Gallery
Description
Property Name: Alcazaba
Inventory No: 34-958-2
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2007-10-30
Country (State party): Spain
Province: Granada
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 38° 53′ 48″ N
3° 3′ 1″ W
Historic Period:
Year of Construction: 11th – 14th century
Style: Moorish
Original Use: Fortress
Current Use: Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The Alcazaba is the fortress of the Alhambra which was initially constructed between the years 1026-1035. Then the fortress was expanded between the years 1232-1492, and there were some additions in the 16th century. It was originally built during the reign of Zirid dynasty, and it was enlarged by the Nasrids in the 14th century. The Alcazaba contained quarters and services for the military, baths, domestic architecture, and storerooms.
Selection Criteria
i. to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
State of Preservation
The Alcazaba was abandoned for a long time and only small sections remained due to lack of care. There were some survey, restoration, and plumbing works applied in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
References
Hattstein, Markus and Delius, Peter. Islam Art and Architecture. Könemann. Cologne, 2000
Archnet Web Site: http://archnet.org
Alhambradegranada Web Site: http://www.alhambradegranada.org