Gardens of the Alhambra (IV)

Four small fountains with jets located along the longitudinal and frontal sides, whose water flows through small channels into the rooms, forming a silvery cross-shaped ribbon, enhance the impression of delightful freshness.

Light is also a fundamental element here, shining on the water and openly illuminating the patio before softly filtering through the pavilions into the adjoining rooms. The clear Mediterranean light significantly contributes to the brilliance of the space and the vibrancy of the landscape and its colors.

The Patio of the Grille is the result of renovations carried out during the reign of Emperor Charles V. Vegetation is limited to the presence of four beautiful cypress trees rising from a pavement of rustic pebble mosaics, adorned with a small octagonal fountain at the center of the patio. A two-story wooden loggia, offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape, is another key feature of this patio.

The Patio of Lindaraja, enclosed by the construction of the rooms used as the residence of Emperor Charles V, was later inhabited by Washington Irving during his stay in the apartments previously occupied by Philip V and Isabella Farnese. This garden retains its somber and austere ambiance. The asymmetrical arrangement of the cypress trees and other vegetation, combined with the surrounding porticoes and the fountain, filters the light, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere, further enhanced by the mysterious murmur of the fountain.

The Daraxa Garden, renovated in the 16th century, perfectly embodies the concept of an enclosed garden as a place of charm and delight. It reflects the distinct and austere style of Toledo courtyards, with its quintessentially Castilian gallery of wooden posts and corbels. This irregular trapezoidal garden is bordered on two sides by the grand palace of Charles V, while the other two sides are enclosed by a portico. At the center stands a beautiful Renaissance fountain; six flowerbeds bordered by dense boxwood hedges, each featuring cypress and orange trees, crown the fountain. This compact, dark mass of greenery heightens the paradisiacal effect of the fountain’s water jets.