Approximately twenty years ago I purchased the book titled “Tales of Alhambra” by a Washington Irving at my local library book sale. The book details Irving’s travels through southern Spain, specifically around the city of Granada. He provided sketches and essays related to the traditions of both Moores and Spaniards. He did such a great job describing the city and its people that I added visiting the Alhambra to my bucket list.
I just got back from the Alhambra, and despite the fact that it’s changed alot from the mid-1800s, which is when the book was written, it lived up to my expectations.
During the 1800s, the region was in decline, and local historians credit traveling artists and authors like Washington Irving with increasing world interest in the area. This demand encouraged for preservation projects to take place, which is why the Alhambra is still here.
During my stay, I partook in a tour to The Alhambra palace, which was a Moor fortification. It satisfied me to see that right at the main entrance to the historical site, there is a huge monument honoring Washington Irving and his contribution to the preservation of this site.
It’s amazing how written words can resist time and keep on changing people’s lives. I want to imagine that somewhere, somehow, Irving smirked as I walked through the main gates of the Alha
by Bichobichir