Posted by: MadridMan
Granada: Alhambra Lions removed 2 years for restoration - 08/01/06 12:29 AM
I JUST read in today's El País that the marble lions surrounding the fountain in the emblematic "Patio of the Lions" will be removed at the end of the summer for emergency restoration while the fountain itself will be restored onsite. They expect the restoration to take at least 2 years.
After 20 years of observation it has been deduced that acid rain as well as sudden temperature changes are to blame for the deterioration.
The fountain was built during the reign of Mohammed V in the 14th century. The Alhambra receives up to 3 million visitors per year.
Now I feel fortunate to have seen them this past October because we won't see them again for awhile. How sad. The Alhambra will still be a MUST-SEE in Granada but "The Patio of the Lions" was definitely a HI-POINT of the site.
Saludos, MadridMan
After 20 years of observation it has been deduced that acid rain as well as sudden temperature changes are to blame for the deterioration.
The fountain was built during the reign of Mohammed V in the 14th century. The Alhambra receives up to 3 million visitors per year.
Now I feel fortunate to have seen them this past October because we won't see them again for awhile. How sad. The Alhambra will still be a MUST-SEE in Granada but "The Patio of the Lions" was definitely a HI-POINT of the site.
Saludos, MadridMan