Bucket List Gardens, Part One-Moorish Gardens of Andalusia

We can all dream and what better time to do it than in the depths of Winter. If money and time were no object what is the one garden you would like to visit? Over the next few weeks the blog will feature a number of gardens, suggested by members, to put on our bucket lists. This week
Moorish Gardens of Andalusia, Spain.

The Moors originated as a nomadic people, mostly but not all Islamic, traveling across North Africa, establishing new cities and conquering existing ones.  In 711 AD, they crossed into Europe at Gibraltar and established an advanced civilization in the area they called Al-Andalus, now known as Andalusia. They brought with them the concept of Paradise gardens.


Elements of Moorish Gardens

The Moorish garden is designed to permeate all the senses. Light, sound, scent, flow of air, taste and view were all thoughtfully incorporated.

Linear Design

The four-plot layout is the essence of the Moorish garden.  Although not originating with Islam, the concept is repeated throughout the Koran, there called chahar bagh (four gardens) In its simplest form the garden would consist of a central water pool with running water rills reaching out from it to break the garden into quarters.  The plots represent the four gardens of paradise divided by four rivers of water, wine, milk and honey fed by an eternal spring. Lines are reinforced by symmetrical plantings and long avenues often bordered by low trimmed hedges to guide the eye.

Alhambra garden

Royal Palace, Seville

Water

Water in a dry climate was a treasured commodity and the sound of it was reassuring and calming. The Moors mastered the science of water dynamics and irrigation, using it to incorporate fountains, hydraulic spouts, tranquil pools and flowing channels. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing these structures functioned as a cooling system in the walled spaces.

Architects garden, Alhambra

Water staircase, Alhambra. Originally the water would have flowed down the steps but renovations over the centuries now direct the water to side channels only.

Edible and Aromatic Plants

The aromas of jasmine, rose, myrtle, laurel, and other flowering species were used to guide spiritual contemplation.  The sunken planting of orange trees in the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens) at the Real Alcázar demonstrates the care taken to stimulate the sense of smell. The position ensuring their fragrant blossoms would be at face height for passers by.

Sunken orange garden, Royal Palace, Seville

Patterns

Mosaic tiles, carved doors, long perspectives, fret work and arches are a hallmark of Moorish gardens. Openings were designed to draw the eye, filter light and support the flow of air.

Garden of the Maidens, Royal Palace, Seville

detail of above 

Ready to go? Here are a few links to travel companies. A "cheaper" way is to fly to UK, take an Easy Jet flight to Malaga, shuttle to Granada rent an apartment within walking distance of the Alhambra palace for a few days (approx $125 a night) and take advantage of excursions from the town to other gardens.

https://www.brightwaterholidays.com/tours/garden-tours/gardens-and-architecture-of-andalucia/

https://www.goaheadtours.ca/guided-tours/grand-tour-of-spain

https://travel.saga.co.uk/holidays/destinations/europe/spain/costa-tropical/moorish-and-modern-gardens-of-spain.aspx

https://www.roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/22107/Winter-in-Spain-Andalusian-Highlights

All images provided by Spain tourism except final one, credit: www.e-travelmag.com/spain/moors-seville/