Inauguration of 'Paradises of the Ancient South'

The Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation is hosting, until 20 January 2022, the exhibition produced by the El Legado Andalusí Public Foundation, Paradises of the Ancient South, historical images of gardens in Andalusia and the Maghreb. A carefully selected exhibition of photographs and models selected by the University of Granada specialists José Tito and Manuel Casares.

These pieces trace the history and evolution of many of the oldest gardens in Andalusia and the Maghreb: the identity preserved in the gardens of the southern territories, in cities such as Granada, Malaga, Almeria, Cordoba, Seville, Tangiers, Xauen, Fez, Tetouan, Marrakesh and Algiers.

The exhibition covers historical images which, for the most part, present the same garden at different points in time, making it possible to see how they have evolved. This is the case with some retrospectives of the Albaicín cármenes (which went from fruit orchards to landscaped spaces), as well as other emblematic spaces such as the Patio de los Arrayanes, the Patio de Machuca, the Partal, the garden of the Concepción in Málaga, and many more.

There are also evolving models, such as one that shows three different periods of the Generalife: 1526-1567, 1856-1875, 1934; or a model of the Alcazar Genil that reconstructs its hypothetical state around 1431, and its later state around 1934, when the Camino de Ronda was built. There are also some original pieces from the municipal historical archive of Granada.

All of this allows the visitor to approach these unique plant universes, in which architecture and heritage merge with authentic botanical jewels, becoming spaces of delight and contemplation.

The exhibition can be visited until 20 January 2022, with the following opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm; and Fridays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.