Why is it called Generalife?

The most commonly cited etymology for the name “Generalife” is that it derives from jannat al-‘arīf (Arabic: جَنَّة الْعَرِيف) which may variously mean “Garden of the Architect”, “Garden of the Artist”, “Garden of the Gnostic”, or even “Garden of the Flautist”.

What does Generalife mean in english?

The word “Generalife” has been translated as “garden of paradise”, “orchard” or “garden of feasts”. After the city was conquered, the Generalife was granted by the Catholic Monarchs to the Granada Venegas family.

What is General Life Alhambra?

Gardens and Palaces Generalife – Alhambra A recreation house of the sultans of Granada, surrounded by orchards and gardens, these newly created, together with the amphitheater at the entrance, which hosts every year some of the shows of the Music and Dance Festival.

Why is the Alhambra and Generalife gardens famous?

In 1984 the Generalife was awarded the status of World Heritage Site alongside the Alhambra palace and together they form one of the most important legacies of Moorish architecture and design in Spain.

Is the Generalife inside the Alhambra?

This means that the Generalife was built before the Comares Palace. In spite of it being very close to the Alhambra and the close relationship between the two complexes, it is considered to be outside the city.

Where is the Alhambra and Generalife gardens Granada?

The Generalife is located on the hill Cerro del Sol, adjacent to the Alhambra.

Why is Generalife important?

The Generalife became a leisure place for the kings of Granada when they wanted to get away from the official affairs of the palace. It was built in the 13th century and it was redecorated by the king Abu I-Walid Isma’il (1313-1324), as it is explained by an inscription that dates from 1319.

Is the Alhambra an Islamic palace?

It is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, in addition to containing notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

Did slaves build the Alhambra?

The Alhambra, which resembles a fairy-tale palace, was constructed by slave labor in an era of economic decline, plague, and political violence.

Why is Alhambra so famous?

Why Is Alhambra Palace Famous? Situated on the Sabika hill, the Alhambra Palace provides a breathtaking view of the entire city of Granada. The complex itself is complemented by numerous gardens, one of them being the very famous Generalife Gardens created in a typical Persian style.

Who destroyed Alhambra?

Charles V, who ruled in Spain as Charles I (1516–56), rebuilt portions in the Renaissance style and destroyed part of the Alhambra in order to build an Italianate palace designed by Pedro Machuca in 1526.

What is the Alhambra used for today?

PalaceAlhambra / Function