7 Things you Didn't Know About the Alhambra

Submitted by Guest on Tue 17/03/20

Alhambra

You've probably heard of the Alhambra, a Moorish palace complex that sits high on a hill above the city of Granada in Southern Spain. However, before heading here, it is important to know a little about this amazing site you are going to visit.

Knowing some background of this fascinating place will let you enjoy your visit even more. So check out these 7 interesting facts that you didn't know about the Alhambra.

1. "Alhambra" is Not its Actual Name

The correct name for the Alhambra is actually "Qal'at al-Hambra", which means "The Red Fortress" in Arabic. The name was first given to the tiny fortress build on the site by the Moors over 1000 years ago, the Islamic Empire which had spread from the Middle East across North Africa and into Southern Europe.

The name is believed to originate from the first fortress which was made from the red clay found in this part of Spain. The outer walls were made from tapia, or rammed earth, which had a reddish hue. Over the centuries, the Moors gradually expanded the fortress into the magnificent palace complex found there today.

2. The Alhambra Originally Belonged to the Romans

The Alhambra is widely-known as a Moorish palace and fortress. However, it actually goes all the way back to the Romans. The Romans, who occupied Spain in the 7^th century saw the spot on the hill and recognised its strategic value. They therefore built a fort on the hill as part of their efforts to hold on to the area.

However, the Moors invaded Southern Spain in 711 AD and by 732 AD they had pushed out the Romans and taken over the territory. They took over the fort and started to built their own complex here. Granada became a major city in the new territory of Al-Andalus, also known as the Caliphate of Cordoba, an Islamic territory that covered most of modern Spain.

3. The Alhambra is Full of Ancient Technology

The Moors were well ahead of the Europeans at the time when it came to technology. They brought many of their advances and applied them to the Alhambra, such as an irrigation system for water supply. You can still see this today in the water features and fountains throughout the Alhambra's grounds and gardens.

One of the most advanced uses of technology is the ancient cooling system which can be found in the Court of Myrtles. In this courtyard, you'll notice the goldfish pond in the centre, fed by the palace's irrigation system. The pond is not only for aesthetics and tranquillity, but it also plays a vital role in cooling the interior of the palace.

4. The Alhambra is Bigger than you Think

The Alhambra is a large palace complex and it is really huge. It is not just one palace, but a series of palaces, fortresses and other buildings, as well as gardens and orchards, spread out over a large area.

Walking around the whole site will take at least three hours, and this could be much longer if you like to stop to take a lot of photos! Therefore, you're best off allowing the whole day to see this attraction.

5. Check the Time on Your Tickets

When you get your Alhambra Granada tickets, make sure to check the time printed on your tickets. Entrance to the Alhambra is strictly timed, and every ticket has a strict time interval printed on it. This is done in order to control the huge crowds that visit the Alhambra every day.

Also keep in mind that you'll need to wait in line before you get to the entrance. This means that you'll actually want to get there around 30 to 60 minutes before the time printed on your tickets, so that you'll have time to make your way through the queue. If you arrive just in time for your ticket, you may miss out.

6. The Alhambra was Important for Military Strategy

Although the position of the palace on the hill that the Moors called Al-Sabika serves as an imposing sight over the city of Granada, that's not why it was build there. The Alhambra's position is very significant for military strategy: from this high location, you can see for miles and miles in every direction.

This means that the fortress was used to watch for any enemies that may be approaching the city. It was also key in being able to communicate with other towers in the area, which were used to send strategic messages by the military. For example, you can even see the Alhambra from the old tower in Las Gabias, a small town 10km away.

7. There are Rules and Restrictions for Your Visit

Visiting the Alhambra is an unforgettable experience. However, there are also a number of rules and restrictions that must be followed.

These include:

- No camera tripods or selfie sticks. Flash photography is not allowed in certain places.

- Backpacks, large bags, and strollers to be left in the coat room

- No eating, drinking or smoking except in designated areas.

Be sure to read the information on the official website or on your tickets before you enter so you're aware of what is allowed and what isn't.