Spain is about to become the most visited country in the world. Since 2009 visits have increased by 44.3% and it is not surprising. The people, the beauty of its monuments, the gastronomy, the art and more have made it one of the most desired points to visit in Europe.
The country is a unique destination that is worth visiting in its entirety, and a good idea is to get there with Iberia and its new fleet of planes, which have a Premium tourist class, a new entertainment program and a very punctual service. Thus, reaching the most impressive points of the country is easier than ever. The Alhambra is one of them, and hand in hand with the airline we tell you its impressive history.
The fascinating history of the Alhambra
At the top of Sabika Hill in Granada stands what was once a fort for military purposes, a palace and a small town. The splendor of the place on that hill has an impressive history with centuries of history that make it the second most visited destination in Spain only after La sagrada familia.
Alhambra, although many believe that it simply means “red”, actually means “red or vermilion castle” in Arabic. This castle is the building that from the heights cares for, symbolizes and beautifies Granada, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain that in recent years has become a must-see destination for anyone who boasts of knowing how to travel.
The history of the Alhambra begins in the 9th century, when the fort was created solely for military purposes. However, 400 years later the Zirish monarch named Muhammed Al-Ahmar settled there and the city really gained the splendor that we can appreciate today. It was he who began to restore and expand the old fort, but his descendants also worked to leave one of the greatest exponents of Andalusian art that mixes Arab and Spanish culture, reflecting a unique and unsurpassed beauty.
In 1492, just as Spain began the conquest of America, the Alhambra became a Christian court and new changes came. Carlos V carried out great reforms in the place, which were not free of controversy at the time and thanks to that the following monarchs also transformed the place, although in a more discreet way.
During the 18th and 19th century it fell into oblivion and became a place full of bars and dangerous people. Finally, the Napoleonic invasion turned it into a military barracks and when it was abandoned it definitely suffered serious damage.
But in 1870 it was made a national heritage site and artists, engineers, conservators and more set out to revive its former glory.
Today, the fort is a guardian of Granada, decorating this city that, regardless of the Alhambra, has a special beauty that is worth visiting.
What else to do in Granada?
After a day in the Alhambra and the Generalife, the best thing you can do is experience the cathedral and the Royal Chapel; although if the monuments have tired you and you want something quieter, a walk through the old Albaicín neighborhood will make you feel that only a perfect trip leaves in you.
The best thing is that you can end your day with a show somewhere in the Sacromonte neighborhood and experience contemporary Spanish culture.
Granada is small and you can spend two days in it and leave satisfied, but at the same time it has so many things to spend more than a week surprising yourself with a town in which each house looks like a work of art and it doesn’t matter from what angle You see it, it always has something new for you.
Fly with Iberia and arrive in Granada in the best way. With excellent service on board, you will be able to feel the sensation of being on a trip even before you arrive.
Enjoy it!