This Magnificent Palace Complex In Spain Is One Of Rick Steves' Favorite Spots In Europe

In the nearly five decades Rick Steves has been traveling through Europe, the expert has seen almost every corner of this small but vibrant continent. Through his journeys, Steves has come across some truly magical places. However, of all the European masterpieces he's come across, there is one magnificent palace complex in southern Spain that is one of Steves' all-time favorite spots: Granada's Alhambra. 

Granada is a city of many ancient societies and religions that have influenced its cultural make-up today, including Christian, Jewish, Gypsy (or Roma), and Muslim peoples. On his blog, Steve writes, "For seven centuries (711–1492), much of Spain was Muslim, ruled by the Islamic Moors from North Africa. While the rest of Europe was slumbering through the Dark Ages, Spain blossomed under Moorish rule. The culmination was the Alhambra — a sprawling complex of palaces and gardens atop a hill in Granada." Constructed over the span of a century, from 1238 to 1358, the palace served as an administrative center for Moorish sultans and their families before it was taken over by Spain's Catholic Monarchy in the late 15th century.

Today, the Alhambra is one of Granada's greatest tourist attractions. Set on a high promontory on the outskirts of the city, you can see the walls of the great fortress from most areas in the city. You can easily access it by local bus or a quick cab ride from the city center. Once you get there, you are in for one of the most magnificent architectural wonders in all of Europe.

There are many examples of Moorish architecture throughout Spain, such as the exquisite Seville Cathedral — one of the largest in all of Europe — that began as a Muslim Mosque. However, the Alhambra has to take the cake as the most stunningly intricate example of medieval Moorish art and construction. Covered in etched calligraphy pronouncing the wonders of God, every inch of the Alhambra is an artistic marvel that requires time and wonder to fully appreciate.

Two of Steves' favorite spots to visit are the Generalife gardens and the Courtyard of Lions, which contains a photo-worthy fountain composed of 12 marble lions. He says the gardens have "manicured hedges, reflecting pools, playful fountains, and a breezy summer palace" that are great for exploring. The Grand Hall of the Ambassadors is another must-see spot in this already amazingly decorated palace. Look upwards to see a ceiling that Steves says was "made from 8,017 inlaid pieces of wood," depicting an intricate pattern that is suggestive of the infinite nature of God.

This wondrous architecture and how well it has been preserved over the last few centuries make the Alhambra a top tourist destination. Because of this, tickets sell out fast. Steves' smart approach for getting into European museums and sites is to book your tickets well in advance of your visit. This way, you are guaranteed entry and won't suffer the disappointment of being turned away at the door and never experiencing this truly wondrous palace.

While the Alhambra is a must when it comes to visiting Granada (one of Spain's most underrated cities), there are plenty of other side treks that Steves recommends to provide a fully rich experience to this unique Spanish city. The Royal Chapel is the best example of Christian architecture, containing the tombs of Queen Isabelle and King Ferdinand, whose marriage established modern Spain. The standard Gothic design of the cathedral might not be as intricate as the Alhambra, but its scale is just as breathtaking.

Outside of religious sites, Granada is a vibrant city that blends numerous cultures. Steves recommends checking out the Sacromonte hillside to experience the local gitano culture. "In the very caves that originally housed this community, musicians entertain tourists with guitar strumming and zambra dancing, similar to flamenco," he writes. The Cave Museum of Sacromonte offers visitors an excellent glimpse into the history of this unique culture, while also providing excellent views of the Alhambra.

You'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't check out the food scene in Granada. Follow Steves' Spanish restaurant hack and order some tapas, the country's signature appetizers, instead of a full meal. In Granada and many other cities in the south, a tapa will typically come with a drink, too, so you'll save money and have a wider range of culinary delights to choose from in this wonderful melting pot of cultures in Spain.