Finally made La Alhambra, but before we get to that I had a most eventful day on the road, going from Gibraltar to Granada. Quite a long haul actually, but a lot of variation. First mountain roads to Ronda, which has the most beautiful (and famous) little bridge. The town, former village, is divided by a gorge, El Tajo, some 130 meters deep. No bridge at first, so to visit your neighbour on the other side was a bit of a walk. Then they built this "new bridge" (there were two other ones, neither as spectacular). Finished in 1793 and since then socializing has been established in Ronda as well.
I thought the worst for the day was done getting to Ronda. Boy was I mistaken. Missed a road I'd planned to take and took the next instead. A very small mountain road, crossing over to the next bigger road. In Spain the road signs a usually very good, with warnings for just about everything along a specific road. This one only had one sign at the start, saying "Road in bad condition". Thought to cover for it all I guess.
It did. Add to that the usual curves and bends, high altitude, cliffs and step drops and oncoming traffic. Interesting hour before I got to the other end. Then the "bigger" road turned out just as small, but with far better tarmac and the usual good road signs.
Last part of the drive was highway. Not very exciting, but at least there was some rain. Very few drops, but each one the size of a bucket or so. Soaking when I finally made it to the campsite. A very good one, although they charge for wifi. Really think it should be included in the price!
Now then, the Alhambra. Does it love up to it's reputation and hausse?
Yes it does. I was informed that the number of tickets per day was limited and there were specific visiting hours. Yes, this is true, but as far as I understood this applies only to the old moorish part. The rest is open. Might be wrong here though. Got my booking at the campsite and exchanged that for a ticket at the gate. No problems at all.
It's a pity there's not much left in terms of furniture or tapestries etc. The place is really nice and with a bit of fantasy you see the moorish court and the warriors as well. Take your time though and ponder about the place, the people and the work put into it. Also, read Tales of the Alhambra (Washington Irving, sort of a local hero, although american), before going there. And make sure to get a map at the tourist office. Easy to lose track of which tower or gate is which otherwise...
While waiting for the bus back, I also had a look at Albayacin, the old quarters of Granada and yet another of these grand cathederals that have become sort of a hallmark for this journey.
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| Sierra de Ronda |
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| The new little bridge in Ronda |
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| Sierra Nevada from campsite |
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| Sunset over Sierra Nevada |
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| La Alhambra |
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| La Alhambra |
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| Courtyard of the Lions |
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| From the top |
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| Courtyard of Carlos V palace |
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| Le Generalife |
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| Le Generalife |
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Puerta de Justicia. It is said that when the hand reaches down and grabs the key, Sultan Boabdil and his army will be released from their enchanted captivity inside the mountain below La Alhambra and reclaim Andalucia.
Alternatively the palace will crumble to ruins.
Alternatively the moors will lose Andalucia to the christian spaniards, but as this has already happened I think we might disregard this last myth...
Lots of myth going round this place. |
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| Puerta de La Alhambra |
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| View from Albayacin |
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| Catedral de Granada |
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| More of the Cathederal |
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| Main altar |
