28 Apr, 2024 @ 13:00
1 min read

Saudi Arabia builds a replica of Spain’s stunning Alhambra Palace in Granada

A REPLICA of Granada’s stunning Alhambra Palace has been built in Saudi Arabia. 

One of the most emblematic monuments in Spain, the Alhambra palace has defined Granada since it was built in the 1200s. 

It’s no wonder then that it has become the country’s must visit destination. 

The Alhambra has become so desirable that it has been copied in exact detail by Saudi Arabia’s royal family. 

READ MORE: Disney fans vote for Alhambra Palace in Spain’s Granada to feature in future blockbuster: Here’s what it would look like according to AI

Many Spanish businesses took part in the contribution. Photo: CAMAR

Found near the capital, Riad, the replica palace was built between 1998 and 2002. 

The project was led by Prince Abdelaziz bin Fahd, son of the old king Fahd. 

READ MORE: Steven Spielberg was ‘very sorry’ to give up Granada’s Alhambra Palace as a shooting location for Indiana Jones: Letter from his studio praises ‘one of Spain’s most magnificent architectural wonders’

On a visit to Spain he fell so in love with the palace that set about creating his very own copy in Saudi Arabia. 

The only details lacking in the palace are the Palace of Carlos V and the Santa Maria Church, both added after the Catholic Reconquest of Granada. 

The palace even has the iconic lion fountain. Photo: CAMAR

An impressive 12,000 m2, the complex sprawls over ten hectares. 

Many Spanish businesses took part in the construction to make sure the materials and techniques were as similar as possible to the original building. 

Although some consider the project ‘cultural appropriation’, the almost exact copy is no less an impressive feat. 

Some 20 years after its construction, Prince Abdelaziz continues living in the palace, but few get to see the architectural marvel besides party guests.

READ MORE: Spain’s Alhambra on National Geographic Magazine Cover

Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

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