Granada: The Alhambra and more

Words and pictures cannot describe the experience of being in The Alhambra. We only had time for the Nasrid Palaces, but it was mind-blowing. I almost couldn't take it--I was freaking out!

Panorama within the Palaces, in a courtyard

Alex said that the whole project was about water. Historically, water had to be channeled from extremely far away to the Palace grounds, and the ruler wanted to show how powerful he was by building a grand Palace complex that is centered around water. Not only did he have enough water to survive, but he had enough water to show it off in beautiful courtyards and lush gardens with fountains and pools.

I think the project was, partly, a lot about making beautiful art and architecture. And making architecture students swoon (and have minor panic attacks) when they walk into the next room or courtyard.

Close-up shot of intricate detail

I really think this project was about light and shade, though--how to control light to make cool, dark spaces that feel constricted, or spaces that have light peeking through, or brightly lit spaces that feel open. It's about how to control the environment--as well as the user's path--so as to create specific experiences. How to use different degrees of enclosure to make different spaces.

Many times I found myself stepping from one dim room into a tight, cold corridor that twisted about itself--and then seeing the light hitting the wall at the end of the hallway. Then I would step out into an amazing courtyard, flooded with light, but still with enough shade to enjoy being outside. Something new and breathtaking was always around the corner, and it always alternated between light and dark.

It was beautiful.

Light coming in through a shade

Of course, water was everywhere. It was an undeniable force. I could hear it before I saw it, and I could feel it cooling me down. The project takes advantage of gravity to bring water down from the mountains into the Palace. The gutter system is ingenious as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Water flowing through the gutter system

After visiting the Alhambra, I was tired out--emotionally and physically. Good thing Alex treated us to tapas and tinto de verano, which translates to "red wine of the summer"--a mix of one part red wine and one part Fanta. And, of course, ice cubes (which is kind of a luxury in Spain)!

Tinto de verano, so refreshing