Generalife Gardens

It is advised to make reservation in advance to avoid crowding. Timetables: Combined visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife. Day visits: March to October, 8.30am-2 pm and 2–8 pm. November to February, 8.30am–2 pm and 2–6pm. Evening visits: March to October, Tuesday to Saturday, 10–11:30pm. November to February, Friday and Saturday, 8–9:30pm. Gardens: March to October, 8.30am–2pm and 2–8pm. November to February, 8.30am–2pm and 2–6pm. Closed: 1 January and 25 December. Entry fee: Combined ticket for the Alhambra and the Generalife. General: €10 Reduced: €7 (over 65s, pensioners and European Union Members, with ID); 5 € (gardens only). Free: disabled and children under 8, with ID. Services: Bookshop, Specialist shop, Guided tour. The gardens of the Generalife date back to the 1200's AD. In medieval times they would have contained fruits as well as flowers. Today plants are selected for their aromas and color. A short walk from the Alhambra palaces takes you into the Generalife Gardens. Again the interpretation of these gardens was to resemble as closely as possible paradise on earth (as paradise is explained in the Koran)the gardens have been modified several times in the interim period. It is in these gardens that Granadas annual music and dance festival takes place. The Generalife Gardens (a.k.a. Yannat al Arif) surround the beautiful Casas Reales in the Alhambra complex. The meaning of Generalife, "the garden of lofty paradise," certainly fits the wonderful orchards, pastures, and flower beds. In the 13th century, the Generalife served as the country estate of the Nasrid kings. Here, the kings would escape to enjoy themselves high above the city (closer to the heavens). One feature that was particularly intriguing in the gardens was the system of running water. From the Escalera del Agua, leading to the highest point of the gardens, there is a small stream of water that flows down to the remainder of the gardens. The inspiration for the Garden of Generalife is supposed to be nothing less than the Koranic description of Paradise. Running water and plenty of shaded areas together with fresh plants of all sorts; there was nothing that appealed more to the rulers of Granada, who never forgot their historic past of the hot desert. All of the Generalife is delightful, and the views towards the Alhambra, the city of Granada and the mountains make this a place to walk slowly. A nice thing to do here, is to buy some food in one of Granada's delicacies and eat your lunch here.