The Royal Workshops of the Alhambra: Industrial Activity in Early Modern Granada

The Royal Workshops of the Alhambra is a book that examines the urban and industrial zone adjacent to the medieval Nasrid palaces of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The book provides insight into the industrial sector of the Alhambra, which was the most densely populated and extensive area of the complex during the early modern era. It uses both traditional and ground-breaking survey and excavation techniques to present the results of the research, which include houses, tanneries, and workshops containing pyrotechnological facilities for the production of metal, glass, and ceramic items.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Alhambra, a renowned archaeological site, holds immense global recognition, yet its understanding remains incomplete, primarily centered around its medieval Nasrid palaces. However, numerous other facets of this remarkable complex remain largely unexplored, both by the general public and by archaeologists and historians alike. To rectify this imbalance, The Royal Workshops of the Alhambra delves into the urban and industrial zone adjacent to the palaces. Once the most densely populated and extensive area within the Alhambra, the Secano encompassed a multitude of houses, tanneries, and workshops, including a significant number of pyrotechnological facilities dedicated to the production of metal, glass, and ceramic items. This book presents the findings of the Royal Workshops of the Alhambra (UNESCO World Heritage Site) project, offering a much-needed insight into the industrial sector of this historic site. Importantly, the project specifically focuses on the early modern era, a period characterized by the pinnacle of ceramic, glass, and metal manufacturing. The opening chapters provide a contextual framework for the archaeological work and the Secano, while subsequent chapters present the results of the extensive research. Employing both traditional and innovative survey and excavation techniques, the book offers a comprehensive and detailed perspective of the palatial city. By delving into the industrial zone, The Royal Workshops of the Alhambra sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of this remarkable heritage site, broadening our understanding of its rich history and cultural significance.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 175 x 247 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276813