Court of the Lions

Abstract

The famous fountain in the Court of the Lions. The dating of the stone lions has been disputed. Robert Irwin thinks they date from the 14th century, whereas most guide books prefer a date in the 11th century. The jet fountains are also most probably anachronistic—gentler flowing water is more plausible. Finally, the courtyard was once covered with white marble, and is so today after renovations in 2012. About this building, Robert Irwin in his book The Alhambra writes that ‘Though there is much of technical and historical interest to be said about the Court of the Lions, the first thing to be remarked is that it is, by common consent, one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and there are many who would even go beyond that qualified judgment.’

Description

The famous fountain in the Court of the Lions. The dating of the stone lions has been disputed. Robert Irwin thinks they date from the 14th century, whereas most guide books prefer a date in the 11th century. The jet fountains are also most probably anachronistic—gentler flowing water is more plausible. Finally, the courtyard was once covered with white marble, and is so today after renovations in 2012. For a full account of this court, see B49.210. For an account of the Alhambra, see slide B49.185.

References
Robert Irwin, The Alhambra. Profile Books, London, 2004. p. 49.
Image Notes

Photograph created 1963. Photograph processed September 1963. Formerly catalogued as B49.211, BV.030. Notes written on the slide or index: Court of the Lions.

Identifier CS.030
Collection CS: Granada
Location Granada, Spain
Year 1963
Batch Stamp SEP 63
Written Date 1963
Printed Date September, 1963
Index Notes Court of the Lions