Granada, land of high peaks and meadows, of snow and beaches, of deep valleys and high plateaus, of natural parks and magnificent monuments. Granada, dreamed land, as our song goes. Crucible of cultures ande milennary history, owner of a incredibly rich natural asset, artistic and cultural, the latter ones muslim and christian heritage. Granada, major city on eastern Andalucía, lays on a privileged location, where Penibética and Sub-bética mountain ranges meet, at the very feer of Sierra Nevada and embraced by the rivers Darro and Genil. It is a passage towards Almería province or to the meadows of the Guadalquivir River, is situated 50 km far from the mediterranean coast. In Granada city there are still crafts that have their origin in the Nasrid period, keeping their secular tradition. The “taracea” is, without doubt, the most important craft of all. It consists of embedding tiny pieces of shells, metals, mother-of-pearl and different coloured wood. The production focuses mainly in chests, boxes, chess sets, tables or arks. The muslim legacy can also be noticed in pottery and ceramics, such as the andalusí-style, of dry rope and the granadan or of "Fajalauza". They consist of pieces of clear clay with greenish tones. Neither has the Nasrid influence disappeared from glass, metal, jewelry or stone works, being the main commercial points at places such as Zacatín and La Alcaicería. The granadan festivities have an undoubtedly historical character, with their roots in the Renaissance period, where christian, jewish and arab influence embrace without problems. These festivities are more alive than ever and are passed on from one generation to the other. On January 2nd Granada celebrates the conquering of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. As web as a religious ceremony at the Capilla Real (Royal Chappel), a civic-religious procesión takes place, where the Catholic Monarchs’ banner is displayed. San Cecilio (St. Cecil) is celebrated on 1st February to commemorate the martyrdom of the city’s saint patron. A popular pilgrimage takes place to go towards the Sacromonte, where after a mass at the Abbey and a visit to the catacombs and surroundings, the pilgrims enjoy a feast, with wine and the famous saladillas or "jayuyas". Granadan Easter is one of the most splendorous religious events, with its beautiful, moving processions. Its uniqueness, as well as its routes, going through quarters such as El Realejo, El Sacromonte, El Paseo de los Tristes or El Albayzín, having the breathtaking view of the Alhambra behind, has earned granadan Easter the Declaration of National Touristic Interest. On Palm Sunday, there is the proccession called "La Burriquilla" (little donkey), then, until Easter Sunday, thirty-two brotherhoods and confraternities make their penitence station at the Cahedral. The most remarkable ones are the one of Cristo de la Misericordia o el de los Gitanos (Christ of Mercy or the Gipsies’ Christ), which is taken on procesión in the night of Easter Wednesday among bonfires, saetas (religious andalusian chants) and dances in front of the beautiful and famous caves at the Sacromonte and up to the Abbey of the same name.
We must not forget the processions that take place on Easter Thursday across the historical and picturesque district of El Albayzín, popularly known as La Estrella (Star), la Concha (The Shell) and La Aurora (Dawn); the impressive procesión of the Cristo de la Misericordia o del Silencio (Christ of Mercy or of Silence), which goes along the very foot of the Alhambra during Good Friday’s early dawn and that,m while it passes along, street lights are turned off, having the sole company the loud noise of the penitents’ chains. Another important one is the Señorial Entourage of Our Lady of Angustias (Cortejo Señorial de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias) at Santa María de la Alhambra, the only brotherhood that has their procesión on Easter Saturday among the gardens at the Red Hill. On May 3rd the Día de la Cruz (Day of the Cross), bank holiday, is celebrated. Then, streets, squares, balconies and homes are ornamented to enjoy this popular and religious festivity. Flowered crosses stand up, adorned with typical granadan crafts utensils and joyful kermesses are organised, where sevillanas are danced and raw broad beans with the typical "saladilla" are had.
On Sunday closest to 26th May, granadans celebrate La Mariana Fiesta Cívica (Mariana Civic Festival) honouring Mariana Pineda, local heroin, organising the Town Hall several events at the square named after her.
The Hermandad del Rocío (Rocío Brotherhood) celebrates a Rocío-styled mass at San Pedro Church on 29th May, after that, people go on horseback or on carriages to visit our Lady of Angustias and present Her with some flowers. But definitely the major festivity in Granada is its Feria, Corpus Christi. On that day, a very popular religious procession takes place. Children enjoy a celebration called “la Pública” (Public), starred by the famous Tarasca. Countless cultural events, bull-fights, ornamented stalls and atractions at the Feria Site (Ferial), are some examples of the wide range of leisure activities for these festivity days. The week after Corpus Christi Day, residents have a short religious procesión of the Custody (Custodia) around the Cathedral. On Michaelmas (San Miguel), 28th September, the Albayzín residents enjoy a local bank holiday, but it is shared with many visitors from other parts of the city. A pilgrimage to the Hermitage of St Michael (Ermita de San Miguel) where a mass takes place. Our Lady of Angustias (La Virgen de las Angustias), patrones of Granada, owns a great popular devotion. The whole month of September is dedicated to Her and many events take place to honour Her, from which outstand the floral offerings before her Basilica façade on September 15th and, on the month’s last Sunday, the crowded procession in which local authorities, brotherhoods and confraternities take part. Because of its geographic location, Granada enjoys mountain, sea and meadows, giving its cuisine a great variety and gastronomic richness. Its fresh produce, coming from the fertile meadows are the base of countless local dishes, such as broad beans with ham, “pipirrana” (salad made of tomato, pepper, onion, cucumber and tuna or cod fish), cardoon, gazpacho and many more. Amongst the most typical dishes in the city of Granada are the Tortilla del Sacromonte (Sacromonte Omelette),made with cooked brains and calf testicles; the “remojón granadino”, made with cod fish and oranges; the “Saladíllas” (a kind of salty bread made with olive oil, bacon dice and onion rings) with broad beans, these latter ones especially on St. Cecil’s Day (San Cecilio) and the Day of the Cross. Harsh winters have helped making copious meals, such as cabbage stew, which combines pulses and vegetables or the gipsy stew; the green broad beans stew or the fennel stew; the cardoon casserole or the pumpkin casserole. In San Antón (St. Antón), granadans like to prepare the traditional casserole that is named after the saint and that consist of many different products, such as pork’s head, hands, ears, black pudding, etc. From the region of La Alpujarra, there is the famous Trevélez cured ham, made on the highest placed town in the Iberian Península and the Plato Alpujarreño (Alpujarran Dish), made of potatoes, black pudding, red sausage and fried eggs. From the Costa Tropical, excelent sea and sea-food, such as the unbeatable white prawns from Motril, the gilthead bream, the sea bass or the sardines. Indeed, the benign coastal climate has made subtropical grows easier. Amongst them, the custard pineapple, the avocado, the mango or the papaya. From its varied and delicious confectionery, we must outstand the sweets made at convents, like the sponge cakes from Zafra, the soft eggs from San Antón, the pestiños from La Encarnación o the puff pastry from San Jerónimo. Of course, we are not forgetting to mention the Carnival Curd, the “Soplillos de la Alpujarra”, made of eggs, confectionery sugar, almonds and lemon juice, or the Torta Real (Royal Cake) from Motril, using the arab inherited ingredients, that is, honey and spice. Granada is, indeed, a place to enjoy. The great variety of landscape, artistic styles, the quality of its musical and theatre activities, as web as the antique and rich traditions that its inhabitants keep, are the reasons why the environment and the culture are definitely the identity signal of the whole province and why not, its major touristic attractive. GRANADA, MONUMENTAL CITY The Nasrid Kingdom of Granada Well known is the fact that Granada reached its major importance as a city between the XIII and the XV centuries, when it was the capital city of the Nasrid kingdom. This kingdom’s legacy includes the main part of the Alhambra fortress, the Generalife, the Royal Room of Santo Domingo in the fields of Almanxarra or the Alcazar del Genil Palace, which was used by the Nasrid Queens. A large number of fortified areas dated from the Nasrid times in Granada still remain. Some examples could be the Girones House, which used to be a palace from the XIII century, the perimetre of the Alcazaba Qadima or Old and many Gates such as La Monaíta, Elvira, Fajalauza and many more. The defence buildings of Bermejas Towers and the castle named Silla del Moro are reminiscences from the Nasrid kingdom, too. To our modern times have pervived the old mosques of Granada minarets at the San Jose Church, from Caliphal period and the San Juan de los Reyes Convent, this one from the Nasrid period. Other buildings worth of mention are El Bañuelo or Baño del Noga Bathhouse, built in the XVI century, the old coranic school La Madraza, founded by king Yusuf I and the Corral del Carbon or Alhondiga Gidida, this one dated from the XIV century. In the world wide known district of Albaycín the visitor can find traces of the Main Mosque at the El Salvador Church and, at the Convent of Santa Catalina de Zafra, of some Nasrid houses. At the Dar-al-Horra House the remains of baths from the XIII century and many wells can be found. Outside Granada city, in the town of Atarfe, there is the archaeological site of Madinat Elvira which, for three centuries was a major city of Al-Andalus kingdom. There are as well remains of arab baths in various towns, being one of the most remarkable in Alhama of Granada, dated from the XII and XIII centuries and of likely roman origins. In Baza town, there is the rare Juderia Baths, from the XI century and, in towns like Alfacar, Nivar, Churriana, La Zubia, Jerez del Marquesado, Aldeire and Hueneja there are also some remains of bathhouses. The Nasrid legacy includes the alcazaba of Guadix and, amongst others, the Castles in Moclin, Salobreña and Almuñecar. Renaissance Granada After conquering Granada, the Catholic Monarchs decided to turn it into a symbol of Christianity, as it is reflected by the fact that they chose the city to be their eternal rest. This tendency was followed by Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany, their grandson and our first Emperor. With this Renaissance artworks, the Empire was proclaimed and it made Granada a royal city. The works of artist and architect Diego de Siloe are no doubt, remarkable. The Palace of Carlos V, in the Alhambra, can be named as the most important work of the whole Renaissance period in Spain, symbol of the new order and the new power. Other major constructions of this same period are the Royal Hospital or the Royal Chancery. In the mannerist style, stand our the Tiros House and the Palacio of the Marquis of Caicedo. When it comes to religious architecture, we must name, for being the main examples, the renaissance-styled Cathedral, built by Diego de Siloé and the Capilla Real. We must not forget other important constructions such as the San Jeronimo Monastery church, the church of Santo Domingo in the Convent of Santa Cruz La Real, which presents a plateresc-styled façade and the porticoes of some mudéjar churches, for example at San Cecilio, San Gil and Santa Ana, San Miguel and San Ildefonso which nearly all of them were built by Diego de Siloé and Juan de Maeda. The route goes on towards the outskirs of Granada city due to the religious conversion forced by the missionaires in the area. The churches of Ignalloz and Montefrio, both by Siloé stand out as renaissance work, as well as the church of Illora, the San Gabriel church in Loja and Guadix Cathedral, a jewel in renaissance style, pure and with touches of baroque, built on the old Almohad Mosque and then gothic cathedral. Artists such as Gaspar Cayon and Vicente Acero took also part in its construction. It owns one of the best baroque chorus in Spain, built by Ruiz del Peral, with magnificent Corinthian and Ionic columns. Baroque Granada Along the XVII and XVIII centuries, Granada becomes the andalusian focal point of the baroque-styled architecture. It can be admired in art works such as the facades of the renaissance Cathedral, the Sacristy and Tabernacle at La Cartuja.
Of undoubted religious fervour, Granada offers to residents and visitors, the baroque churches of the Santos Justo y Pastor, La Magdalena, Las Angustias, El Perpetuo Socorro and Santo Domingo, which owns the precious baldaquino of its main altar sculpted by the great artist Rodriguez Navajas; the Hospital de San Juan de Dios and the churches of the Hospitalicos of San Ildefonso, the Convent of Our Lady of Grace and the Colegiata del Sacromonte, at the location of the same name. La Alhambra
The Alhambra, palatial city on the Sabika hill, World Heritage Site in 1984, is located near the Darro river. Its name, of arabic origin, comes from the colour of its walls (Al-Hamra, the red), made using the local clay and the reddish tint that it gave to the bricks.
The Alhambra complex comprises the Generalife gardens, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Alcazaba or citadel, all of them of Moorish building. From Christian times we have the palace of Carlos V and the church of Santa María, this one built on the former mosque. The Nasrid Palaces group together rather irregularly, showing their different rooms interconnected by passages and courtyards. The Alhambra complex goes back to the IX Century when, according to historical references, the Alcazaba was used as a military construction, serving as a shelter. But it was not until the XIII Century when Mohammed Ist, first Nasrid king, turned it into his royal residence. The walled precincts were finished by his successor, Mohammed II. During the XIV Century, under the ruling of kings Yusuf and Mohammed V, the Alhambra acquired the magnificent monumental appearance that we can admire today. Under Yusuf’s reign the Comares Palace was built, with its splendid tower overlooking Granada city. The Palace’s inner apartment housed the sultan’s throne, which was located under a canopy that represents the concept of Allah’s universe. The aforementioned king reinforced the complex with enormous gateways, too, for example, the Arms Gateway (de las Armas), which is the main entrance to the Alhambra and the Justice Gateway (de la Justicia). The Comares Palace was reformed by king Mohammed V, who added a spectacular façade at the Golden Room’s (Cuarto Dorado) courtyard. Also, he also ordered the construction of the modern styled Palace of the Lions (Palacio de los Leones), which innovative design set aside the model used in palace designing, thus creating a singular four-part structure, based on the Eastern Islamic models. The Alhambra is an unbeatable example of how light and water create significant and decorative effects on architecture. The careful selection of materials causes ornamental effect changes with the varying light patterns. The water, mirror that reflects the monumentality of the building, adds a sensation of peace and tranquility. What is more, light and water combined, help softening the lines of horizontal architecture, as can be appreciated at the Courtyard of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes). The Alhambra was left to her fate in the XVIII Century. Part of the fortress was destroyed during the French domination, and had to wait until the XIX Century, when reparation and restoration started; the construction’s maintenance is an ongoing process. To be able to enjoy the incredibly rich and varied monumental legacy of the Alhambra we should differentiate Muslim buildings from Christian ones: the Alcazaba, the Royal Palace or Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Medina, the Palace of Yusuf III, The Partal, the Gateway of Justice, the Gateway of Wine, The Palace of Carlos V, The Lindaraja Courtyard, The Gateway of the Pomegranates and Santa María Church. If the visitor wants to have a breathtaking panoramic of the Alhambra Complex, he/she has to be at San Nicolás Viewpoint (Mirador de San Nicolás), at the Albayzín. The Royal Palace or Nasrid Palaces The Royal Palace is comprised of three independent areas: El Mexuar, where State affairs were carried out and justice was administered. At the Mexuar there is a raised chamber which was closed off by lattice framework and where the king used to sit for his hearings without being seen by people.The Oratory or Prayer Room is found at the end of the hall, which was a small room facing Mecca and profusely decorated with plasterwork, overlooking the Albayzín. After the conquering Granada Kingdom by the Catholic Monarchs, they ordered the modification of the hall’s interior to turn it into a Christian chappel, nowadays we can still see the choir’s balustrade. The outer part of the walls have undergone a large amount of refurbishings and modifications that it is virtually impossible to know what they looked like at that time. Two courtyards precede this administrative area; the first one shows the ruins of a small mosque with its minaret, whereas the second courtyard, popularly known as the Machuca Courtyard, homes the tower of the same name. Architect Pedro Machuca designed the Palace of Carlos V, other hard working architects, who devoted their lives to the building of this monument, used to live in there. When entering the Mexuar, the visitor comes to the Cuarto Dorado (Golden Room), which owes its name to the gilded cupola, and then to the Mexuar Courtyard, presenting its splendid façade of the Comares Palace, beautifully decorated with moçárabes, or typical Moorish decorative plaster stuccowork, plasterwork and tiles, with a cedar skirting with decorative motifs of pine cones and shells. King Yusuf Ist commanded the building of The Comares Palace, combining monarchy and official management of State affairs with the private royal living quarters. At the very centre of the palace, there is the Courtyard of the Myrtles, with galleries that present porticoes at each end. This aforementioned courtyard has had different names throughout times. Its present name is due to the myrtle bushes or, as we call them in Spanish, “arrayanes”, with their bright green colour is a stark contrast with the marvellous courtyard’s white marble flooring. The Tower of Comares overlooks the premises, which houses the Hall of Ambassadors inside, where the ruler, accompanied of his viziers, had his official hearings. The square-shaped hall shows us profusely decorated wall, without a single inch of wall free of ornamental Kufic plasterwork as decorative calligraphy motifs, plant motifs or ataurique, as well as latticework comprised of geometric shapes. The starred cupola is a representation of the heavens. The Boat Lounge (Sala de la Barca), at the end of which were the sultan’s bedchambers, precedes the place.
To Comares Baths are situated at the East of the palace, which were built in the Moorish style following Roman thermal baths design. The decoration that still remains dates from Christian times, as the baths have been in a bad condition over the centuries having had, therefore, the need to be restored and rebuilt a certain number of times. King Mohammed V, Yusuf Ist’s son, had the Palace of Lions (Palacio de los Leones) built as a private area for the royal family and the sultan’s harem. Its name is due to the spectacular fountain supported by twelve marble lions located in the Courtyard of the Lions, one of the most famous pictures in the Alhambra fortress. The whole place is an allegory on paradise, a stone oasis where water flows, and the large number of columns (124) supporting arches symbolize a palm tree forest. It is here, at this courtyard, where a new architectural model is used for the first time, thus two water channels flowing out of streams found inside two large rooms, that is the Abencerrajes Lounge and theTwo Sisters Lounge. Both are opposite to one another and present magnificent cupolas of moçárabes or honeycomb effect of most delicate plaster stuccowork. According to popular tradition the Abencerrajes Lounge, apparently the monarch´s private rooms, the Abencerraje knights were beheaded. At the Two Sisters Lounge, we can admire the two massive marble slabs on either side of the central fountain, to which a XIV Century poet compared to two sisters. Inside it there is the Mirador de Lindaraja (Lindaraja Viewpoint), a small room that once was the sultan’s favourite’s leisure spot. Most remarkable is its exquisite decoration, being one of the most beautiful places in the Alhambra. The Moçárabes Lounge is, so to speak, the simplest in the whole Palace of the Lions. It is situated near the former palace entrance, owing its name to the ceiling vault of moçárabes, Narsrid decorative elements that covered it. Unfortunately, due to its poor condition, it had to be pulled down after an explosion in 1590.
Oustanding, as well, is the Lounge of the Kings, named so because of a painting on the dome at one of the three existing rooms and that represents ten monarchs. The lounge is divided into seven different areas: three square rooms, separated by two rectangular sections and two bedchambers at each end of them. Both layout and moçárabes decoration intensify the light that enters the room. The Generalife
Palace and leisure location separated from the Alhambra and used by Nasrid kings as a rest place, particularly during summer. Situated on Cerro del Sol hill, its construction is attributed to Ismail Ist, who ruled Granada Kingdom from 1314 to 1325. It was in 1931 when its size and importance grew because the splendid gardens and cypress mazes that today flank the way to the palace.
Orchards that were the Alhambra’s kitchen supply warrant surround the Generalife. It also had all kinds of equipment and amenities. Access to it had to be through the Courtyard of Dismounting, where riders got off their horses and the Courtyard of the Water Channel (Patio de la Acequia) is reached. The patio is divided lengthways by the aforementioned channel and has a pool and fountain spouts, which were added after a lap of centuries. It is believed that the South Pavillion was meant to keep the sultan’s harem and that the North Pavilion housed the Queen’s living quarters. The legend says that the Courtyard of the Sultana (El Patio de la Sultana) to whom it owes its name, keeps an ancient cypress tree trunk, witnessed the King’s favourite love affair with a knight belonging to the Abencerraje family. Also, there is a pretty little pond with a fountain in the centre of the courtyard, surrounded by beautiful oleander, ivy and bougainvillea. The Medina or Upper Alhambra
Residence of noblemen and court, was also the administrative and religious centre, palaces and gardens. Nowadays first class National Parador Hotel, used to be St. Francis convent.
Yusuf IIIrd Palace (Palacio de Yusuf III) Home of Christian wardens of the Alhambra until the years 1718 when they were demolished. Consisted of a central courtyard that had a pool, side pavilions and a place for a bath. Nowadays we can admire a beautifully laid a garden maze. The Partal Built by King Muhammad IIIrd, of which we can still see a wide pool, a 5-arched portico and the Ladies Tower. Next to this latter one there is an attached house from the XIV Century with splendid wall paintings. In its gardens, the Partal presents the remains
The Gateway of Justice
Located at southern wall of the fortress, next to Carlos Vth’s Pillar and nowadays the Alhambra’s main entrance. Its façade is a large horseshoe arch, with a hand engraved on its exterior, taken as an islamic amulet by some people and as symbol of the muslim Holy Book, the Al-Koran. The Gateway of Wine
One of the oldest gateways, it led into the citadel and was the access to the inner section of the fortified Medina or upper Alhambra. Tradition says that since 1556, the residents in the Alhambra used to leave the wine they drank at the gate, as it was not submitted to taxation, although there is another theory that claims the name is the result of mistranslation of two similar sounding arab words. No matter what the explanation is, the beautiful ornamental decoration is due to the non- military character of the gate.
The Palace of Carlos V
In the summer of 1526, Emperor Carlos V moved his court to the royal dwellings of the Alhambra and since then he decided to establish one of his residential houses in Granada. Thuis, he planned the construction of a new palace to be connected to the Arabic Alcázar and continued the work initiated by his royal grandparents, the Catholic Monarchs.
Reputed Toledan architect and painter, Pedro Machuca, which used to be one of Michelangelo’s pupils, was entrusted with the project in 1527. Emperor Carlos V wanted to provide the Alhambra with all the comforts of the time, but his dream did not come true. The palace, incomplete, went through several stages, such as the lack of funds or strikes that stopped the work many times. Even ceilings fell in because of neglection and finally, architect Leopoldo Torres Balbás started its restoration work in 1923. The palace is square-shaped, its main façades are 63 metres wide and 17 metres high. In its centre, it has a unique circular courtyard, which results in one of the most beautiful Renaissance creations ever. Only the western and southern façades are fully decorated. The northern and eastern ones are only decorated partly, which owes to the fact that the building is connected to the Nasrid Palaces. The western façade is Doric-styled, decorated with friezes that display military victories, whilst the South facing side is Ionic-styled, its friezes show here mythological scenes. At present, the Palace of Carlos V houses the Alhambra Museum. The Lindaraja Courtyard This courtyard was built as a result of the reforms carried out to house the Emperor and Empress when they visited the city of Granada during their wedding trip. It comprises a central fountain, six rooms surrounding it and the Lindaraja Tower. From there, the visitor can gain access to the Tower of Yusuf I, also known as the Peinador de la Reina, or the Queen´s Dressing Room, as the Empress Isabel had her private rooms there. They house a series of very interesting wall paintings. The Gateway of the Pomegranates Also known as Puerta de Carlos V (Carlos Vth Gateway), it was built in the XVI Century to commemorate the visit of the Emperor and is located at the bottom of the Alhambra forest, on the street called Cuesta de Gomerez. Its design is based on the idea of a Roman triumphal arch, getting the name from the massive pomegranates carved in stone that decorate the doorway lintel. Santa María Church Dedicated to Santa María de la Alhambra, it was built over the foundations of the great royal mosque. The new temple was designed by Juan de Herrera in 1581, presenting a Latin cross shape, with six side chapels on both sides of the single nave. Inside it we can admire interesting pieces of art such as the main altarpiece made by Juan López de Almagro. Monuments in Granada We could say, without a hint of error, that only a few cities in the world that can boast of having a vast choice of monuments and streets where History is so well shown. Last bulwark of the muslim kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula, chosen by the Catholic Kings to be their everlasting rest place and temporary residence of their grandson, Emperor Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany, has invested centuries to become one of the most interesting, attractive and beautiful in our country. With its many museums, magnificent monuments and colourful quarters, Granada is a city that cannot be enjoyed in only one day. To walk along it, admiring breathtaking locations such as the Alhambra and the Generalife, many hours are needed. A stroll along ancient narrow streets that smell of jazmín, a visit the mausoleum of the Catholic Kings at the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real), feeling overwhelmed by the magnificency of the Catedral or a walk thorugh the Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias), the most visited museum in the Autonomous Region fo Andalusia, are all a must. The historical centre of the city is the ideal place for a long walk, especially strolling along the Albaycín takes us back to moorish times. Undoubtedly, the Albayzín, declared World Heritage Site, is one of most authentic places in Granada. Although mainly old Arab quarter , it still keeps some remains of Iberian and Roman periods. From the viewpoint of San Nicolás, locals and visitors enjoy an unbeatable view of the Alhambra complex and of the Granadan Vega or meadow. Other districts that the visitor must see are the Sacromonte, with its inhabited caves and Flamenco Zambras or dance celebrations; the old Jewish quarter or Realejo; the former silk market or Alcaicería and, last but not least, the Calderería. The Albayzín The Albayzín, world known granadan district, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. It stretches over the hill between the Calle de Elvira (Elvira Street), the Plaza Nueva (Nueva Square) and the Carrera del Darro (Darro river Way), to San Cristóbal (St. Christopher). During the Moorish period, the present Albayzín used to be a bunch of different independent villages, and centuries had to pass to be considered a district as a whole. Originally, the Albayzín went northeast from the former Cadima (Old) Alcazaba Fortress. About the origins of its name there are several versions, being the most accepted the one that refers to an Arabic word used for the falconers district. However, It wasn’t until the late XV and the early XVI Centuries that the name referred to both the small original outskirts area and the whole district opposite the Alhambra fortress. Fairly enough, it is said that strolling along the Albayzín district is to take a trip through the history of Granada itself, as its buildings, squares and streets themselves allow the visitor to recognise the variety of cultural and social changes wrought on the city. The Gateway of Elvira, located at the very foot of the hill and of which, unfortunately, only the arch remains, used to be the entrance to the city of Granada, and could be taken today to the perfect starting point to visit the Albayzín. Below it, there is the square called now the Plaza de San Gil, which was called in Moorish times Hatabin or the Woodcutters Square. It was always a very busy place during this period, as it was the meeting point par excellance between Granada city and the outskirts villages, as well as the medinas situated on the opposite bank of the river Darro. When entering the Albayzín for the first time, the visitor finds an area full of life and feels transported to the most glorious moments in the history of Granada. However, very little is known about its first settlers, as hardly any traces of its Iberian or Roman past are found. Anyhow, the long centuries of Moorish occupation can be traced and recognised in the buildings, the characteristic appearance of the quarter itself and also in the wonderful aroma of jasmine that fills the Albayzín streets, Moorish gardens, the typical houses of this district which are called Cármenes, or the decoration in district villas. The Calle de Elvira (Elvira Street) starts at the Archway of the same name and used to be one of the most important central streets in Granada city, until the Gran Vía was created. It goes in a straight line and features the Church of San Andrés, that presents a beautiful minaret as a symbol of its past as a mosque. When the street reaches its end we find the Plaza Nueva (New Square), which construction goes back to the XVI Century, already of Christian influence. Here stand the Royal Chancery and the Church of San Gil andSanta Ana, a clear example of the Mudejar building developed in the city during the early XVI Century.
Going on along from Santa Ana Square, we come to the Carrera del Darro, indeed one of the most picturesque and attractive streets in Granada city. Its special situation in the river valley, the contrasts that light and shadow cast in the narrow street, the magnificent buildings that flank both sides of the road such as the House of the Condes de Arco, the Convent of Santa Catalina de Zafra, the Castril House or the Bañuelo Moorish Baths, made it the ideal place for uncountable French and English Romantics, tales.
The Carrera del Darro takes us to the Paseo de los Tristes, another remarkable places in the Albayzín, where the Cuesta del Chapiz hill begins and steeply leads us to the Sacromonte quarter. On the aforementioned Cuesta del Chapiz, the visitor must not forget to visit the magnificent Casa Morisca, or as it is also called, the Palace of the Córdova, based on a XVI Century building and reconstructed in the premises in the mid-sixties of the past century, where it houses nowadays the Municipal Archives. The way to the Sacromonte quarter shows us the caves, another architectural curiosity which is typical of Granada. These caves used to be inhabited by the gypsies of the neighbourhood and have been turned into flamenco stage shows, restaurants, discothèques and also, tourist accommodation, in spite of all these changes of use, some of hem are still lived in. Continuing the Cuesta del Chapiz uphill, we arrive to the perimetral wall of the Alcazaba Cadima (Old Fortress), where nearby we find the Church of San Salvador, which was built on the remains of Albayzín’s Grand Mosque. There the former courtyard of ablutions has been left untouched both here and in the Tomasas Convent. To the right, going down Aliatar Square and Panaderos Street, we arrive to Plaza Larga, Albayzín’s mains square. Once there, the visitor can go to the Mirador de San Nicolás, which is a must, as from there the best views of the Alhambra can be seen, that is, a panoramic of the palatial monument. Another possibility is to walk along Larga de San Cristóbal street until reaching the viewpoint of the same name, which has a splendid panoramic view of Granada city. Near the viewpoint stands the Church of San Cristóbal, which features an Arabic aljibe or cistern. These Moorish cisterns that are profusely found at the Albayzín quarter, are one of the most typical features in the district. They were used for the purposes of ablution at the mosques, so their use was more functional than purely decorative. The abovementioned cistern at San Cristóbal church and the Trillo cistern, this latter one presenting a horseshoe arch, are remarkable examples. When leaving San Cristóbal behind, we can either walk up the Cuesta de la Alhacaba hill that goes along the ancient Nasrid fortress wall or go down the Carril de la Lona, to enjoy the superb views of the eastern Granada city, especially from the San Cristóbal Viewpoint. Not far from Mirador de la Lona Viewpoint lays Plaza de San Miguel Bajo, the perfect spot for a rest and to enjoy the delicacies of granadan cuisine, served in many open-air restaurants. Pleasant indeed is also to take a stroll along the narrow streets and alleys leading off from the square to reach the Convent of Santa Isabel la Real, or as it is also known the Palace of Dar-Al-Horra. It was built during the XVth century to be the home of Aixa, King Boabdil’s mother, in whose honour the palace was named Dar-al-Horra or House of the Honest Lady. This two-storey building, richly decorated although austere looking outside façade presents delicate ceilings and moorish styled windows and arch shaped entrances from one room to the other. The street of Santa Isabel la Real, which receives the name of Camino Nuevo de San Nicolás a bit further ahead, brings us back, after a left turn to the bustling Mirador de San Nicolás Viewpoint with its unbeatable views of the Alhambra, thus rounding off our Albayzín tour. The Albayzín Walls Many vestiges of the walled precinct that used to surround the city of Granada still remain. They are large plasterwork walls, which are reinforced with brick and stone, many of them going back to the Zirí period (XI Century). Amongst them there are towers and gateways to the city, such as the Monaita, las Pesas or San Lorenzo Gateways. The wall that defended the quarters situated at San Cristóbal Hill, the Albayzín and the Albaida was built on the second half of the XIV Century and stretched from the gateway of Guadix, went along San Miguel alto, and on to the gateway of Fajalauza and San Lorenzo Gate until reaching its end at the Elvira Gateway. In 1983 San Lorenzo Gate or, as it is aloso known, Albayzín Gateway was rediscovered, as it had been buried under rubble.
The Cathedral
Granada Cathedral is considered as the first Renaissance church of Spain and one of the most remarkable examples of this artistic style. Its construction was commanded bythe Catholic Monarchs in 1492, and at first was meant to be a copy of the Gothic model of the Cathedral in Toledo. It was in 1518 when Diego de Siloé was entrusted with the project. Thus, he designed a wholly different ground plan of the temple in the Spanish Renaissance style. By 1704, nearly two hundred years later, the building was ended, although, of the two towers designed, only one of them was built, terminating the work after 57 metres high instead of the original 81 metres high from the design. The main façade, a baroque masterpiece, was made by Alonso Cano in 1667. The Royal Chapel The Catholic Monarchs, wanted to make out of Granada a symbol of unity of Spain and therefore, of the Christian kingdom, ordered it to be built as their everlasting resting place. Gothic in style, it was started in 1506 and dedicated to the Saints John the Baptist and St John the Gospelwright. The construction finished in 1517, already under the reign of their grandson, Carlos Ist of Spain and Vth of Germany, who also moved the mortal remains of his parents Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso there. The chapel is a superb example of late Gothic style in the Renaissance period, presenting only one exterior façade, as the other three sides are attached to the Cathedral, to La Lonja or Market, and to the tabernacle. The gorgeous Plateresque façade was made by Juan García de Prada. Inside, the main Gothic altarpiece which goes back to 1522 and the royal burial tombs sculpted from Carrara marble, are particularly remarkable. The Cartuja Monastery In this monastery, which lays on the Aynadamar hills and was started in 1506 there is a harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.The most remarkable of the andalusian baroque are tts temple, Sancta Sanctorum and Sacristy. It homes a valuable paintings collection made by the Carthusian monk Sánchez Cotán, as well as masterpieces Bocanegra or Carducho, and the whole building has been declared a Cultural Interest Site. Its one-naved church was completed in the early XVII Century by master stonemason Cristóbal de Vilchez. On its grey marble façade two large Ionic columns, made in 1794 by Joaquín Hermoso can be admired. Most outstanding is the door, which divides the choirstalls, by José Manuel Vázquez, presenting ivory, tortoiseshell, silver, ebony and palosanto wood inlay designs. To reach the Sancta Sanctorum, which is behind the main altar, one must go through a beautiful door made of Venetian glass. It used to house the former silver tabernacle but it was looted by the Napoleonic soldiers when they invaded Spain in the early 1800’s. The one we can admire today has been carved in precious woods, dating from 1816. The paintings, showing episodes of the Old Testament, are by Palomino, who aided by artist Risueño, also painted the splendid cupola in 1722.
The rectangular-shaped Sacristy is considered one of the finest works of Spanish Baroque style and features a barrel vaulted ceiling. The Lanjarón marble skirting and the “chest of drawers” are artpieces made by the Carthusian monk J. Manuel Vázquez, who took 34 years to finish them.La Cartuja was inhabited until 1836, when the selling of church lands caused by Mendizábal law took the lands and possessions away from the monks. The Sacromonte Abbey Situated on top of Monte Valparaíso, when the road of seven slopes ends, it is the place where, during the XVII Century, some lead plates were found. On this lead plates, the martyrdom of San Cecilio, San Tesifón, and San Hiscio are related.
Coinciding with February 2nd, granadans celebrate a pilgrimage to honour Saint Cecil (San Cecilio), saint patron of Granada city, and after that, with a lively fiesta. The Alcázar del Genil It is an Almohad palace dated from the XIII Century,and built during the ruling of Caliph al-Muntasir, and later refurbished by Nasrid kings. It was a place where courtesans enjoyed themselves and featured gardens, orchards, and a large pond on which naval battles were enacted. The mother of King Boabdil, Aixa, lived there until the city was captured by the Catholic Monarchs. Nowadays, only the original ground plan area remains, decorated with stuccowork and tiling similar to the one seen at the Alhambra fortress. The room all covered with an artesonado of latticework and a moçarab frieze. On both sides of the room are two small bedchambers presenting identical twin arches. These rooms were restored during the XIX Century. Today, the Alcázar del Genil, it houses the Francisco de Ayala Trust, which compiles documents on the life of the illustrious granadan writer, as well as his work. The Bañuelo Meeting point for the district residents, the baths or “hammans” to have a bath, take care of themselves and to have a chat with acquaintances and friends. The Bañuelo dates from the XI Century and is one of the best preserved bathhouses in Spain. It is divided into three rectangular-shaped rooms. The cold room is situated next to the entrance courtyard, after that the warm room, which is somewhat larger and has horseshoe arches on three sides, can be found. Finally, we arrive to the hot room, where the pools are placed. Next to it, there is the baths heating system. We must remark the inner decoration, which features columns, capitals, painted skirting boards, marble floors and domes with skylights full of tiny stars that allowed the baths to have a perfect ventilation. The aforementioned columns belong to the Roman and Visigothic periods.
Nuestra Señora de Las Angustias Basilica
It was built in the late XVII Century and is home of the image of the sain patroness of the city, Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Angustias). This is a superb seated sculpture of Our Lady holding Christ in Her arms. Originally, it was a standing statue of Virgen de la Soledad (Our Lady of Loneliness). Most outstanding is the main altarpiece, which dates from 1728. Carmen de los Mártires Tradition says that it was built on the site of dungeons where captive Christians in Nasrid times were held. After the conquering of Granada by the Christian armies, it was turned into a Carmelite convent being San Juan de la Cruz in charge of the place for several years. Nowadays, it has a XIX Century look, as can be seen from the oriental trend of the moment. Its gardens are a subtle blend of French and English models with the beauty of Nasrid gardens. Castril House Beautiful Renaissance palace of Granada, it was built in 1539. Although attributed to architect Diego de Siloé, recent studies deem Sebastián de Alcántara to be the most likely author. The house features a beautiful and original Plateresque frontage and at present, it houses the Architectural Museum of Granada, showing a collection that ranges from Paleolithic Age to Nasrid period. Chapiz House Its building goes back to the XVI Century, consisting of two buildings interconnected by a plaster arch. It shows Moorish and Christian elements both in architecture and decoration. Re-using of arches and columns which belonged to older constructions is fully documented here and it is considered that it originally was part of the Islamic palace Dar al-Bayda or “The White House". The name of La Casa del Chapiz is due to its owners, the moorish Lorenzo ‘El Chapiz’ and Hernándo López ‘El Ferí’. Since 1932, it is home of the Arabic Studies School. Tiros House Its construction took ten years to be finished. Built similarly in style to granadan palaces in XVI century, it obtains its name from the cannons on its battlements. It was part of the wall of the Alfareros quarter, hence its likeness to a military fortress. Only the Torreón (Tower) remains from the original building, and the rest of the house has been built around it in later years. The polychromed artesonado in Cuadra Dorada or main hall as well as the Plateresque doors are magnificent. In 1921, Tiros House became property of the State and ever since it became the Local Museum, housing a library and newspaper archives about granadan issues. Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena (Zafra) This is a nunnery established in 1520 by the Catholic Monarchs ‘ secretary widow. It is a small Moorish house from the XIV Century inside, featuring a courtyard with Nasrid motifs and a central cistern. Of great interest is the Renaissance-style doorway with its sculpture of the saint and the family coat of arms. San Sebastián Hermitage It is a “rábita” which was built in 1218. A “rábita” was a sort of monastic retreat for the religious Muslims to go to and therefore, escape from the world to dedicate themselves to prayer and meditation. This is where King Boabdil handed over the keys to the defeated city of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Shortly after that, the building was given another usage beig dedicated to the saints Fabián and Sebastián. The ground plan is somewhat square in shape, and features a semi-spherical brick dome. The exterior is simple indeed, presenting a horseshoe arch framed in brick Moorish panels as a decorative point. Unfortunately, the original decoration inside has been lost to us due to some restoration works undertaken in 1615, 1933, when it was declared a National Monument, and 1953. Hospital and church of San Juan de Dios Nowadays known as basilica, the church stands next to the hospital, which dates from 1552. The church was built from 1737 to 1759, presenting a Latin cross-shaped ground plan, that is, a nave with side chapels (two on either side), a transept, main chapel and choir. Its inner area is profusely decorated in gold, silver, altarpieces, mural paintings, cornucopias and lights. Outstanding indeed are the transept and chapel altarpieces as well as the frescoes by Diego Sánchez Sarabia and the main chapel altarpiece, where lay the mortal remains of the saint whose name was given to the temple. The Royal Hospital Hospital established by the Catholic Monarchs in 1504 with purpose of taking care of those wounded in Granada War. The construction process was initiated following the plans of Enrique Egas, that is, in late-Gothic style, but it was Carlos V who wanted it to be in Renaissance style, and so it was. The doorway was not finished until the first half of the XVII Century. Presently the building houss the main parts of Granada University, where the rectory and other services can be found. San Cecilio Church It was built in 1540 where a former mosque used to be placed. Opposite stands the Cristo de los Favores (Christ of Favours) who, according to long time tradition, grants all the wishes of those who visit Him at 3:00 pm on Good Friday.
El Salvador Church
Church built where the old Grand Mosque of the Albaicín district used to be. Nowadays we can still see the Ablutions Courtyard, the remains of some columns and a very deep cistern. The Salvador Church was one of the two in Granada that had the privilege to provide the right of sanctuary for long years. At its cloister, it was a habit to hang up the “sambenitos”, that is, traditional garments of public shame worn by the moorish in penitance which the feared Inquisition imposed upon them; these garments used to be hung at the Cathedral before being exposed at El Salvador Church. This temple is home of artistic treasures such as the “Last Supper” painting by Bocanegra, and the image by Pedro Duque de Cornejo of the Crucified ‘Señor de la Sangre’ (Lord of the Blood) which was sculpted in the XVII Century. The Monastery Church of San Jerónimo In spite of its construction year, 1504, the Church of San Jerónimo is of Renaissance style, with a basilica design, features a superb main chapel made by Diego de Siloé, also author of the carvings on the choirstalls. In one of the temple cloisters, we can still admire Mudéjar and Gothic decoration items where the Emperor Carlos V’s wife used to dwell. The altarpiece took 25 years to be built, being another remarkable presentation. San José Church Built in 1525 on the foundations of the Hermits’ Mosque, at the Alcazaba quarter, it is one of the oldest in Granada city. Its minaret, unique, goes back to IX Century and outstands because of its pre-almoravid period construction. Church of Saints Peter and Paul This Mudejar church was built between 1559 and 1567 and stands at the very foot of the Alhambra, where the Mosque of the Baths used to be. It is constructed in the Renaissance style, with a Latin cross, single-naved ground plan. Over the doorway, there are two niches and the images of the Saints Peter and Paul, patron saints of the temple, stand between two Corinthian columns. The vault presents a moçarab plasterwork decoration and sculptures which date from the XVI and XVII Centuries, made by several different artists, such as Pedro de Mena and others. Monastery of Santa Isabel La Real Primarily established as a convent in the year of 1504 by Queen Isabel la Católica, it was constructed between 1574 and 1592 based on part of a former Moorish Royal palace. The church presents a single nave and has its main chappel above. The andalusí legacy is clearly seen in the baptismal font, with its bowl coming from a former Islamic fountain, and on the nave’s ceiling, with an interlacing armature of three tie-beams which are decorated with Plateresque paintings, making all of it one of the most beautiful examples in Mudejar art. The main chappel shows its Gothic style, with pyramids, mouldings and pendentive, as well as the main altarpiece, profusely decorated with saints paintings and sculptures. Inside the chappel, the visitor can admire masterpieces by artists such as Pedro de Mena or Bocanegra, besideds, it is the burial place of the great sculptor Bernardo Francisco de Mora. The Madraza Palace In the present day it houses several departments of Granada University, but it used to be the Muslim School of Koranic Law established by Yusuf I. After the city was conquered, the building was turned into a government site, Granada City Hall and the meeting point of the Christian Knights who governed the city. A beautiful horseshoe arch opens onto an elegant mirhab, that is unfortunately, the only area of the Islamic building which still remains. Inside, the superb decoration has nothing to envy to those of the Alhambra. Later on, a Baroque palace was built around a courtyard that present galleries of arches on Tuscan columns. The stairwell is covered with a superb dome decorated in ornate Baroque Churrigueresque style. The façade is also Baroque, featuring a stone portal. Windows and balconies are wooden and wrought ironed. The roof, sloping, is made of Arabic tile, and the eaves have jutting decorated wooden beams which support them. The Córdova Palace Its construction took 62 years to be finished (1530-1592). The result is a building with a Renaissance portal and surrounded by gorgeous gardens and orchards. The inner atrium also presents Gothic elements and it has splendid Mudejar coffered ceilings, as well. The palace has changed owners and location many times since its building. Built originally at the Placeta de las Descalzas, in 1960 it was moved to the Cuesta del Chapiz, where it stands today, housing Town Hall the Municipal Archives. The Royal Chancery Based originally on an idea by the Catholic Monarchs, who decided to transfer the Law Court from the city of Ciudad Real to Granada, we owe our present-day building to year 1530, during Emperor Carlos V’s reign. The courtyard was designed and works directed by Diego de Siloé, and the façade shows the influence of Italian ornate Mannerism style. Nowadays, the High Court of Justice of Andalucía occupies the building. The Bermejas Towers Military fortress standing on Mauror hill and built where simpler constructions used to be. Until the 1400’s, when it was connected to the Alhambra by an encircling wall, the defence tower stood separately from it. The towers give a mangnificent view of the city to the south and to the Alcazaba Fortress to the north, making part of the defence system of the old Jewish quarter. The Tropical Coast, Gate to the Mediterranean Sea Bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the coast of Granada is located at the south of the province, presenting 73 kilometres of coastline where the visitor can admire muslim castles and watchtowers that, still today majestically overlook towns and villages, on the background the breathtaking peaks of Sierra Nevada. Tropical Coast, of towns and villages full of history that the traveller should not forget to visit. This history, almost always bound to the sea and that is visible in the valuable archaelogical remains and countless monuments. Its natural spaces, of undoubted beauty, invite to have a stroll or a rest, but also to do sports and active tourism activities. Its subtropical climate, with more than 320 sunny days a year and an average temperature of 20º C all year long, makes Granada coast an attractive place to the visitor in any season. The mild temperatures entice a stroll along any of the tenths of beaches and discover the tiny crystal-clear water coves and the high cliffs or, maybe visit the inland villages that are surrounded by astonishing landscapes. Its History The Granadan coast was the strategic place on the Mediterranean chosen by ancient civilizations that populated the Iberian Peninsula, thanks to the good climate and fertile lands that the mountain range protected from the northern cold wind. Thus the land was, in different history periods, disputed by Phoenicians, Romans, Muslims and Christians. The archaeological remains found in the area prove the existence of human settlements in the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Argaric periods. To give some examples, the Cave of Bats (La Cueva de los Murciélagos), in Albuñol is one of the most important Neolithic sites in the Iberian Peninsula; other remarkable remains have been found in the Cave of the Captain (Cueva del Capitán), in Llobres and in Llanos de Carchuna (Motril); at El Peñón, El Hacho and Camino de los Barreros, in Salobreña. The Phoenicians, expert sailors and traders from the Middle East, settled in the fertile lands of the area and developed a prosperous economy based on commerce, agricultural production, and fish-salting. Almuñécar, named at the time by the Phoenicians Sexi, became one of the most important commercial ports in the Mediterranean sea. Its relevance was highlighted by writers such as Plinius “the Elder” or Strabon.From Phoenician times we can still admire the Puente de Noy Necropoli, where there is a burial site located at the top of the hill, with a funerary casket presenting a body in the foetal posture and four ceramic vases. The land kept its economic splendour under Roman domination, Salobreña benefited from the fact that the villaged was included on the route that linked Castulo with Malaka, whilst in Sexi (Almuñécar) great monuments were built. From these monuments, we can nowadays see the Aqueduct, dated from the 1st century, the Tower of the Monk (Torre del Monje), Columbarium La Albina or the Seven Palaces Cave (Cueva de los Siete Palacios). This latter one is a large water deposit consisting of a group of vaults that encircle San Miguel Hill, being one of the most remarkable urban constructions in the Roman Hispania. Currently it is the Municipal Archaeological Museum, where a cinerary vase of the Pharaoh Apophis I, dated from between the 17th and 16th centuries B.C., is exhibited. However, it was under the Muslim domination that the Tropical Coast reached the height of its splendour and towns such as Lentejí, Otívar, Jete or Almuñécar became important centres of the Nasrid kingdom. In the Muslim period, fortresses, watchtowers, and observation posts were constructed to defend the coast from Christian armies, who took advantage of those constructions when they had to use them in the Modern Age to defend themselves from attacks by Berber and Turkish pirates. Proof of these constructions are the remains of the castles in Salobreña, Albuñol, San Miguel, Castell de Ferro, Carchuna or La Herradura. In the 16th century, the Christians built fortresses such as the one in Castillo de Baños and nowadays we can still see numerous watchtowers that overlook the beaches in the region, like Torre de Cautor, Torre de la Instancia and the ones in Albuñol, Cerro Gordo and Punta de la Mona, both in La Herradura. The religious architecture is also ubiquitous in the Costa Tropical towns and villages, such as the Church of La Encarnación, in Almuñécar, one of the first in the province to be built in a proto-baroque style, and the Church of La Virgen del Rosario, from the 17th century, in Albuñol town. After the conquering of Granada Reign by Christian troops and the subsequent expulsion of the moorish population, an adaptation process took place. This process reached its peak in the Modern Age, characterized by the proliferation of tropical grows, wine production and, of course, tourism focused amenities and accomodation.
Its beaches
Granada’s coast enjoys magnificent beaches where sun and sea, join together with the benign climate to give visitors warm days the whole year through. Beaches full of contrasts, where the tourist can choose between the tranquility of solitary coves or the crowded and lively beaches; enjoy long walks along the seaside or sunbathing while listening to the sound of the waves. Or maybe do some sports, such as surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving, paragliding, and many more. Large towns like Almuñécar or Motril offer those full of comfort and amenities beaches that only a large tourist resort can have. Those of La Herradura, San Cristóbal, el Tesorillo or Velilla (Almuñécar), Calahonda, Poniente, Granada, Torrenueva y Carchuna (Motril), are all ideal for practising waster sports, such as diving and fishing. If the visitor is looking for peace and quiet, the Tropical Coast has a wide choice of sheltered and solitary coves in Albuñol, the beach La Guardia and the natural coves of El Caletón or El Pargo. For naturism lovers the beaches of Cantarriján and El Muerto in Almuñécar, La Joya in Motril, and El Ruso in Albuñol, offer a truly secluded paradise. But if what the visitor is looking for is fun and action, the Granadan coast a wide range of possibilities: windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, water-bike, diving, and so on. There are places that are a must, such as the Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs, where the mountain range reaches the Mediterranean Sea. The Costa Tropical has two sailing clubs, the Motril Sailing Club, with 168 moorings, and the Marina del Este Sailing Club of Almuñécar, in Punta de la Mona (La Herradura), with 227 moorings. Motril is, also, an excellent place to play golf, as can combine a day by the sea with another one playing at Los Moriscos Golf Club. The traveller must not forget visiting inland towns and villages, admiring the wonderful landscapes and nature, ideal scenery for active tourism. Anybody can
go trekking along Sierra de Almijara or the Ecological Park of Peña Escrita, in Almuñécar, go horsriding or on 4 wheel-drive vehicles. For those who prefer more exhilarating experiences, there is no better way than doing some paragliding, and having a privileged sight of the coves spectacular beauty, steep cliffs and deep gorges which are dotted all along the coast. These wide choice of activities available on the Costa Tropical also include with trike tours, canyoneering, climbing, and trekking. Río Verde is, no doubt, the best place to do canyoneering. Its warm and emerald-coloured waters are a spectacular route, naturally excavated in the heart of Sierra de la Almijara to reach the municipal territory of Almuñécar. Its Gastronomy Granada coast cuisine is full of aroma and tradition, based on fish and seafood, as well as fruit and vegetables from its fertile plain. Traditional dishes such as “escabeches” (marinated fish), salazones (salted fish), stuffed squid, grilled fish or the popular sardine skewers which are grilled on the beach. Local produce of vegetables and tropical, exotic fruit for which the area soils and climate are ideal, are the basis of the tastiest desserts. To finish a delicious meal, the visitor can enjoy the exquisite and well known sugar cane rum, which is produced in Motril.
Handycrafts The Tropical Coast has made an effort to keep handycrafts such as barrel making, leather work or esparto grass works. Visitors who want to take a souvenir home as a token of their holiday, can choose amongst the countless establishments that sell macramé objects - such as bags – as well as a wide range of hand crafted shawls, tapestries, decorative lamps or glass vases. Its Natural spaces The Natural Park of the Sierras Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, geographical barrier separating Málaga and Granada provinces covers an area of about 40,600 hectares. Its mountains are full of history and legends about revolts, bandolero raids and smuggling.The variety of the existing flora is another feature in the area, hightlighting interesting species which include Aleppo pines, fan palms, spurge olives and box. There is also a small yew tree wood, the southernmost one in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the best examples of its kind in Andalusia. The fauna presents squirrels, wild goats, and large birds of prey, that fly high over the impressive peaks like the La Maroma one. Not far from the area, between the towns of Nerja and Almuñécar is Maro-Cerro Gordo Cliffs Natural Site, an area formed by towering dolomitic limestone cliffs looking down onto pretty little secluded coves. These cliffs are pitted with countless caves and underwater grottoes such as the Los Genoveses and La Cajilla ones. The seabed in that area is covered with plenty of posidonia oceanica. Also, in this area the visitor finds Los Peñones de San Cristóbal, that is, three large crags sticking out into the sea, creating a geographical milestone on the Western coast of Granada and a natural viewpoint. The Peña Escrita Ecological Park (Almuñécar) is also a spectacular source of magnificent views, an unspoilt environment with a combination of three kinds of landscape: the foothills of the great mountain range of Sierra Nevada, the high mountain villages in the Alpujarras, and a Tropical Valley which gently to blend into the Mediterranean sea. Festivals and culture Both are rooted, naturally, in the area’s tradition and marked idiosyncratic character of its inhabitants. The festivities are almost always celebrated because of the sea. Thus, the coastal villages have a large celebration on the Night of Saint John, amongst the most important ones, on June 23rd with large bonfires on the beach. The picturesque festival honouring Our Lady of Carmen, saint patroness of seamen, presents locals and visitors lovely sea procession on July 16th. History is also present in the Tropical Coast fiestas too, such as The Moors and Christians Festivals in Molvízar and Vélez de Benaudalla. Another remarkable feature is folk music, that also plays a key part in the area’s cultural life. A good example of is is the Trovo, which is a kind of traditional song of Arabic-Andalusian origins and typical of towns like Albuñol. Trovos consist of five line improvised verses that are used by the locals to express their feelings, complaints and to tell stories. There are some relevant cultural events in the district. In Almuñécar, the Classic Guitar Internacional Contest and Andrés Segovia Composition Competition takes place on the first week of the year, the José Martín Recuerda Theatre Contest and the Jazz Festival in the Costa. In Salobreña they can enjoy the Festival New Tendences and Theatre Festival and the Luces del Alba Festival.
A stroll around Granada regions
The tranquility that can be felt in its numerous and small white towns, the Natural Parks in the province and the magnificent National Park of Sierra Nevada, makes out of Granada a paradise for those who look for rest, calmness and contact with the nature during their holidays. The province has opened itself to the ever inccreasind demand of what we call “green tourism” therefore developing a wide range of tourist services and rural accommodation that range from luxury hotels to the picturesque offer of tourist accommodation in caves in the Northern area. Alpujarra-Valle de Lecrín (Lecrin Valley) Region This region still keeps the flavour of its past and its traditions, visible on the architecture of its towns or in gastronomy, we could even say that time had stopped there. A good example of its traditional architecture is found at Barranco de Poqueira (Poqueira Ravine), and at its three main towns, that is Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubión. Lanjarón, town of healthy waters, treasures an important historical and cultural legacy, such as the remains of the Arab castle or its spa. In the town of Soportújar we must highlight its abundant tinaos, its steep streets and, of course, its whitewashed houses. Trevélez, the highest town in the Iberian Peninsula has earned an excellent reputation due to the delicious cured ham. The village of Yegen captivated the writer Gerald Brenan who, inspired by it and its landscape, write his worldwide famous novel “To the south of Granada”. From Mairena, called “the balcony of the Alpujarra”, the tourist can view breathtaking sceneries. The town of Válor offers an attractive version of the Moors and Christians festival. And we must not forget to mention Órgiva, monumental town and head town of the Alpujarras region. At the Sierra de la Contraviesa (Contraviesa mountain range) people traditionally grow vines and produced an excellent wine. Other old-time traditions like the "trovo", that has its centre in the town of Murtas, and the handy craft production of the typical “jarapas”. This region has one of the greatest rural accommodation offers in the whole province of Granada. El Altiplano: regions of Baza and Huéscar (The Plateau) Situated in the northern part of Granada province, there converge different kinds of landscapes, from the almost moon-like one of Orce, passing by the high peaks of the Mountain range of La Sagra, until the magnificency of the natural parks on the mountain ranges of Baza and Castril. There, the traveller meets the monumental and cultural richness, as well as different choices of active tourism. Baza, millenarian town that features its important archaeological remains at the Archaeological Museum, the Arab baths or the Colegiata Concatedral de la Encarnacion. Castril, gate to Castril Natural Park in which the Cave of Don Fernando must be highlighted. Orce, with its remarkable palaeontologic sites and beautiful monuments, such as the Fortress of the Seven Towers. The town of Galera, presenting a great number of archaeological sites like the Iberian Tombs of Tútugi, amongst its treasures the Goddess of Galera. Huéscar, lordly town and finally, the Embalse del Negratin (Negratin Reservoir) where a wide range of water sports can be done. The Tropical Coast In addition to its magnificent beaches and the goodness of its coastal towns climate, the region offers great possibilities to enjoy both rural and active tourism in its inner area. In the most western part of the Tropical Coast land, Otívar village is home of one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in Granada province, that is, the Verde River Canyon, a series of deep cuts and ravines where the aforementioned river flows presenting water jumps and pools that make it go down from 1,200 to 300 meters of altitude in no more than three kilometres. These features make it one of the best places to descending canyons and ravines. We do not have to go too far from there t find, within the Almuñécar district, is the ecological complex of Peña Escrita, that features a small zoo, accommodations and other tourist services. In the village of Jete the of best wines in Granada is produced and very near the sea the traveller can find the little towns of Ítrabo, Lentejí and Molvízar, as well as the Natural Park of the mountain ranges of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. Futher up north, Vélez de Benaudalla invites us to enjoy its typical Moors and Christians festivals, “pestiños” or sweet honey fries and its superb Nasrid garden. When descending east, we find towns such as Albuñol, Gualchos and Polopos, which hung facing the sea and giving the traveller astonishing views. The warm, crystal-clear sea waters at the Tropical Coast are ideal for practicing sports and scuba diving, especially at the Maro-Cerro Gordo area. The Surroundings of Granada Some surrounding towns that encircle the capital city of Granada have left their mark both in history and universal culture. Santa Fe, a borough started by Isabel de Castilla and Fernando de Aragón, the Catholic Monarchs for the siege of Granada, was the location where the Monarchs signed the Capitulations that enabled Christopher Columbus to discover the American continent. Fuente Vaqueros is the birthplace of Federico Garcia Lorca, one of the most important poets and playwrights in the Spanish literature. His body lays somewhere between the towns of Víznar and Alfacar, which along with others, constitute the Natural Park of Huétor Sierra, the closest park to Granada city. Towns like Pinos Puente, the Malahá and Las Gabias are included in various routes of the Andalusi Legacy, being in Las Gabias one of the golf courses of the province.
Guadix and the Marquesado
Guadix and El Marquesado is located to the northeast of Granada province. There, the traveller can find caves, monumental towns, natural places and even dolmens. Both rural tourism and that of sportive activities is ever growing in the area therefore offering a wide range rural accommodation, such as caves, cortijos and shelters. In the Guadix region, the visitor will be surprised when visiting the caves situated in the towns of Iznalloz and Píñar, that is, the Cave of the Water (Cueva del Agua) and the Cave of the Windows (Cueva de las Ventanas) respectively. Worth visiting also are the open mines in Alquife, as well as the great number of dolmens in Gorafe. The traveller will be transported back in time when arriving in Guadix and visiting its Alcazaba or the Cathedral; in La Calahorra, will feel overwhelmend when visiting its colossal fortress. Poniente Granadino (Granadan West) Centuries ago, The Poniente Granadino region was the border between the Christian and the Nasrid Kingdom lands. Because of its history, we can enjoy nowadays the monumentality its cities and towns. Loja, Alhama de Granada, Moclín, Íllora and many others that combine monuments with amazing natural places like the Natural Park mountain ranges of Tejada, Almijara and Alhama. Loja, called by the Catholic Queen Isabel “Flower amongst Thorns” owns a rich Muslim and Christian patrimony, such as the Alcazaba quarter (Muslim) and the San Gabriel and La Encarnacion Churches. The town of Montefrío, which was declared Historical- Artistic Complex, is overlooked by an imposing castle-fortress.
The Poniente Granadino region also offers itself to the potential visitor as the ideal location to enjoy active tourism as well as nature, being one of the main features the Natural Park of the Mountain Ranges of Tejada, Almijara and Alhama, with Maroma and Lucero peaks and its beautiful pinewoods and holm oak woods. It owns a full network of rural accommodation in the region that will make the visitor feel most comfortable and pleased. Sierra Nevada Called in the Middle Age “Mountain Range of the Sun”, features at its very feet small villages that enjoy the beauty of nature along with modern services and infrastructures. Towns like La Zubia, Cájar and Monachil, all f them belonging to the Community of Monachil River, go from Granadan fertile meadows to high peaks. The town of Huétor Vega still shows its historical past and the civilizations that populated it, the snow carriers used to walk its paths from the snowed summits to take snow and ice to the city of the Alhambra. Going along the Genil River we reach Cenes de la Vega and Pinos Genil where the landscape gives us the wonderful almond trees in blossom. Behind Embalse de Canales (Canales Reservoir), Güéjar mountain range opens itself opposite us. There we can combine cultural sightseeing with active tourism. The traveller should not leave this region without making a trip to El Charcón, Vereda de la Estrella or Maitena River, to enjoy the natural swimming pools during the summer.
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