[Illustration: ELEVATION AND SECTION OF THE PALACE OF CHARLES V.]
[Illustration: INTERIOR, PALACE OF CHARLES V.]
[Illustration: PART OF EXTERIOR, PALACE OF CHARLES V.]
This pile of buildings, commenced for Charles V., was never finished, in consequence of his frequent absence, occasioned by the almost perpetual wars in which he was engaged, particularly in his efforts to suppress the insurrections of the Moors in the Alpujarras, and elsewhere.[12] The spot chosen for
[Illustration: ROMAN COURT, PALACE OF CHARLES V.]
the site of the Palace commands a most beautiful view of the city of Granada, as well as its surrounding _Vega_. As a specimen of Spanish architecture, it reflects the highest credit on Pedro Machuca, who began it in 1526. It is, in every way, adapted to the climate; and its interior, which, in its chief feature, takes a circular form, is spacious and splendid. In any other situation the Palace of Charles V. would justly excite admiration: but here it is misplaced. With all its grandeur and architectural excellence, Washington Irving could only look upon the structure as “an arrogant intrusion.” It is falling rapidly to decay. The walls are crumbling, the wood-work is rotten, and the splendid apartments--all that resulted from an intention to eclipse the palace of the Moslem kings--are given up to bats and owls.
This projected Palace, begun in 1526, progressed slowly until 1633, and was then abandoned. Whatever beauty there is in the Spanish Palace at Granada, is external. On the other hand, the Moors were content with the beauty of the interior of the Alhambra.
[Illustration: Plan of the Alhambra Palace at Granada.
_Specially drawn for Mʳ Albert F. Calvert’s book on the Alhambra, from measurements by the late M. Jules Goury_]
[Illustration: GROUND-FLOOR PLAN OF THE ALHAMBRA, AND OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PALACE OF CHARLES V.]
[Illustration: PLAN OF THE PALACE OF CHARLES V., AND OF THE SUBTERRANEOUS VAULTS OF THE ALHAMBRA.]
[Illustration: SUNK LINES ON THE WALLS, HALL OF JUSTICE AND COURT OF THE LIONS.]
[Illustration: FRIEZE IN THE HALL OF THE TWO SISTERS.]
[Illustration: PANEL ON JAMBS OF DOORWAYS, HALL OF THE TWO SISTERS.]
[Illustration: ORNAMENT IN PANELS, HALL OF THE BARQUE.]