Granada (Grenade)
Également connu sous : Granada (Grenade), Granada, Grenade
Place places/cities Basic Mis à jour: 2026-03-06
Voir dans le journal 8 mentions Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2026-02-10 Diary Coverage: Spanish travels
Overview
Granada, the last stronghold of Moorish Spain (falling to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492), was one of the most dramatic destinations on the Bashkirtseff family's Spanish travels. The Alhambra palace, perched above the city with views of the Sierra Nevada, was one of Europe's most romantic and celebrated monuments, drawing artists, writers, and travelers from across the continent.
Historical Context (1870s)
- The Alhambra: The magnificent Moorish palace complex, already a major tourist attraction
- Washington Irving: His "Tales of the Alhambra" (1832) had popularized the city
- Orientalist interest: The Moorish heritage of Granada fascinated 19th-century artists and writers
- The Albaicin: The old Moorish quarter, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets
- Gypsy culture: The Sacromonte neighborhood, famous for cave-dwelling Roma communities and flamenco
Significance for Marie
- Artistic inspiration: The Alhambra's decorative arts represented a unique aesthetic tradition
- Romantic setting: Granada's dramatic landscape and history appealed to the Romantic sensibility
- Cultural education: Understanding Moorish Spain was part of a well-rounded European education
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