The Generalife

The Muslim kings of Granada needed a haven for relaxation, a place to set them apart  from the constant palace intrigues, the harassing fight with the Spaniards, the envy and jealousy of a few kinglets, brothers in faith, that attempted to sell themselves to the cross denigrating the Prophet's teachings in exchange for keeping themselves at their meager kingdoms.

The Nazari built, between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, a place with rich orchards and landscaped gardens with ponds and fountains of fresh and clear waters, an area exclusively designed for the soul to contemplate the mercies of Allah. That place was in the Alhambra, The Generalife, the perfect orchard, the paradise of rest and pleasure, the nearest thing to Jihad’s (Holy War against infidels) after death promised heaven.

“Those who obey Alah and His Envoy will be introduced in the Gardens irrigated by lively waters, where they will dwell forever” Quran (sura 4, verse 13)

A Watchover Almunia

As land was abrupt, they adapted and divided it using plots known as:  "Colorada”, “Grande”, “Fuentepeña” y “Merceria”. From these vintage points, they were able to watch and avoid being watched by others. They could also receive food even if they were besieged at that precise moment. In its outskirts, horses and other farm animals were raised.

Alarife’s Gardens

The name of Generalife has had several interpretations throughout its history, from "Garden" or "Zambrero’s vegetable garden", to "The large garden," "House of Guile and Recreation," "Mansion of Pleasure and great Recreation" and "Zither’s Player Garden”. The most widely accepted name today is Alarife’s Gardens, that is to say, Gardens of the architect or constructor.

After the conquest in 1492, Catholic Kings granted the farm to a warden for safekeeping and exploitation. This wardening was made perpetual from 1631 to Granada-Venegas family until, after a long lawsuit which was filed in the nineteenth century, it joined the State in 1921. There were originally several accesses but only three of them have left some remains. The most direct communicated the Almunia of Generalife with the Alhambra through the orchards. Another access point was the entrance through the gate where the gardeners lived and which is still standing beside the Entrance Pavilion. The third access point was located at the Gate of the Rams (Postigo de los Carneros), in the estate’s highest area. However, today the official tour starts at the point where a line of cypress trees were planted in honor of a visit by Isabel II in 1862.The entrance to Generalife is interesting for two reasons: On the one hand, its external look is undoubtedly rural, befitting a country house more than a palace; on the other hand, access through various courts at different levels, as previous steps of the palace space, clearly connects it with the access to Alhambra palace itself.

The vegetable gardens located on the southern side of the palace, between the Promenade of the Cypress Trees (Camino de los Cipreses) and the Promenade of the Walnut Trees (Camino de los Nogales), started to be transformed into landscaped gardens in 1930.

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The Parador de Granada offers its guests the opportunity to be among gardens and fountains of the Alhambra and remember the ancient history of this beautiful city. It was built on top of a Nazari palace. Today it offers its visitors common areas decorated with numerous works of art and high quality furnishings. In the rooms all we will find all the services and comfort typical of our paradores.

The Restaurant La Mimbre started in Granada in 1890, having as its main principle to be a kiosk for travelers. This restaurant, located in the magical neighborhood of the Alhambra, privileged part of the city, has received important personalities from the arts, music, writers, politicians or athletes. It has endured time in an extraordinary way. It offers special menus for corporate meetings or groups.