Upon arriving at the Alhambra, we confirmed that the Comares Palace is in effect one of the most precious jewel in the compound. We observed it carefully, as if wanting to record every single detail and unique element in our minds. It was a real privilege enjoying it. Continue reading “The “Comares” Palace”
We arrived at the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid, believing that we could see for the first time a structure designed by the great Velazquez. We discovered the Velazquez work, but it was not done by the famed painter. This Velazquez turned out to be the architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. There are a few years between them, the painter pertained to the XVII century, whereas the architect was of the XIX century. Confused no longer, we moved onward to enjoy the Palace of Exhibitions known as the Velazquez Palace and the current exhibit. Continue reading “The Velazquez Palace”
We finally got to see what had us very curious, the famous Arab baths and a little of their history. Since the late XIX century, the Nogal Baths are known simply as the “Bañuelo”, a diminutive used since it is smaller in size than other royal baths in the Alhambra.
The “Bañuelo” of Granada is one of the oldest, most important and most completely conserved in Spain. It is also considered as one of the oldest Moorish works in Granada. It is rectangular in shape with concrete walls with the different halls being covered by brick vaults with skylights in octagonal and star shape, thus providing lighting. We confirmed that these were in fact skylights.
During the reign of the Catholic Kings, the Arab or Moorish baths were considered to be brothels, therefore it is amazing that this “Bañuelo” was conserved so well.
Scholars and experts have been unable to agree on when this “Bañuelo” was actually built. Yet, everything seems to point towards the end of the Zirid Dyanasty, somewhere between the XI and XII centuries. 
It has a privileged location on a important street in a highly populated area and near the Bab al-Bunud gateway, known as the Gate of Banners.
The “Bañuelo” of Granada was declared a National Monument in 1918 and the architect Torres Balbás was in charge of its restoration.
When in Granada, visiting the “Bañuelo” should be on your bucketlist. A great experience.
The “Bañuelo” is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. It is closed on Mondays, Sundays and holidays.
Address: Carrera del Darro 31, Granada
Telephone: 958 229 738
Entry price: €2,00
The city of Córdoba, Spain, is known as the City of the Seven Gates, in reference to the seven entry points of the walled city. The Almodóvar Gate is current the best conserved of all those existing in Córdoba. It is found close to the “Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos” and with easy access from the “Cairuán” Street. It is located in a very centric part of the city just a few steps from the Red Cross Hospital and the “Judíos” Street, one of the most popular street within the Jewish quarters. Continue reading “The Almodóvar Gate, Córdoba”
The Romans knew very well what they were doing when they founded Astigi, making it the head of one of the four provinces of Andalusia. Astigi was the principal axis for its “Via Augusta”, the main road throughout Andalusia. Continue reading “Our conquest of Andalusia began in Astigi”
The crown jewel of our adventure known as “Spain 2017” was “La Alhambra” in Granada. 
This monument’s prominence during season 2 of the Spanish television series “Isabel”, would only make us yearn to someday visit it. The pictures viewed of it while surfing the web, would further fuel our desire to visit this World Heritage classed monument.
Our visit to the “Alhambra” began entering the great fortress or citadel. This reminded us of our own walled city of the Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. Continue reading ““La Alhambra” – Part II”
“El Generalife”:
We had traveled during the autumn and hence nightfall began early in Granada. Behind us were the walls that house the “Alhambra” and the “Alcazaba” as we continued towards the “Generalife”. Continue reading ““La Alhambra” – Part III”
The “Imperial City” or the “City of the three Cultures”, we are in Toledo. Part of the “Castilla – La Mancha” autonomous region of Spain, the alias of the “City of the Three Cultures” is as a result of the long peaceful coexistence of the Muslims (Moors), Jews and Christians. Continue reading “Toledo, we’ll be back”
The early dawn sunlight began peeking through the curtains on the window of our hotel room as we still relished the great satisfaction and joy of having visited the “Alhambra” the day before. The new dawn heralded that there was still much to be seen, visited and discovered in Granada. Continue reading “Granada, so magnificant”