Generalife, Alhambra - Granada












The Generalife, located above the Alhambra, was the Nasrid kings' summer palace and farms. Gardens have been added to connect the two areas so the whole area is full of the colour and perfume of a wide variety of flowers and trees.

Water plays a key role in Arabic culture - for tranquillity and cleanliness so all the gardens have water basins and fountains. The Water Stairway took me by surprise as there is a constant stream of water flowing down a channel in the stair walls. Apparently, in the past, water flowed down the stairs as well.

Take a close look at the intricate stone carving, and you will see that poems and prayers are inscribed in Arabic letters in the design.
The final photograph is of the Generalife as seen from Albaicin.

Comments

Jen said…
That place is amazing! Makes me want to go out and work in my garden, but the blizzard that is occurring outside right now quickly changes my mind :o)
May 14, 2009 at 3:39 PM
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