Things To Do in Granada, Spain

The city of Granada is a centre of learning and the centre of a region with a rich cultural heritage which can be traced from Roman and Visigoth times through eight centuries of Moorish rule and the subsequent Castilian Christian rulers. This has created a city and a region which cannot be closely compared with any other in Europe.

Alhambra – Spain's most visited attraction draws visitors from all over the globe. The fortress was established by the Moorish rulers and became the Palace of the Kingdom of Granada. The Moors built an amazingly intricate and well preserved palace of courtyard after courtyard with unique décor and features that have stood the test of time very well. The Palace was taken over by Ferdinand and Isabella of Aragon and Castile and later enlarged by Charles V. It is an absolute "must see" when in Granada.

Albaicin – El Albaicín is the old Moorish quarter of the city of Granada. It is located on a hill facing the Alhambra and there are dramatic views of this area from the palace's famous rose gardens. The quarter is approached through narrow streets from which much narrower side streets run, with barely the width for two men to pass. It comprises characteristically white painted interspersed with open squares, cafes and tapas bars.

Cathedral: The Cathedral of Granada was built on the site of the Moors mosque. It has five naves and is considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Spain. It was built in the transition from Gothic to Rennaisance and includes many characteristics of each.

Capilla Real: The Royal Chapel was built between 1505 and 1521 by the newly arrived catholic monarchs and houses the marble tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella – monarchs of Aragon and Castile and parents of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's of England first wife. The northern front was later integrated into the cathedral and you should definitely make time to visit both.

Sacromonte: The gypsy quarter of Granada is a just through and beyond Albaicin and contains much of the same character. However, here the gypsies built caves into the hills and glimpses of their life can be best gleaned in the evening, when you can visit the area to see Flamenco dancing in the caves.

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