Before reading about the night visit, I recommend checking out my entry on the Alhambra by day. It’s much more detailed and includes some of my tips on visiting the Alhambra.

Granada, home of the Alhambra, is pretty amazing. Take it from artist Henri Matisse, whose oeuvre is synonymous with dynamic colors and texture. He described Granada as “so moving that it stimulates and melts all of the senses.” After visiting the Alhambra on a clear winter morning, I thought this description could only be referring to the city by day. I wasn’t sure how a night visit could measure up to the glory of Granada under the sun.

Under the moonlight, the Alhambra was just as spectacular. In fact, there was something even more precious about the palaces in the quietude of night. There weren’t nearly as many people and at some points we had spaces all to ourselves. Also, even with the simplest lighting, details and textures that we had missed during the day appeared to leap right off the walls at night.

Here are some highlights from our breathtaking night visit to the Alhambra:

When it comes to Granada, and specifically the Alhambra, two visits are certainly better than one. I can’t wait for the opportunity to return (third time’s the charm!).