Located in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex (originally constructed as a fortress in 889 and converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada).

Amongst its many buildings, “The Partal”, which means portico, is one of the most important of those that belonged to the magnates who lived around the Royal Palace.

The Partal is formed by the five arches that often reflect on the rectangular pond. The central arch is the only original of the five (they rest on marble columns, although they used to be brick pillars).

The Partal represents a form of paradise, something more than a mere oasis surrounded by walls. The space is an authentic metaphor of the paradise the Creator promised to his followers, the oasis effect is created by the subtle use of water and the gardens, whose Babylonic terraces offer magnificent views of the Albayzín (Granada’s oldest town).

Focal Journey (by Gustavo Espinola)