying breathtaking views.
Granada and Andalusia have remained in my heart for how much beauty and simplicity they can convey to the visitor thirsty to discover, understand and fully enjoy the travel!