Granada
 

Glimpse of Granada | Catholic wonders | Night has fallen | The Nazrid Palaces | Alhambra | Alcazaba | Generalife | Mirador de San Nicola | Albaicin views | Central Granada | Flamenco nights

Generalife

Jardines de San Francisco

 
Gardens of the Generalife
Water and nature are dominating features
   
Patio de la Acequia
This is what kings saw

 
Palace and Patio del Cipres
Patio del Cipres
   
Escalera del Agua

I return along the old ramparts and moat, now forming some gardens. The last visits of the Alhambra are the bath rooms of the Baño de la Mezquita Mayor and the Jardines de San Francisco, completing the image of palace life in the citadel. Across lies the Generalife, surrounded by orchard trees and dense green gardens. More than ever, water is the dominating feature, allowing the life of the summer residence and its many species of plants. Fountains, pools and an entire irrigation system form the fluid base below the walls, arches and buildings. The visitor is greeted by the Patio de la Acequia, an elegant garden full of the life and animation brought by dozens of fountains. Further stands the Patio del Cipres, which owes its name to the old tree there was, and is more appropriate for secret conversations. The summer palace itself is far lighter and simpler than the Alhambra, its white colour seeming more in line with Albaicin, in a concerted effort to fend off the sun's heat.

The last feature along my path is the Escalera del Agua, which are elaborate water canals following the handrails of stairs to bring the water from the top of the hill to the main building, from the distant sources of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It serves as an original and sophisticated reminder of the skill and refinement of the Nazrid rulers, and a tribute to the conservation work done by the Spanish.


All of: Spain
Glimpse of Granada | Catholic wonders | Night has fallen | The Nazrid Palaces | Alhambra | Alcazaba | Generalife | Mirador de San Nicola | Albaicin views | Central Granada | Flamenco nights

© - Extrajoce - 2000 - © All rights reserved - No copying allowed