Dónde vamos Eva
Entering the city of the Alhambra
You have various options from where to enter the small city of the Alhambra. One of them, which is extremely interesting, is to head up the Gomérez slope (which can be done by bus), arrive at the Puerta de las Granadas and enjoy a pleasant stroll between the elm and chestnut trees and the lush vegetation until you get to the Puerta de la Justicia.
If you prefer a quick visit, to get acquainted or just want to enjoy a nice walk, the entrance to the Alhambra from this point is recommended. Now if what you want to do visit the Nasrid Palaces and you have an arranged time, it would be better to enter at the box office being that it is quite a trek to the Puerta de la Justicia.
The magnificent and superb Torre de la Justicia (Justice Tower) receives us proudly, she’s conscious of the treasures she’s amassed and "sticks her chest out". Standing since the 13th century, it was one of the bastions of the city of the Alhambra that was surrounded by 37 towers, built over 150 years. The Alhambra was started by the Sultan Mohamed as he wanted to build a fortress to protect his dynasty: the Nasrid.
It is curious to observe once again (if you have already visited the rest of the complex) the overlapping Muslim and Christian symbols. If you enter for the first time from this gate, be prepared to see this constant juxtaposition appearing throughout the visit. On one side, the open hand symbolizing the five precepts of the Koran, on the other, the Muslim key and as a counterpoint the Madonna and her child. It is here that one realizes everything has its place and nothing is exclusive, like the two faces of a coin ;-)
The Alhambra has a number of legends, myths and stories that are typical in a place of this size. One of the most famous is the Legend of the Puerta de la Justicia (known as the Law in Muslim times). It states that the day the open hand and the key that crowns every arch of the Tower touch, will be the day the Alhambra crumbles. This legend has to do with its solid construction that they assured even a 100.000 man army could not demolish.
I love those stories, they make the imagination soar. And if like me, the Puerta de la Justicia is the end of the visit to the Alhambra, it is a beautiful way to finish what has been one of the most amazing and captivating visits of all my travels!
It will always reserve special place in my heart! Alhambra forever ;-)
Warning: this entrance is free of charge but gives no right to visit the palace complex! I recommend booking your ticket on the phone or the internet, you will save a lot of time skipping long queues and scheduling conflicts. All the access points are well connected to the bus network.
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