Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
The Nasrid palaces at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain were the place where the Nasrid rulers lived and reigned. The palaces divide into four sections: mexuar, comares, leones and lindaraja. All four share typical elements of Moorish art; water as a central element, very fine decorations, arcs and columns surrounding the courtyards. Continue reading “Patio de los Leones”
King Charles V. of Spain planned to make Granada the seat of government. Therefore he made minor and major changes to the Alhambra. Within some parts of the Nasrid palaces you can find his slogan “plus ultra” (“further beyond”) decorating the walls. He also tore some parts of the palaces down and errected the round shaped Palacio de Carlos V. – but his original plan was never finished because political goals changed.
Continue reading “Palacio de Carlos V. & the museums”
Not far away from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain you can visit the Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta with a museum and a very special artificial garden. I must admit, when I entered the building I was pretty unsure if it was worth the detour. But in the end I was pretty happy that I did it. The fundación preserves the heritage of José María Rodríguez-Acosta, a Spanish painter from Granada – and in my opinion a crazy and cool guy. Continue reading “Because he could”
At the north-eastern end of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain a path leads to the summer palace Generalife. As water is an important part of Moorish architecture this palace and its gardens are really worth a visit – at day and at night. It was a good place for the kings of Granada to recover he from governing because the Alhambra was so close that he could return easily to his daily business if necessary. Continue reading “Summer breeze, night & day”
The Alcazaba is the fortress and military wing of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It has always been standing in the shadows of the more beautiful Nasrid palaces close-by and as it has been destroyed to some extent it isn’t that spectacular – but it offers wonderful views on the city of Granada. After passing the Puerta del Vino (where wine could be traded interest-free) you’ll first see the massive Torre del Homenaje and can then enter the Alcazaba through the Puerta de las Armas.
Continue reading “Fortified walls”
Until some years ago no tourist would stop by in Málaga, Spain. Who ever arrives at Málagas Costa del Sol airport would directly continue to Córdoba, Granada or Sevilla. It was a typical city that once only generated wealth by having a harbour (and subsequently a lot of industry). But things have changed, the city center has been cleaned up and really a lot of museums invite you to stay. Continue reading “More than a harbour”
Going from Málaga to Granada could by pretty easy on the motorways connecting the cities. But you would miss a lot, like the city of Salobreña located on a rock close to the Mediterranean sea. The castle was once a summer residence of the rules of Granada and was later on used as a prison. Getting up there is tough work as the streets of Salobreña are very, very narrow (which doesn’t keep the citizens from parking their cars there). Continue reading “Narrow streets, a castle and the sea”
Nerja is a small city located approximately 50 kilometers east of Málaga, Spain. It offers a lot of beaches and the most favorite part is a land tongue reaching into the Mediterranean sea: the Balcón de Europa. It is said that from here you can see the African shore but this is maybe only a legend. Nonetheless Nerja is a good stop for lunch and enjoying the sun at the promenade.
The hotel Molina Lario in Málaga, Spain doesn’t look very spectacular – even so it is a four star hotel. What makes it wonderful for a stay at the Costa del Sol is the location: you’ll find it directly between the harbour and the cathedral of Málaga. All mayor sights of the city are in walking distance. And there is a pool and a bar on the roof top as a surplus.
The airport of Málaga, Spain is the most important entry point for the whole Costa del Sol region – especially for the cities Marbella and Málaga. It has been opened in the year 1919 and it is a hub for 13 million passengers a year with flights to 60 different countries. It is the number 4 airport of Spain, directly after Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.