Summary
Travelers' accounts reveal significant insights into the evolution of the Huertas of the Generalife, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín in Granada. The study demonstrates that these historic gardens underwent substantial transformations over centuries, from their origins as a simple agricultural area to a complex landscape integrated with the Alhambra's palace complex. By analyzing narratives from visitors dating back to the 16th century, researchers reconstructed changes in plant species, irrigation systems, and garden layout, highlighting the interplay between natural and human factors in shaping this iconic site. This approach offers a unique perspective on the cultural and ecological history of one of Spain's most renowned landscapes.
Citation
Esteban Hernández-Bermejo, J., Navarro-Burgos, M., & García-Sánchez, E. (2013). The Huertas of the Generalife in the Alhambra, an approach to the evolution of this landscape based on travelers’ accounts. Studies in the History of Gardens & Designed Landscapes, 33(1), 52–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/14601176.2012.755291