Generalife, Granada, Spain - SpottingHistory

The Palacio de Generalife was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The palace and gardens were built during the reign of Muhammed II (1273-1302), Sultan of Granada, and later by Muhammed III (1302–1309). They were redecorated shortly after by Abu I-Walid Isma'il (1313–1324). Much of the garden is a recent reconstruction of dubious authenticity.

The complex consists of the Patio de la Acequia (Court of the Water Channel or Water-Garden Courtyard), which has a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, colonnades and pavilions, and the Jardím de la Sultana (Sultana's Garden or Courtyard of the Cypress). The former is thought to best preserve the style of the medieval Persian garden in Al-Andalus.

Originally the palace was linked to the Alhambra by a covered walkway across the ravine that now divides them. The Generalife is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens.

The present-day gardens were started in 1931 and completed by Francisco Prieto Moreno in 1951. The walkways are paved in traditional Granadian style with a mosaic of pebbles: white ones from the River Darro and black ones from the River Genil.

The Generalife is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, along with the Alhambra palace and gardens, and the Albayzín district.

References:

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User Reviews

Alice Wilson (2 years ago)
One must devote a whole day to see every corner of Generalife, it is worthy to visit it separately from Nasrid Palace and Alcazaba, because it is very big and has endless spots to discover and make photos! One can have food and drinks to have small stops and recharge. It is a breathtaking place!

Waleed (2 years ago)
IMPORTANT: There are quite a few checks for passport and your ticket in this area. Make sure to bring these with you or else they’ll deny you entrance. Would highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. A beautiful garden amongst the old fortresses and walls. I would advise to visit these areas in the earlier parts of the day, ideally before noon as that’s when the rush begins to settle in. I had a great time with my family and this part of the tour took about an hour to complete with lots of photography spots along the way.

Galib Bin Mohammad (2 years ago)
Unbelievably beautiful! Breathtaking! The whole place is like the garden of eden! How the Muslim minds and imagination worked, this place is one of the best examples of that. Creative, Natural, Soothing, Refreshing, yet Practical!

Rushad (2 years ago)
Gorgeous garden with a multitude of different plants. Each plant has a history in the generalife. Lots of beautiful budding and blooming roses. The smells are really great

Natalia Li (2 years ago)
Free entrance, I recommend going there separate from Alhambra or after all palaces with the paid entrance. In March there weren't too many plants so as a garden it wasn't impressive. It does have a few nice views over the city but I'm glad I didn't have to pay for entrance, expected much more from it.

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