An Infinity of Intricacy - The Alhambra Palace and Islamic Art

Described by Moorish poets as “a pearl set in emeralds”, the Alhambra is a gorgeous palace situated in densely-wooded hills in Granada, Spain. It dates from around the 9th Century when it was a fort though it was rebuilt in the 11th Century and became a royal palace in 1333. The Palace of St Charles V was added in 1527 but the Alhambra subsequently fell into disrepair until it was rediscovered and renovated in the 19th Century. Today, the Alhambra is an enduring testament to the beauty of Islamic art and architecture.

Each room of the palace is decorated in its own style and is palpably different from the last. Light, pattern and colour combine to create a dazzling effect. The decorations are typical of Andalusian art and feature many geometric and tessellating shapes all over the walls, ceilings and floors. Typically, Islamic art doesn’t contain images of nature. As such, these pieces transcend a single subject category. They are an embodiment of mathematics, religion and aesthetic design.

The Alhambra has striking artistic and architectural features such as horseshoe arches, arabesques and calligraphy. The Hall of Abencerrajes has a domed ceiling with around 5000 cells of “honeycomb” vaulting. The magnificent golden ceiling is lit by sixteen skyward windows and the name of the hall is derived from a legend according to which the father of Boabdil, the last sultan of Granada, invited his chiefs to a banquet then massacred them here. However, if the serenity of the palace is anything to go by, it’s probably just a legend! To the exterior, reflecting pools are used to mirror the palace and effectively double its grandeur. A photographer’s favourite, the Court of Lions, sits to the East and features 124 irregularly-placed white marble columns and an alabaster fountain supported by twelve lions.

The Alhambra is a uniquely spiritual place and is as beautiful as it is culturally significant. For equally unique accommodation on the doorstep of the magnificent palace, look no further than the Ladron de Agua – our award-winning boutique hotel.