Look Up

Granada (Spanish for pomegranate) is a beautiful city which is crowned by the Alhambra Palace. It is the the only complete remaining Renaissance Arabic (Muslim) palace in the world, another World Heritage site.

Alhambra, overlooking Granada, is a feast for the senses, the sights, sounds and smells a trio of beauty. The eyes are drawn upward to see the walls of the palace, the birds and the craftsmanship, while the scents of linden trees, and myrtle waft through the air. Sounds of the birds, especially the swallows, circling the towers and courtyard are mesmerizing to see and enchanting to hear. The running water in the many fountains and from the periodic glimpses of the aquaducts help create the sense of tranquility.

                 The original garden

Most amazing however is the workmanship of the place, ceilings and walls. Constructed by the Muslims starting in 889 AD, it was built of plaster, wood, marble, ceramic. Details such as the use of moulds to create the intricate plaster walls, the wood or plaster patterns on ceilings, the patterned ceramic tile on walls or marble columns meant to withstand earthquakes, all make this palace unique and beautiful. 

                            Ceiling in the queen's bedroom

                       The Queen's eyes, windows which overlooked Granada

This palace was home to the Muslim rulers of what is now Spain until it was turned over to the Spanish in 1492 when the Muslims were finally defeated. Another Spanish king added a building inside the palace walls but no one has ever lived in this building. The Spanish have maintained the palace ever since and have done an amazing job. 

                                                       Granada

Only seven thousand people go through Alhambra every day. But every day seven thousand of us get a chance to admire the engineering and craftsmanship of those men from centuries ago. I am glad to have been one who had the opportunity today to look up.