Granada, Spain- July 27, 2011, The Alhambra Palace, Generalife, Carlos V palace, July 27th

The Alhambra Palace, Generalife, Carlos V palace, July 27th

Rob and I make it back by 4:40pm and take a few minutes to shower and freshen up before we head out to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife, a 10 minute walk away.  

 
 We start with the Renaissance palace of Carlos V. The circular plan with rounded arches ending on Ionic pillars on two levels, within a square plan, uses the Renaissance architectural design elements of geometry and mathematical balance and 








 

proportions.  This roofless structure reminds me of a cross between the Pantheon in Rome,
with its round oculus above, and an open coliseum which allows sunlight to enter inside. 

Realizing we needed to boot it (read: recommended time for the Alhambra is 4 hours and arriving after 5pm, we were doing it in less than 3 hours!), we took off for Generalife, meaning “Architect’s house”, at the far end of the complex.  

The most beautiful and enchanting gardens welcomed us into the Generalife grounds and invited us to stay to admire the framed views of the city and the palace.  

 

The Moorish influenced Generalife is designed with very typical architectural features admired by many architects.

It’s southern facing orientation, hilltop site, windows framing picturesque views, playful interaction between water, nature, and architecture reminds me of other masterpieces, in particular the monastery of St. Francis of Assisi, in Assisi, Italy.  
 

Open windows continued to frame outside views.  

Water and nature are key architectural elements throughout the building highlighted in the courtyards and gardens throughout.

The palace rooms typically include rounded arches, beautifully intricate carved tracery tiles or vibrant and beautiful blue tiles or stained glass windows.  

When the stained glass is placed above the open windows, it creates a beautiful interplay between the site and the building.













I admire the beauty and character of doorways. These two Islamic arched doorways show the character of Moorish architecture of the Alhambra.

Palace rooms endlessly opened onto courtyards, which felt like at least 4 or 5 in throughout the palace.  

The Alhambra is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I have ever experienced!

The interplay of light and shadow is dramatic and playful.

Round plan rooms I believe were places of worship, topped with circular domes symbolizing heaven. 

The Alhambra is all about views of nature and places of spirituality, worship and God and the interplay of nature inside architecture.  I believe one of the Islamic inscription is loosely translated to: " Allah is the one".  Here, the second story window provides a great opportunity to look down into the courtyard.