Sights of Granada – photo and description, what to see in Granada

In the south of Spain, in Andalusia, northwest of the Sierra Nevada mountains, an amazing city is spread on three hills. A rich history, full of events, which led to a mixture of different religions and cultures, left a tangible mark not only on the way of life, traditions of the people, but also on the appearance of Granada. Modern buildings here coexist with medieval buildings, Christian churches with Muslim mosques.

Story

Until the 5th century AD, a very small village called Elibirg was under the rule of the Phoenicians, then the Romans. Under the control of the Visigoths, Christianity began to gain popularity among the inhabitants. In one of the districts, a Jewish community settled, which gave its name to the rapidly growing city of Garnata al-yahud. It is very similar to the modern name, although there are different opinions on this matter.

African Arabs ruled in Granada from the 7th to the 15th century. Their reign influenced the prosperity of these places. Crafts, science, culture, trade developed rapidly. In agriculture, the technique of irrigating the land appeared, the cultivation of almonds, oranges, lemons, and sugar cane began. At the same time, Islam, Jewry, and Christianity coexisted harmoniously side by side.

Alhambra

It was during the reign of the Moors that Granada acquired the most important and largest attraction. The Alhambra is a whole complex of palaces, fortresses, mosques, parks, striking in their beauty and opulent decoration. The decoration of the premises intended for the rulers is amazing. Marble of warm colors, lace carving on plaster, multi-colored ceramic mosaics amaze with the correctness of lines and impeccable symmetry of patterns. The abundance of fountains and green spaces are reminiscent of pictures of the Garden of Eden.

Fortress Alcazaba

The beginning of this grandiose construction, which lasted almost six centuries, was laid by the construction of the defensive fortress of Alcazaba. From its watchtower, 26m high, offers a stunning view of the entire area. The surviving foundation of the barracks, various fortifications, pits for keeping prisoners give an idea of ​​the military skills of the Moors of that time.

Gardens of the Generalife

The Generalife Gardens surround the “country residence” of the Sultan. They supplied the owners with fresh vegetables, at the same time served as a corner for relaxation and solitude in the bosom of nature. Picturesque alleys, channels supplying plants with water are decorated with majestic columns, arches, flower beds. The gardens were founded in the 14th century and have retained their charm to this day thanks to their skillful care.

Arab baths

A special highlight of Muslim culture are the Arab baths, built in the 11th century. These are not just rooms for cleansing the body; in Islam, ablution is an important part of etiquette. Over time, swimming pools, perfume baths, beauty and massage rooms have become centers for leisure and communication.

Cathedral

After the conquest of Granada by the Christians, many buildings of a completely European appearance appeared here. The Palace of Charles V, which now houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Alhambra Museum, differs from Moorish residences in size and majesty. The monastery of St. Jerome admires the relief decorations of the walls and ceilings. Christian churches began to grow on the foundations of many mosques. Among them is the Cathedral. The external monumentality of this building is fascinating, but the interior decoration exceeds all expectations. The paintings by famous artists between the snow-white columns with elegant carvings are covered with shining gilding.

The high vaults are filled with air, the spaciousness and splendor are breathtaking. The cathedral is active, modern masses are no different from those that were held five hundred years ago. In the Royal Chapel, adjacent to the cathedral, the remains of Ferdinand of Aragon, who liberated Granada from the Moors, rest. And Isabella of Castile, the one who sponsored the travels of Columbus.

colorful streets

Walking along the streets is always pleasant and full of unforgettable impressions. This is the only way to feel the special flavor of the life of the local population. Markets, with a clear Arabic flair in the narrow streets. Guitar sounds from street musicians, sometimes with songs. Many facades are decorated with graffiti, sometimes simple pictures, advertisements, sometimes real works of art. A charming street of the same name stretches along the Darro River. Many stone bridges connecting the Alhambra and Albaisin create a unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Amazing landscapes open up from the Alley of the Sad.

Navas Street is famous for its tapas. These are cold snacks that are served free of charge with drinks. More than ten restaurants with national cuisine, where you can get acquainted with the gastronomic features of these places. Tomato soup “gazpacho”, fish “espeto”, “ham” from pork. Of course the “tortilla”, a dish originally from Sacromonte Abbey, is another attraction. The relics of St. Cecilio, the patron saint of the city, are kept here. Their authenticity has not been proven, but every year in February a procession of believers goes to the Abbey to celebrate the holiday.

Sacromonte area

There is another side from which you can look at Granada. This is the gypsy district of Sacromonte.

“Gitanos”, as the Spanish gypsies called themselves, settled in these caves, starting from the 15th century, and got along well with the Moors. Not only that, they gave the world the Flamenco dance. Even now you can admire it and even participate, get a couple of lessons in these underground rooms, which have all the conveniences of civilization. A little higher on the hill are cozy houses. Their white walls are often decorated with various household items, decorated utensils, there is no end to the creative ideas of this people, it is easy to see this when you visit Sacromonte.

Observation deck

At the very top, near the church of St. Nicholas, there is a small park. It serves as an observation deck for those wishing to admire the panorama. A delightful picture can be observed from here at sunset. Many poets have sung about this miracle. The Alhambra, a red fortress in the rays of the setting sun, looks like a fairy-tale castle against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.