Granada’s cool 13th century tech

DESPITE the advent of modern technology many struggle to keep their homes cool in the height of summer, but one place in Granada is living proof that the ancients knew a thing or two about it.

To escape the intense heat of the Andalucian summer many people go to the coastal areas to cool off, but there is one place in the interior that provides a haven for the hot and bothered traveller, according to a news source on Saturday, July 15.

The Alhambra is one of the most important and most visited monumental sites in the autonomous region of Granada. Its centuries­old architecture continues to surprise technicians today because it was designed to be a refuge from the stifling heat of summer.

The high 40­degree temperatures of the city are much higher than those experienced by visitors to the ancient palace, usually around 25 to 29 degrees.

Curator of the Alhambra, architect Antonio Peral ex­ plained why. “Thanks to its clever design the living space of the building stays cool: It’s like a natural air conditioner.” In addition, all the vegetation that surrounds the building helps to ‘generate shadows,’ especially the large trees. “It’s essential,” says Peral.

Another major factor is the importance of the availability of water, “which refreshes the atmosphere, brings life to the Alhambra, calms and soothes, and its murmur is a relaxing element.” It is present in fountains and ponds within the gardens.

In addition to these natu­ ral elements, is “the thickness of the walls.” Peral added: “They are very wide and with their wall construction system, the interior temperature is much better preserved, it takes longer to heat up,” he argues.