What is Alhambra and Generalife gardens?

Gardens and Palaces Generalife – Alhambra A recreation house of the sultans of Granada, surrounded by orchards and gardens, these newly created, together with the amphitheater at the entrance, which hosts every year some of the shows of the Music and Dance Festival.

Why is the Alhambra and Generalife gardens famous?

In 1984 the Generalife was awarded the status of World Heritage Site alongside the Alhambra palace and together they form one of the most important legacies of Moorish architecture and design in Spain.

Is the Generalife inside the Alhambra?

This means that the Generalife was built before the Comares Palace. In spite of it being very close to the Alhambra and the close relationship between the two complexes, it is considered to be outside the city.

What are the gardens in Alhambra called?

The Alhambra gardens name is really Generalife. Although the plants and flowers are not only located there. Throughout the Alhambra Palace grounds there are trees, shrubs, flowering plants and greenery.

Why is it called Generalife?

The most commonly cited etymology for the name “Generalife” is that it derives from jannat al-‘arīf (Arabic: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف) which may variously mean “Garden of the Architect”, “Garden of the Artist”, “Garden of the Gnostic”, or even “Garden of the Flautist”.

Where are the gardens of Generalife?

The Generalife is located on the hill Cerro del Sol, adjacent to the Alhambra. Originally it was most probably an architect’s house that later passed to the royal family and was remodelled.

Where are the gardens of the Generalife?

What are three interesting facts about Alhambra?

Top 10 Facts about Alhambra Palace in Granada

• Alhambra Palace was built in the 13th century.
• The location of the Palace was strategic.
• The Palace was built by the Emir Muslims of Spain.
• The name Alhambra means red castle.
• You can be turned away at the castle even with a ticket.

Why is Alhambra called Alhambra?

The Alhambra is an ancient palace, fortress and citadel located in Granada, Spain. The eighth-century-old site was named for the reddish walls and towers that surrounded the citadel: al-qal’a al-hamra in Arabic means red fort or castle.

Who built the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens Granada?

The Alhambra wasn’t the construction project of a single ruler, but rather the work of successive rulers of the Nasrid dynasty. Mohammed I laid the foundations for Alhambra by fortifying the royal site. He reinforced the Sabika Alcazaba by constructing three new towers: The Broken Tower, the Keep, and the Watch Tower.

Was the Alhambra a mosque?

Muhammad III (r. 1302–1309) erected the Partal Palace, parts of which are still standing today, as well as the Alhambra’s main (congregational) mosque (on the site of the current Church of Santa Maria de la Alhambra).

What does Alhambra mean in Arabic?

red fort
The Alhambra is an ancient palace, fortress and citadel located in Granada, Spain. The eighth-century-old site was named for the reddish walls and towers that surrounded the citadel: al-qal’a al-hamra in Arabic means red fort or castle.

Why visit the Generalife gardens in Alhambra?

While the gardens have undergone quite a few changes over the years, the essence has been retained. With medieval palaces, pavilions, courtyards, and patios against soothing greenery, the Generalife Gardens make for the perfect way to end your day in Alhambra.

What is the difference between the Alhambra and the Generalife?

Unlike the Alhambra, all the buildings of the Generalife are quite solid, but in general poor and simple. This indicates an intimate and peaceful atmosphere that the kings were looking for when they retired to these gardens to rest.

Where are the orchards in the Alhambra?

This small palace is surrounded by orchards and fruit gardens which, without doubt, were already used in the Nasrid epoch to supply the Alhambra. The oldest orchard is called “Huerta Colorá” and is the only one that has remained intact over time. This orchard is located on the left where the gardens end.

What is the architecture of Generalife like?

In the Generalife there is no kind of decorative excess or points of interest in its architecture. Unlike the Alhambra, all the buildings of the Generalife are quite solid, but in general poor and simple. This indicates an intimate and peaceful atmosphere that the kings were looking for when they retired to these gardens to rest.