CHURCHES AND TOWERS
La Alhambra
This was the home of the last Moorish kingdom in Spain from the 13th to 15th
centuries. It contains numerous royal residences and buildings. The Alcazaba
is the fortress with huge towers which offer great views over the city. It dates
from the 11th to 13th centuries. The Casa Real is the Royal Palace and was built
for the rulers themselves with intricate stonework and stunning interiors including
the Patio de los Leones (Patio of the Lions) and the Sala de las Dos Hermanas
(Hall of the Two Sisters). The Generalife is the summer palace of the sultans
and has wonderful green gardens.
Open daily 9am-6pm (extended hours in Summer). Admission fee applicable.
Cuesta de Gomerez (follow up from Plaza Nueva).
Capilla Real
This Royal Chapel was added in the late 16th century after the Muslim Kings were
deposed. It houses the tombs of Fernando and Isabel, the Christian conquerors
of Granada.
Gran Via de Colon.
Catedral
Next to the Capilla Real on Gran Via de Colon is this Renaissance Cathedral which
dates from the early 16th century.
Iglesia de Santa Ana
Just north of Plaza Nueva on the way to the Albayzín.
PLAZA'S
Mirador de San Nicolas plaza
This small plaza in the Albayzín district is a wonderful place to spend
a morning, afternoon or better part of the day. The plaza offers a view of the
Alhambra and the mountains beyond and is usually visited by buskers playing Spanish
guitar, gypsy children and the occasional tourist.
Plaza Bib-Rambla
In the Albayzín district this plaza and around is worth exploring.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Casa de Castril
This is an archaeological museum on your way up to the Albayzín on Carrera
del Darro.
TOP
FOUNTAINS AND GARDENS
The gardens in the Alhambra’s Generalife are probably the best in town.
TOP
MARKETS
There are Arabic markets throughout the town with the same alternative produce
you see everywhere in the world, but it does have atmosphere even in off season
when the rest of Spain seems to have fallen asleep without the madness of bullfights
and hordes of summer tourists. Rings, bracelets, incense, tea, clothing, and
art are sold next to the teteria's (Arabic tea houses). In their dimly lit interiors,
melting candelabra's burn in a profusion of arty globs beside low seating perfect
for romantic minded couples.
OTHER AREAS
Albayzín
This is the old Moorish district of town across the river from
the Alhambra and interesting to wander around. Lots of little
alleyways, bars and plaza’s.
Don’t go around here late at night.
Sacromonte
These gypsy caves are a popular attraction. In summer flamenco shows are often
held in the cave. The district of Sacromonte is across the river and up the hill
through white washed houses and small squares. Not an area to wander alone at
night.
El Banuelo
These Arab baths are on Carrera del Darro in the Albayzín. They are not
expensive but it will set you back a few Euros (and if you take tea or refreshments
there also). It is advisable to book for a massage 1-2 days ahead and to arrive
punctually. Discount prices are available to students and groups. There is an
atmospheric teteria above with Arabic teas and cakes, belly dancing, poetry and
tales from the Andalucian-Arabic tradition. The baths are made up of a patio
(court), dressing room, cold, warm and hot rooms with geometric mosaics, carved
arches and slatted shutters.
Sierra Nevada
Las Alpujarras, the last Moorish refuge, is well known for white washed villages
like Bubion, Pampaleira and Capileira that are perched on the sides of its mountains.
The towns contain typical terraced architecture with flat roofed houses and tall
chimneys, grapevines and a snowy backdrop. Walking tracks dot the hillsides and
most start from Capiliera, one of the highest villages in Spain. The little towns
are pleasant with touristy shops selling postcards, locally made jam and leather,
jewellery and knick knacks but in off season they are quiet and during siesta
you're lucky to find more than a sleeping cat.
