Brent Through Europe: Alhambra and Alcazar

I couldn’t believe the lines and security at the Alhambra. At the door we picked up our tickets, which were scanned as we walked in. By the time we had left (where they were again scanned), it couldn't have been scanned less than half a dozen times. The Alhambra was an amazing display of Muslim architecture which really could have blown me away, but the lines were equally stunning, and it was difficult to be awed when shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists all jockeying for the perfect photo spots. I’m glad we went, but all in all felt that the alcazar in Seville provided much the same architecturally with a fraction the crowds, security, velvet ropes, and price-gouging opportunism. Think Knott’s Berry Farm vs. Disneyland.

One description would fit for both places equally, as they were quite similar. That’s why I’m grouping them together here and why i didn’t talk about the alcazar earlier.

It was incredible to me that most of the walls from should-height upward were completely covered in carvings of Arabic patterns, designs, and words. I was literally unable to fathom the amount of energy and time and effort that must have gone into constructing these fortresses.

At the time they were built, I can only imagine them being even more opulent, especially in contrast to everything around them. They must have been symbols of such complete lavishness and absolute power that it would make a peasant's head spin to step inside. how I wish I could step back in time to when these were used for their intended purpose. When there were no park benches, ropes, recorded announcements, and cheesy gift shops. When they used fountains designed to take advantage of natural water flow instead of using pumps. When people went about the corridors on their day-to-day business and weren't wearing nametags and uniforms. Still, I feel blessed to have been able to visit them.