Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
Red and white coloured arcs spanning between hundreds of columns. Reduced light. Vast space. People roaming freely through this important historic building. The Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral in Córdoba, Spain is maybe the most beautiful house of prayer in the world and enchanting at every visit.
Continue reading “The Mezquita”
When travelling from Granada to Córdoba it is obviously a good idea to take road N-432 as it is connecting both cities – but this gives another chance: stopping by in Alcalá la Real, Spain. The city itself doesn’t seem to be such a big attraction but up on a hill you’ll find the very well preserved Fortaleza de la Mota.
Tourists seem to come to Granada, Spain for only one very big attraction: the Alhambra and its palaces, fortifications and gardens. And this is indeed a very good reason, but Granada is much more than this. It is a lovely Spanish city with an Arab touch that is especially inviting for night-time activities.
The hotel Casa de la Trinidad in Granada, Spain is a wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It is directly at the Plaza de la Trinidad, the bustling Plaza Bib-Ramla and the cathedral are in walking distance. Around the hotel you’ll find dozens of bars, restaurants and shops.
One of the most visited places in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alhambra (“red castle”) above Granada, Spain is a wonderful example of Moorish art during the Islamic reign in Andalucía. It has been built between 1238 and 1492 by different emirs and caliphs. In some phases afterwards the art has been protected, the military structures have been partially destroyed and under Charles V. some buildings have been replaced and altered. But the most important parts are still visible. Continue reading “The Alhambra”
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”