El Rincón Español - homeschool Spanish support - Field Trip! The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Feb. 24, 2009

Field Trip! The Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Pack your sunscreen, some Claratin (those orange and olive blooms will get you every time), and leave your umbrella at home: we're going to Granada, Spain!

This past week, I read a fictionalized biography of Katherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry the 8th. She was the youngest daughter of the well known royal couple Isabella of Castile and Fernando of Aragon. This royal pair is known as "Los Reyes Catolicos" - the Catholic Monarchs. Isabella and Ferdinand are noted for having financed the voyage of Christopher Colombus, for having reconquered the Moorish stronghold of Granada, and for having expelled the Jews out of Spain.

Katherine was known to her family as Catalina, and her title was Infanta. In Spain, only the child next in line for the throne was given the title Prince/Princess, a custom that still continues to this day. She changed her name to Katherine when she became Queen of England.

In the faithful year of 1492, a centuries-old war came to an end in Spain. It was La Reconquista - the long struggle to regain Spain for the Moors. Katherine was only a child when her parents celebrated this victory, and she grew up in the luxury and beauty of La Alhambra. As portrayed in the book I read, The Constant Princess, Catalina must have surely missed this beautiful palace as she adjusted to life in England.

Above: The Court of the Myrtles

The Alhambra was built by the Moors in the 1300s on a site that had been a fortress since the 800s. Parts of earlier fortresses and architecture remain on the site, and some were incorporated into new buildings. It was the height of architecture of its time, with fountains, baths, gardens, intricate carvings, and arches. The beauty is only part of its greatness, for it was a great fortress as well that symbolized the might and power of the Moors.

The artisans who created this palace poured out their great talents on every little detail. No surface is without elaborations, but instead laced with botanical and geometric designs. Even poetry and sayings grace the walls. The uncountable arches are mostly for decoration and visual interest; very few of them have an architectural purpose.

Above: The Court of the Lions

Imagine the sweet smell of orange blossoms in the air, the sound of singing birds, and gentle fountains dancing in the bright sunlight. Each garden, gallery, and room is a play on light and shadow; each room is a tribute by its creators to some beauty of nature, to symmetry, and to an earthly vision of heaven. It is said that you can look at a million pictures and read a million books about the Alhambra, but nothing prepares you for the true impact and splendor of one of the world's finest palaces.

A few tangential notes:

Please pronounce Alhambra without the H: Al-ahm-brah

Granada is situated in the Spanish province of Andalucia. It was first named by the Vandals who invaded at the fall of the Roman Empire. They called Andalucia "Vandalous". When the Moors invaded in the year 711, they changed the name to Al Andalus.

The terror group Al Qaeda has added Andalucia to their terror wishlist. Many members of the group have added Al Andalus to their names. One must wonder that if they get their wish, if they will revive the practice of convivencia that their ancestors honored. Convivencia refers to the peaceful coexistence of Moslems, Christians, and Jews, with respect for religious freedom. Here is an article that mentions this wish by Al Qaeda; scroll down to the section labeled "Historical Roots". Here is a Homeland Security terror alert from last year concerning a Morrocan terror group called "Fath al-Andalous" - meaning "Conquest of Andalucia".

Curious to learn more about the Alhambra?

Check out the Alhambra home page!

Don't miss the lovely photo gallery.

Here are translations of some of the poetry carved into walls of the Alhambra. Keep in mind that much of the beauty is lost in translation.

For more pictures and history, check out this site.

Here is a site featuring the city of Granada. It has a section about the Alhambra, but it is quickly clear to see that there are numerous sights to see in the area.

Here is a flickr photo sharing page with numerous Alhambra photos that people have taken.

Last but not least, here is a lovely BBC video tour of the Alhambra. Despite the fact that the narrator insists on calling it the Al-HAM-bra, I'll forgive him.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Comments

Feb. 25, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

This is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this! I remember studying this during my study abroad in Spain and you explained it so well!

tati
www.wannajugarwithmigo.blogspot.com

• Permanent Link