La Alhambra is delighted at its anniversary. 25 years ago, it was declared World Heritage by the UNESCO. From the moment it was declared as “world cultural heritage” on, this quarter of a century had witnessed several changes and modernizations according to this palace and fortress complex built during the Nasrid Dynasty.
During the 60′s, the development of the tourism industry placed the Alhambra as a leader in terms of visits in Spain, and one of the most outstanding changes suffered by this exhibition site was the adjustment of this flow of visitors. Though there were fewer visitors, the entrance was made without control and certain hours overcrowding were a real problem.Therefore, a group schedule control was established and nowadays there are more than two million people going to visit the Alhambra. Also, certain areas were closed to the public due to their cultural value and can only be visited by means of a tourist guide in very small groups.
The visitor’s profile has also changed. The monument once receiving V.I.P visitors now receives all kind of people, coming mainly from Europe, as well as Americans and a large number of Asians. In this quarter of a century, the Alhambra has had a great international relevance. Because of the growing number of visitors, this exhibition site is kept very carefully. Pollution, moisture and temperature are controlled.
Undoubtedly, the Alhambra is part of the life in Granada. Many citizens from Granada tend to go to the forest in order to take a walk and enjoy the cultural exhibitions in summer times. During these 25 years, the Alhambra had also witnessed presidents, world leaders and artists. Its number of keepers has increased since this modernization stage, going from 175 employees in 1984 to more than 500 who, nowadays, keep an eye on the monument.
Picture by Angellote
