The main highlights of the Palacio Nazaries for many tourists are the Patio de los Arrayanes (“Court of the Myrtles”), Torre de Comares (“Comares Tower”), and the Patio de los Leones (“Court of the Lions”).
The Court of the Myrtles was named after the fragrant evergreen hedges that ran parallel to a large rectangular reflecting pool. The unmistakable beauty of this space is its elegant and symmetrical simplicity.
FUN FACT: In Arabic, myrtle is referred to as al-rayhan (“the aromatic”, the Spanish equivalent is Arrayan) because of the sweet scent that is released when the dainty leaves and white star-shaped flowers are rubbed. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant is well-adapted to dry soil and temperate weather conditions and bears fruit that is used for both food and medicine. It is believed that a sprig of myrtle was given to those before they entered Islamic paradise. One could say myrtle was the fragrance of Jannah.
Rising 45 meters at the north end of the Patio de los Arrayanes is the Torre de Comares (the tallest tower in The Alhambra). The tower gets its name from the comares or stained-glass windows that subtly illuminate the room.
The interior of the tower is composed of a narrow vestibule (the Sala de la Barca or “Hall of the Boat”) and a large main room (the “Hall of the Ambassadors”). The Hall was the royal throne room of The Alhambra and where the Emir would receive dignitaries. The walls are richly decorated in the ataurique style (repeating decorative motifs of vegetal and floral patterns). Powerful phrases from the Quran in Arabic script are also used as adornment. Traces of the once gold-laden floor still glint in places in the afternoon sun. The overall effect is one of unequivocal majesty.
Only the ceilings of the vestibule and throne room can eclipse the walls and floors and must be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate their opulence!
Leave a comment