Space November 2012: The houses of the Partal

The Partal is the area that stretches from the court of the Lindaraja which has been taken over by gardens and terraces that surrounding and old parcially preserved palace. The gardens were designed during the first third of the XX century, integrating arqueological and arquitectonical remainings. Due to the decorative typology it is believed that it was built by Muhammad III times (1302-1309). It was probably the first nasrid's palace seatlement.

Next to the portico of the palace, four independent Moorish houses are found, although some researchers have pointed out the possibility of only being three. All of them have two floors but not courtyard.

Inside one of the houses some remainings of the external paintings of the portico have been preserved, as well as a mural decorations with scenes of the Nasrid Court. These paintings, made in stucco, are divided in 3 horizontal sections where different scenes can be observed: in the botton frieze hut scenes are represented; the middle one represents the return to the campsite with the plunder; and the upper frieze is decorated with festivity scenes.

These paintings are very interesting to reconstruct aspects of the daily life of these times, from the gowns to he way parties were hold. They constitute an example against the traditional idea of the prohibition by the Koran of doing human representations, since actually what the Koran indicates is the prohibition of idolatry.

Name: The house of the Partal.

Chronology: XIV Century.

Highlights: The mural painting of the nearest house to the portics of the tower of the ladies.

Timetable: From 8:30 to 18:00. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Access: With the general ticket of the monumental complex of the Alhambra.

Capacity: Maximum 30 people.

Source: Patronato of the Alhambra