[🇪🇸Granada] The different charms of the Alhambra, the Alcazaba and the Palace of Carlos V

The Alhambra is famous for the beautiful Nasrid Palaces with their delicate decorations, but there are two other important buildings on the premises. The Alcazaba, which served as a fortress, and the Palace of Carlos V, built by King Carlos V of Spain. We will introduce the history and charm of each. Alcazaba - the oldest fortress in the Alhambra The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra and once functioned as a fortress. Although it is located within the palace grounds, it gives the impression of being a powerful stone defense facility, unlike the refined palace architecture. This fortress existed before the Alhambra was developed into a palace, and successive kings ruled Granada from here. Currently, only parts of the walls and towers remain, but the view from the observation deck was spectacular. In particular, from the top of the tower called Torre de la Vela, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Granada. The view of the cityscape with its red-brown roofs and the Sierra Nevada mountain range towering in the distance was truly spectacular. It was very moving to think that the kings of the past had seen this view. Palace of Carlos V – An unusual presence in the Alhambra There is another unique building in the Alhambra. That is the Palace of Carlos V. The sight of a huge Renaissance-style building towering over a site characterized by Islamic architecture was a little strange. This palace was ordered to be built in the 16th century by King Carlos V of Spain. He loved the Alhambra so much that he tried to build his own palace there, but it was never completed. Nevertheless, its magnificent circular courtyard still boasts an impressive scale and a beauty reminiscent of Roman architecture. Today, inside the palace there is an art museum and a museum introducing the history of the Alhambra, where you can learn more about its history. However, I personally felt that this Renaissance-style palace looked a bit out of place compared to the graceful Islamic architecture of the Nasrid Palaces. Tips for visiting It is recommended to visit the Alcazaba in the morning or evening. During the day, the sun is strong and there are few shadows, so it is more comfortable to visit during the cooler hours. Admission to the Palace of Carlos V is free. You can visit it without a ticket to the Alhambra, so it is a good idea to stop by if you have time. The Alcazaba as an observation point. The view from Torre de la Vera is one of the most spectacular views in the Alhambra. When it comes to the Alhambra, the beautiful decorations of the Nasrid Palaces tend to catch your eye, but you should also not miss the historical grandeur of the Alcazaba and the distinctive design of the Palace of Carlos V. By visiting places filled with the thoughts of rulers of different eras, I was able to feel the multifaceted charm of the Alhambra more deeply. #Granada #Alhambra #Alcazaba #Palace of Carlos V #Spain travel #historical building #great view #Spring 0 yen trip