Secrets of the Alhambra
Water uphill: Los Albercones
The water of the Alhambra comes from the River Darro, diverted at the Presa Real and carried more than six kilometres by gravity along the Acequia Real. To irrigate land above the channel, a well about 17.4 m deep with an animal-powered water wheel lifted water at Los Albercones.
On site
Where
In the upper part of the Generalife gardens. Access to the area of Los Albercones may vary; check what is open on the day of your visit.
What to look for
Follow the water in the Generalife channels and notice that it always runs downhill. Then think about the gardens higher up: that water had to be lifted.
Visible with general ticket
What the evidence shows
The Acequia Real, begun in the 13th century under the first Nasrid ruler, diverts water from the River Darro at the Presa Real, upstream of Granada, and carries it for more than six kilometres along the hillside by gravity alone, following the contour of the land.
Gravity cannot raise water above the channel. At Los Albercones, a well about 17.4 metres deep was fitted with a water wheel turned by an animal, which lifted water to a reservoir from which higher gardens could be irrigated.
Sources
- Luis José García-Pulido (CSIC). Studies on the Acequia Real and the hydraulic system of the Alhambra, published in Cuadernos de la Alhambra
- Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife. Cuadernos de la Alhambra