Originally a Moorish fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the hieght of Moorish rule this kingdom encompassed both the nieghbouring province of Malaga and Almeria as well as parts of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a centre of art, commerce, industry and science. As the christians drove south the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, surrending eventually in 1492. In the 17th century Granada owed it’s exi prominance to the fact that it was a major silk centre. It stands at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local surrounding area is given over to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada acting as the commercial hub for these. The city is a major tourist centre with attractions such as the Alhambra Palace and other notable Moorish buildings. Facing the Alhambra across the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill is honeycombed with gypsy caves. The nearby ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the locality. South of Granada lie the valleys of the Alpajarras bounded to the north by the Sierra Nevada and to the south the sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa and Gador. The area is very picturesque dotted with the traditional whitewashed villages. Fertile soil provides good farming with citrus fruit, bananas and avacadoes amongst the food grown.
Granada lies at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, right between the Darro and Genil rivers. It is one of the most interesting cities in Spain, but most of all, one of the most beautiful. Those who have visited Granada say that it is paradise on earth. This is due to the Moorish essence, still present all around the city. Granada has been one of the last cities in Spain to be regained by the Catholics, in 1492. The past influences its planning, its gastronomy and its customs. All around the city you will be amazed by the fountains and the houses which are surrounded by gardens, giving the tourist the impression of paradise on earth. The old neighborhood has been designated World Heritage by UNESCO because of its architectural beauty. The last Moorish kingdom in Spain, built on a reddish hill, still holds the Alcazaba and Nasrid, two Royal Palaces of outstanding beauty. The rooms in these two palaces are connected by gardens, courtyards, and even fountains.
Another destination worth visiting is the Generalife Gardens, which used to be the summer residence for the Nasrid Kings. Among these Moorish constructions lies the Palace of Carlos V, a Renaissance construction that holds the Fine Arts Museum, as well as the Alhambra Museum. A fine example of art in architecture is the Granada Cathedral; built on a Gothic floor, the Cathedral has a Renaissance dome.
Something Different
Flamenco performances are available to tourists with the most popular shows being the Los Jardines Neptuno performed at Calle Arabial near the south end of the town. The performances are crowded in the summer; thus, it is a better option to view this in the winter when the crowd is thinner and the atmosphere is more intimate with a log fire. There are also live jazz performances in the flamenco bars that provide a great and lively atmosphere to pass the time.
Sightseeing is not everything in Granada. One special thing about the city is the Route of the Caliphate. Adventurous and spiritual, the route starts in Cordoba and ends in Granada, connecting two golden ages of the city and of the country, and two historical moments of great significance for the Spaniards. The route enabled commerce between the two cities and led to the constructing of castles and cities along it. Following the route is a unique experience for any tourist, and besides the fact that it is of great historical importance; it is also a delight for the eye and nourishment for the soul.
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a huge complex of palaces, fortress and administrative quarters built by the Moorish monarchs in Granada. The outer walls are built of red bricks and the name of the building complex probably comes from the word ‘red’ in Arabic. Built between 1238 and 1358 on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada, it was strategically placed to guard one of Moorish Spain’s foremost cities.
A Refuge – The Alhambra became a place of refuge for the many intellectuals and artists who were fleeing from the Christian Reconquest. They also contributed to the embellishment of the complex since among their number were many artisans; Arabic, Christian and Jewish. Today, their legacy can still be seen in the well-preserved fountains, gardens and other products of beauty.
The Alhambra Dismantled – After the Reconquest in 1492, the interior was effaced with most furniture and decorations either removed or destroyed. Part of the complex was destroyed to build a palace for the Spanish king and during the Spanish War of Independence from France, several towers were destroyed. The earthquake of 1821 also did much damage to the buildings. Restoration began a little later and continued for over a century.
Structure – The citadel or fortress part of the complex is the Alcazaba. Its massive walls, several meters thick, still maintain their formidable appearance while the supporting structures such as towers and ramparts have also withstood the ravages of time and man. Inside the citadel is the Torre de la Vela, a watch tower from where you can obtain a wonderful view of the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and the city of Granada.
The Generalife – Another building that forms part of the Alhambra complex is the Generalife, a summer palace on the Cerro del Sol. It has many gardens, fountains, pools and other related items all erected within a series of courtyards. Intended as a getaway for the king during the hot summers in Madrid, the Generalife Palace within the Alhambra was both a safe and a pleasant place. Today, a theater constructed within the palace is the scene for musical performances as well as dance repertoires.
The Patio de Los Leones – The Court of the Lions or Patio de Los Leones is another interesting place to visit. It is a courtyard surrounded by pavilions with the Fountain of Lions in the center. Twelve marble lions support an alabaster basin. The floor of the courtyard is also elaborate, with marble multicolored tiles while the walls are also equally eye-catching with blue and yellow tiles that reflect the white marble of the Fountain of Lions.
Granada
Originally a Moorish fortress, it became the seat of the kingdom of Granada in 1238. At the hieght of Moorish rule this kingdom encompassed both the nieghbouring province of Malaga and Almeria as well as parts of Cadiz and Jean. During this time the city was recognized as a centre of art, commerce, industry and science. As the christians drove south the city was the stronghold of the Moors in Spain, surrending eventually in 1492. In the 17th century Granada owed it’s exi prominance to the fact that it was a major silk centre. It stands at the confluence of the rivers Darro and Genil. The local surrounding area is given over to agriculture and mineral extraction with Granada acting as the commercial hub for these. The city is a major tourist centre with attractions such as the Alhambra Palace and other notable Moorish buildings. Facing the Alhambra across the Darro river, the Sacromonte hill is honeycombed with gypsy caves. The nearby ski resorts in the Sierra Nevada also bring visitors to the locality. South of Granada lie the valleys of the Alpajarras bounded to the north by the Sierra Nevada and to the south the sierras of Lujar, La Contraviesa and Gador. The area is very picturesque dotted with the traditional whitewashed villages. Fertile soil provides good farming with citrus fruit, bananas and avacadoes amongst the food grown.
Granada lies at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, right between the Darro and Genil rivers. It is one of the most interesting cities in Spain, but most of all, one of the most beautiful. Those who have visited Granada say that it is paradise on earth. This is due to the Moorish essence, still present all around the city. Granada has been one of the last cities in Spain to be regained by the Catholics, in 1492. The past influences its planning, its gastronomy and its customs. All around the city you will be amazed by the fountains and the houses which are surrounded by gardens, giving the tourist the impression of paradise on earth. The old neighborhood has been designated World Heritage by UNESCO because of its architectural beauty. The last Moorish kingdom in Spain, built on a reddish hill, still holds the Alcazaba and Nasrid, two Royal Palaces of outstanding beauty. The rooms in these two palaces are connected by gardens, courtyards, and even fountains.
Another destination worth visiting is the Generalife Gardens, which used to be the summer residence for the Nasrid Kings. Among these Moorish constructions lies the Palace of Carlos V, a Renaissance construction that holds the Fine Arts Museum, as well as the Alhambra Museum. A fine example of art in architecture is the Granada Cathedral; built on a Gothic floor, the Cathedral has a Renaissance dome.
Something Different
Flamenco performances are available to tourists with the most popular shows being the Los Jardines Neptuno performed at Calle Arabial near the south end of the town. The performances are crowded in the summer; thus, it is a better option to view this in the winter when the crowd is thinner and the atmosphere is more intimate with a log fire. There are also live jazz performances in the flamenco bars that provide a great and lively atmosphere to pass the time.
Sightseeing is not everything in Granada. One special thing about the city is the Route of the Caliphate. Adventurous and spiritual, the route starts in Cordoba and ends in Granada, connecting two golden ages of the city and of the country, and two historical moments of great significance for the Spaniards. The route enabled commerce between the two cities and led to the constructing of castles and cities along it. Following the route is a unique experience for any tourist, and besides the fact that it is of great historical importance; it is also a delight for the eye and nourishment for the soul.
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a huge complex of palaces, fortress and administrative quarters built by the Moorish monarchs in Granada. The outer walls are built of red bricks and the name of the building complex probably comes from the word ‘red’ in Arabic. Built between 1238 and 1358 on a plateau overlooking the city of Granada, it was strategically placed to guard one of Moorish Spain’s foremost cities.
A Refuge – The Alhambra became a place of refuge for the many intellectuals and artists who were fleeing from the Christian Reconquest. They also contributed to the embellishment of the complex since among their number were many artisans; Arabic, Christian and Jewish. Today, their legacy can still be seen in the well-preserved fountains, gardens and other products of beauty.
The Alhambra Dismantled – After the Reconquest in 1492, the interior was effaced with most furniture and decorations either removed or destroyed. Part of the complex was destroyed to build a palace for the Spanish king and during the Spanish War of Independence from France, several towers were destroyed. The earthquake of 1821 also did much damage to the buildings. Restoration began a little later and continued for over a century.
Structure – The citadel or fortress part of the complex is the Alcazaba. Its massive walls, several meters thick, still maintain their formidable appearance while the supporting structures such as towers and ramparts have also withstood the ravages of time and man. Inside the citadel is the Torre de la Vela, a watch tower from where you can obtain a wonderful view of the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains and the city of Granada.
The Generalife – Another building that forms part of the Alhambra complex is the Generalife, a summer palace on the Cerro del Sol. It has many gardens, fountains, pools and other related items all erected within a series of courtyards. Intended as a getaway for the king during the hot summers in Madrid, the Generalife Palace within the Alhambra was both a safe and a pleasant place. Today, a theater constructed within the palace is the scene for musical performances as well as dance repertoires.
The Patio de Los Leones – The Court of the Lions or Patio de Los Leones is another interesting place to visit. It is a courtyard surrounded by pavilions with the Fountain of Lions in the center. Twelve marble lions support an alabaster basin. The floor of the courtyard is also elaborate, with marble multicolored tiles while the walls are also equally eye-catching with blue and yellow tiles that reflect the white marble of the Fountain of Lions.