Submitted by Jasmine Edwards on the 2017 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
It’s difficult to describe the Alhambra. Pictures don’t do it justice, either, because part of seeing it is also feeling it. There’s an ancient beauty in it and a reverence that grasps tightly to all of the religious beginnings. Though I am not religious, I could feel that majesty. If you ever get the chance, you need to experience that for yourself. The keyhole/horseshoe structure of the doorway, or Puerta de la Justicia, is indicative of the Arab style. The Catholics changed a lot of the building when they led La Reconquista of Granada in 1492, but they kept some of this, and we are very lucky that they did. Inside is a mixture of Arab and Catholic architecture, religious imagery and writing. It’s a fortress and it’s massive. There are towers and courtyards and gardens and smaller houses throughout the property, most of which you can access. Some places are roped off for safety (wells, prison cells) and others for restoration and preservation (the harem).
My favorite part of the whole Alhambra was one specific outdoor courtyard. An architectural masterpiece, the fountain is incredible because each lion’s face and body are unique. There are subtle differences carved into their teeth or fur, eyes or ears. Look closely at how some ears stand in triangles while others are folded. This is an original Arab piece which has fortunately survived for my visit. Words fail in describing how utterly gorgeous it was in person, how the light hit the clear water and sparkled, how the sandy stone of the lions both stood out and blended in with the white tiles and columns surrounding it. There are public parts of the Alhambra that anyone can walk without a ticket, so I will absolutely be returning before the month ends.