|
|
|
Nasrid Palaces - detail I
 |
|
| [Ligne directrice - Note] Note du photographe |
ALHAMBRA
The Nasrid Palaces
detail
The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, «qa'lat al-Hamra'» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba.
The Alhambra is located on a strategic point, with a view over the whole city and the meadow (la Vega), and this fact leads to believe that other buildings were already on that site before the Muslims arrived. The complex is surrounded by ramparts and has an irregular shape. It limits with the valley of the river Darro on its northern side, with the valley of al-Sabika on its southern side and with the street Cuesta del Rey Chico on the eastern side. The Cuesta del Rey Chico is also the border between the neighbourhood of the Albaicin and the gardens of the Generalife, located on top of the Hill of the Sun (Cerro del Sol).
The first historical documents known about the Alhambra date from the 9th century and they refer to Sawwar ben Hamdun who, in the year 889, had to seek refuge in the Alcazaba, a fortress, and had to repair it due to the civil fights that were destroying the Caliphate of Cordoba, to which Granada then belonged. This site subsequently started to be extended and populated, although not yet as much as it would be later on, because the Ziri kings established their residence on the hill of the Albaicin.
The castle of the Alhambra was added to the city's area within the ramparts in the 9th century, which implied that the castle became a military fortress with a view over the whole city. In spite of this, it was not until the arrival of the first king of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I, 1238-1273), in the 13th century, that the royal residence was established in the Alhambra. This event marked the beginning of the Alhambra's most glorious period.
The old part of the Alcazaba was reinforced and the Watch Tower (Torre de la Vela) and the Keep (Torre del Homenaje) were built. Water was canalised from the river Darro, warehouses and deposits were built and the palace and the ramparts were started. These two elements were carried on by Mohammed II (1273-1302) and Mohammed III (1302-1309), who apparently also built public baths and the Mosque (Mezquita), on the site of which the current Church of Saint Mary was later built. |
wilkinsonsg, ChristianS, aznegrao, mumek, JesusV, Aldin_K trouve(nt) cette note utile
Only registered TrekEarth members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| Aucune | | Vous devez vous authentifier pour démarrer une discussion. |
|
A perfect demonstration both of repetitive patterns and simmetry in composition, with a well managed barrel correction...
Nice eye, Robert! As usual, may I add... ;-)
another good shot of repetition of patterns, I like the rich colours too of this palace, well done again
Once again a very sharp 'graphic' image, well captured with good colours, I think this one is my favourite so far, also, very comprehensive notes :)
Nice photo Robert with some nice geometric and symmetric patterns and great details again. I'm impressed by this kind of intricate islamic design which is present in your precedent photos, the carvings are really beautiful. Well captured!
- manny
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2979 W: 89 N: 4017]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(21378) - [2005-01-06 9:08]
-
Well-captured. Nice clear pattern presented in a very neat composition.
Texturas e cores perfeitas. O impacto do padrão e forte e agradavel. Gostei da nota explicativa.
Saudações Robert.
-
- mumek
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2210 W: 27 N: 2357]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(15888) - [2005-01-17 7:09]
-
Another beauty from your portofolio with very good light, and colors. Amazing details.Again excellent note.Thanks for posting
ziggy
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4755 W: 0 N: 5652]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(19221)