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Andalusia: Granada - Alhambra
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In the south of Spain, to the south of Seville and away from Malaga, is the city of Granada, where 700 years of Moorish occupation left their mark. The Alhambra will probably sound familiar to you, as it is the most popular attraction in Granada and the Spanish Moorish coast.
The Christians also left an architectural legacy. The royal chapel, the cathedral, the palace of Charles V and the Carthusian convent are only a few examples. Granada also has countless beautiful squares, historical districts and a unique countryside. You can admire the scenery from many locations. There will be too much to see and not enough days to see it in. Are you ready to explore?
Points of interest
To get a good impression of Granada, you need at least two full days. If you like to take it easy and enjoy Granada's beautiful art and unique countryside, you need at least four.
You can also pay a quick, intense visit to Granada on a guided tour that can be booked on Holiday Line. This link will provide you with more information.
Here is a short description of the points of interest:
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Alhambra
The Alhambra is a fortress built by the Moors on the top of a hill to defend the city of Granada. It was also a safe residence for the king and his subjects. The Alhambra was like a real city that had all basic facilities (schools, shops, mosques).
Not much is left of any of that today, but what does remain has been beautifully restored over the past few years. If you forget about all the other visitors, it is as though you are walking through a small paradise. Beautiful palaces, refined interiors, fountains and water features are just a few of the ingredients that make the Alhambra so special.
The Alhambra is a top attraction, not only in Granada, but in all of southern Spain. Your visit will take at least half a day. Visit the Alhambra as early in the day as possible. From March to October, doors open from 8.30 a.m. The cool morning air makes exploring the Alhambra even more pleasant. We advise you to buy your tickets in advance on www.alhambratickets.com
In the past, the Alhambra used to be just a citadel, the Alcazaba, which offers beautiful views over the city. Later on the building was extended more and more and from the 13th century new buildings arose everywhere. The last rulers of Moorish Spain, the Nasrid dynasty, built a great, lavishly decorated and opulent palace. Only half of it remains today, but it gives a good impression of what the entire building was like. The Nasrid palace also attracts the most visitors.
The third attraction is the palace of Charles V, also known as the Holy Roman Emperor. This palace is central and was built shortly after the Mores were driven out. Don't miss it. It houses several museums.
The fourth and most peaceful attraction is the large garden, the Jardines del Portal.
Palacio de Generalife
The Generalife Palace was the summer residence of the Nasrid sultans of Granada. It is situated at a higher level than the Alhambra and is therefore cooler. The many water features and gorgeous gardens also provided shelter from the heat. The summer palace is a jumble of buildings and galleries. There is a 'mirador' or scenic lookout point that offers a stunning panoramic view after yet another small climb.
Cathedral and royal chapel
You have already visited the palace of Charles V, one of the Christian rulers, at the Alhambra. Another masterpiece in the same architectural style (renaissance) is the cathedral, which is certainly worth visiting. The top attraction is the Capilla Real or royal chapel. You can access the chapel from outside the cathedral. It is where Ferdinand and Isabella were put to rest. Ferdinand and Isabella united Spain through their marriage. They also sponsored the voyages of discovery, drove out the Moors and instigated the inquisition. Other catholic kings were also buried in the chapel, which was exquisitely decorated.
Albaicin
The Albaicin is a Moorish district with typical narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Don't forget a street map. The San Nicolas church offers a beautiful view of the district. Put this at the top of your list when you visit Albaicin. In the same district you also find the archaeological museum. The Moorish baths 'El Banuelo' appeal to almost everyone. They are located on the Carrera del Darro. Although they were no longer used by the Christians, they have been very well preserved.
Convents
The first convent that was built in Granada is the Monasterio de San Jéronimo. You will admire its church the most. Built slightly later and a bit further from the city centre is the Carthusian convent (Cartuja). Tourists tend to like this convent because of the church's luxurious decoration. The highlight of the church is the sacristy.
Other
Until now, we have only described the highlights, but there is so much more:
> Pl. de Bib Rambla: the most pleasant square in the city near the cathedral;
> Alcaiceria: a bazaar mainly for tourists in the same area;
> Sacramonte: a ridge with cave dwellings at the foot of the Alhambra hill, mainly used for flamenco performances and formerly inhabited by gipsies;
> Parque de las Ciencias: a scientific theme park south of the city, which explains natural phenomena in an interactive way and includes a planetarium and butterfly garden.
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Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Christina Hanck
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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