Alhambra: Every city has its charm but Granada has a masterpiece.

Happy Friday folks,

The Alhambra is simply amazing. Why?

Because it stands on Roman ruins, has an incredible medieval history and is home to perhaps the greatest fountain known to man (one that has 12 lions and can actually tell the time)…

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The Alhambra is arguably the most iconic example of Islamic architecture in Europe. From the Roman ruins in the 9th century to “the red fortress” (literally translating from Arabic: al-Qalʻat al-Ḥamrā) in the 14th century.

The oldest part of the Alhambra is the Alcazaba, built by Muhammad I, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, after 1238. This was the military fortress that would sit at the heart of the Alhambra. Its massive walls and towers were designed for impenetrable defense while overlooking the surrounding valley and city of Granada.

But, it really reached its zenith during the 14th century, particularly under the reigns of Yusuf I and Muhammad V. They expanded the complex, creating something that didn’t feel like a magnificent castle, but instead a small city that radiated the peak of Moorish and Nasrid architecture and art.

(The Alhambra may not look as red today depending on which angle you look at it from, but its name was derived from the rammed earth that was used to build its outer walls, containing iron oxide and giving it that iconic charm.)

Moorish architecture is known for its use of arabesques, intricate geometric patterns, and (most importantly) calligraphy. To no surprise, these are all present in the Alhambra, where every surface seems to be adorned with complex designs. Stucco, wood, and tilework were used to create an overwhelming sense of detail and beauty.

There was a simple reason for using so many geometrical patterns (all 17 types of mathematical plane symmetry, to be exact): it reflects the Islamic belief in the infinite nature of God, where the repetition of forms symbolizes eternity.

During this century, the Alhambra saw the construction of the Comares Palace. This was the heart of the royal complex. It served as the royal residence and the seat of power for the Nasrid, blending Mudejar, Persian, and Moorish styles. The Hall of Ambassadors, the grandest room in the palace, stands out with its majestic vaulted ceiling and intricate geometric patterns, designed to impress visitors as a throne room.

They also built the Court of the Lions. A masterpiece, named for its central fountain supported by twelve marble lions.

The court was surrounded by a colonnade with intricate stucco work, featuring even more geometric patterns and Arabic inscriptions, something you (almost) always see in different types of Islamic architecture.

But what is even more remarkable is that historians tell us that its (original) fountain could actually tell the time, by using water pressure.

Each of the twelve lions represents an hour of the day, and the water flow from each lion was designed to correspond to a specific time period during the day, in a 12-hour cycle.

The water would flow in a sequence, gradually filling up the main marble basin, which worked as a large Pythagorean cup (greedy cup), emptying out the whole fountain once it was full.

The architecture of the Alhambra is not just a representation of Islamic Iberia but also a reflection of the society that existed within the Kingdom of Granada, the rulers of Alhambra.

As the 15th century dawned, the Alhambra entered a new phase of history. After the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, conquered Granada in 1492, the Alhambra was transformed from a Muslim fortress to a Christian palace.

The most visible changes to the complex during this period were the construction of Christian chapels, such as the Chapel of St. Ana, and the addition of Christian symbols into the building's decor.

Many of the original Quranic inscriptions, which decorated the walls and ceilings of the Nasrid Palaces, were either covered or replaced with Christian iconography, such as coats of arms or images of saints.

For instance, while the Alhambra became a symbol of Christian conquest, it also played a role in shaping the emerging Spanish Renaissance. The Moorish influences on art and architecture, combined with the Christian drive for monumental religious expression, created a hybrid style that was unique to the era.

Much of the Alhambra survived, and Charles V, who ruled in Spain as Charles I, even rebuilt portions in the Renaissance style and added a stunning Italianate palace in 1527.

Remarkably, today we get to see the walls of the Alhambra, inscribed with over 10,000 lines of Arabic poetry, including verses praising the beauty of the palace and its gardens but also references to conquests and other feats.

Throughout its history, the Alhambra has stood as one of the greatest symbols of power, culture, and architectural achievement.

An awe-inspiring wonder. Why?

Because it stands on glorious Roman ruins, has an incredible Islamic and Christian history, and hosts a fountain of lions that can tell the time…

Until Next Time,

World Scholar