Alhambra Paolo Gigli

The Alhambra (from qasr al-hamra - the Red Palace) was built over centuries. The first part was the Alcazaba fortress (from al-qasbah), later the actual palace was added and continuously remodeled. Besides the Myrtles Courtyard and the Lions Courtyard, there are many beautiful, semi-hidden spots in the Alhambra. The garden, which runs upwards to the Generalife, received its final appearance from the French during the occupation. The Generalife (Summer Palace) itself, which stands above the Alhambra on a rocky outcrop, is in a very airy position and is always caressed by a fresh breeze. Further up is the Silla del Moro (Seat of the Moor), where Boabdil retreated after handing over the Alhambra to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, and even higher, at the summit of Cerro del Sol, is the Dar al-arusa (House of the Bride). And everywhere there are pipes and fountains with fresh, bubbling water from the mountains.

When entering the Alhambra area from the city of Granada, you first find yourself in a square from which you can go left to the Alcazaba. Straight ahead, you land directly in the "Theater" or the arena of Charles V, an ugly baroque block that Charles V had built here and which is simply an eyesore within this beautiful, delicate structure. Further to the right stands a small Catholic church and the Parador Nacional (state hotel) San Francisco, with its own small garden.

I have always entered the Alhambra from above through the gardens, when I stayed in Granada for a full 14 days during my 5-week vacation in Spain in 1985, visiting the Alhambra every day. Everywhere in the gardens of the Alhambra, there are rose bushes that bloom and scent abundantly from May to October, flower pots with geraniums, wild orange trees with ripe, inedible dark orange fruits, and beside them fresh, brightly fragrant blossoms. Boxwood hedges and cypress trees complement the garden and delineate individual areas, while rose arches lead from one small garden area to another.

Paolo Gigli's fragrance Alhambra reminds me of these gardens. Geraniums, specifically rose geraniums, provide a floral, playful opening, together with juicy, sun-ripened lemons. It smells fresh, floral, juicy citrusy, but not sour, rather clean. Not soap-clean and not detergent-clean, but sun-warmed flowers and citrus fruits, just washed off by a rain shower and smelling fresh again. This impression lasts a long time with Alhambra.

After a few hours, the floral notes fade, becoming greener, but neither woody nor patchouli-heavy. I also cannot perceive any oud. It smells fresh, clean, bright green, and it remains so for the rest of the time. I cannot sense any amber or musk in the base; Alhambra does not change anymore, it just becomes weaker.

Until then, however, the fragrance is well present, thanks to a decent sillage, and is certainly very pleasant for those around. Therefore, it is also well suited for daily use, even at work.

The longevity is also good; I could still perceive it on my wrist after 24 hours - despite multiple hand washes.

This fragrance fits the Alhambra as it is today. Without Moors, their exotic women, and their spices. No opulence, no bombast, no brightly embroidered silk curtains, no ottomans and thick cushions, no exotic foods and drinks. Alhambra is a fresh, enchanting fragrance that transports me anytime to the wonderful gardens of the Alhambra.

I traded for Alhambra from our Northern Light Fischlandmen and am very happy about it. Therefore, many thanks again at this point :-) dear Fischlandmen.