About the Area
Granada and the Alhambra
Granada’s magical qualities combine the romance of its Moorish
history with all the vibrancy and characteristics of a modern European city. Granada’s
old Moorish district, the Albaicin, is a series of steep,
winding alleys, leading upwards from the river. Moorish remains include the Arabic
Baths, and upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants give the Albaicin an exotic
flavour.
Several centuries since Ferdinand and Isabella expelled Boabdil and the Moors
from Granada, a new mosque has been built by a new generation of Spanish Muslims.
The Alhambra itself is a breathtakingly beautiful monument. The imposing 11thCentury
fortress, lavishly ornate courtyards of the Casa Real, and the elegantly sensual
gardens of the Generalife cannot help but conjure up the mystery and romance of
the legends.
The climb through the narrow streets of the Albaicin is well worth it for the
views from the plaza de San Nicolas. From here one has an uninterrupted view of
the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Many Spaniards take their evening stroll here
at sunset, and it is easy to understand why the Palace was named ‘al-Hamra’,
meaning “the red” in Arabic.
The caves at Sacromonte were traditionally the home to Granada’s gypsy population.
Flamenco shows are now very popular here with tourists.
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