The Exciting Experience Of Granada In Spain

Granada is in Andalusia in southern Spain. It is very close to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the beaches of the Costa del Sol. Granada was first settled by indigenous tribes during the prehistoric period and was known as Ilbyr. The city had many conquerors who were enchanted by its beauty. The Romans called it Alibris, and the Arabs gave it its present name: Granada.

In Granada, you can explore the city’s rich cultural, religious, and architectural past and enjoy its modern sights. It is also an international city as it has Arab, Jewish, and Gypsy districts that attract visitors for their unique architecture and numerous attractions. In this article, I will give you six reasons to visit Granada.

Alhambra

Andalusia’s most iconic attraction is the Alhambra fortress. It is the most significant surviving relic of the 800 years of southern Spain Under Mauryan rule between the 8th and 15th centuries. This complex sits atop the Darro Valley, with the Sierra Nevada peaks in the background. Originally dating back to the 9th century, the fortress and walls were extensively rebuilt in 1200 by the Moorish ruler of the then Emirate of Granada, Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar. The Nasrid palaces are magnificent, and they were built by the Nasrid kings, the last Moorish rulers of Granada during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Book in advance and spend an exciting day admiring the architecture in the Royal Chambers, serene courtyards, divine Renaissance, and Moorish palaces. The riches of the Alhambra are so vast that it may take a couple of days to see them, so make sure you have the time to explore this treasure.

Granada Cathedral

Granada Cathedral is Spain’s second-largest cathedral, built in the early 16th century. It is in the center of Old Granada. The construction of this imposing Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structure began in 1518. What you need to know is that it took over 180 years and successive architects to be built. The cathedral’s towering facade is the work of the architect and artist Granadino Alonso Cano, who designed it in 1652.

Sacromonte

Time has stopped in the rustic Gypsy quarter of Sacromonte. One of Granada’s traditional neighborhoods is east of Albayzín and in front of the Alhambra. The neighborhood is located on the steep slopes of Valparaíso among pines and cacti, and sometime in the 16th century, settlers began to build their houses on the rock. Many locals still live in white caves carved out of the rock.

During gatherings, residents dance flamenco every evening. After the Catholic Monarchs recaptured the town, Sacromonte became home to the town’s gypsy community. As you walk past these dwellings, you will notice that none of the houses are identical, as the strange terrain determines their dimensions.

Coral del Carbone

Continuing our exploration of Granada, we recommend you visit the Corral del Carbón, the oldest monument constructed during the Nasrid dynasty. In its time, it was a warehouse and shelter for merchants built-in 1200. Merchants who had traveled from afar to nearby Alcaiceria could stock up on their goods and rest for the night.

Today it is an attraction that has free admission for the public. You will enter through a beautiful double gate leading to a central courtyard. Around the courtyard are lodges that today serve as offices for the city orchestra. The courtyard occasionally hosts plays and flamenco performances on summer evenings.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is just behind the eastern suburbs of Granada. It has both the highest peak in Iberia and the southernmost ski resort in Europe. These majestic mountain landscapes are only half an hour from the old center of Granada. What’s great about the trip is how the vegetation changes from plain grass to big bushes, wild olive trees, and Oaks. Around the resort are pine trees in woodlands, where wild boars and wild cats roam. The ski station in the Sierra Nevada operates from December to April.

Tapas

Once in Granada, remember to try the delicious tapas. Everyone knows about tapas, but what you may need to learn is that these came from Andalusia. Tapas can include anything, from olives and Jamon serrano to patatas bravas, small panini sandwiches, fried squid, a piece of tuna, cocktail onion, olives, chorizo sausage, and sweet potato puree. Tapas are served daily in bars and cafes throughout Granada, each with different prices.

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