After twenty years closed off and ten years of works, the Nasrid monument can finally be visited. Today is a great day for the Alhambra
Patio de los leones (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Almost 400 squared metres of surface of the Alhambra’s Patio of Lions are now paved with Macael white marble slabs, beautifying the famous sculpture that gives the place its name. Just how Muhammad V had planned it in the 14th century as a Nasrid Royal House, and exactly how it was related by the first chroniclers of the time.
The thorough research of the historic documentation from different national archives has revealed that the floor was covered with white marble towards the end of the 15th century, which is why the new intervention comes close to this image also used throughout the history of the monument’s preservation and will contribute to a better preservation of the fountain’s hydraulic system.
The president of the Andalusian government, Jose Antonio Griñan, accompanied by the councillor of Culture and Sport, Luciano Alonso, and the director of the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife, Maria del Mar Villafranca, assisted to the Patio’s reopening at 11 o’clock this morning, according to the Board’s sources.
The Patio of Lions will once again be visible after more than 20 years, as since 1990 it was only be possible to walk along the gallery, leaving the central area inaccessible. The lions have recovered their original colour and several elements that had deteriorated, like the ears, have now been restored.
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