Disfrutar
in the Alhambra

Gypsum, from the Greek Word gypsos meaning chalk or plaster (with chemical formula CaSO4• 2H2O), is a humble mineral of which there is an abundant high-quality supply in the quarries of our province.
This material, of apparently poor quality, was used in the Nasrid era with great technical mastery and an intimate knowledge of its properties. It is a constant feature of wall decoration in the Alhambra with a wide range of ornamental designs.
These designs were either chiselled out on site, or made from moulds and recarved in order to achieve an excellent decorative effect. The pieces were then finished by painting with mineral pigments in an array of colours, such as blue, red, black and green, together with metallic additions in gold and silver.
The pieces on display include plasterwork panels from the Generalife and the Palace of Comares (Palace of the Myrtles), and reveal the technical and decorative splendour obtained with this material, so frequently used on the walls of the Alhambra.

Opening time: Sunday 15th and 22nd of December at 12 a.m.
Place: Museum of the Alhambra, Palace of Charles V