THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN GRANADA

The city of Granada holds great historical significance to Spain's past. It was first settled by the Greeks as early as the 5^th Century BC, but was later established as a city by the Romans. It later went on to become the most important city on the Iberian peninsula under Islamic rule when it was taken over by Arab settlers in the 8^th Century BC. Undoubtedly, one of the aspects of Granada which attracts so many visitors are the apparent Arabic influences which remain fused together with aspects of Spanish culture.  

There are many well preserved remnants of Spain's history under Moorish rule in Granada, the most famous being the legendary Alhambra palace. But there are plenty of other exciting sights and attractions that keep bringing visitors back year after year. Here we take a look at some of the highlights... 

The Alhambra Palace 

The mighty Alhambra is much more than just a palace, it's an ancient city, a fortress and king's residence all rolled into one. The name Alhambra is said to come from the Arabic words "Al Hama" (the red) in reference to the red clay bricks it was built from in it's early days.   

First established as a fortress in the 9^th Century, it was captured, ruined, rebuilt and restored many times over the years. It's inbuilt defence systems made it the ideal site to house and protect a ruler and was therefore expanded not only in size but also in splendour over time. 

It first began to take the shape of a palace was when it was occupied by Mohammed ibn Yusuf ben Nasr in 1238. He decided that a fortress was the ideal place to live, but that it was unfit for a king in it's present state. He had the fortified walls restored and then had plans drawn up for several internal palaces, living and bathing quarters and lush tropical gardens.  

From this time until the end of the Nasrid dynasty in 1486, developments on the palace continued, including the installation of an irrigation system for the gardens and further fortification of the complex, including the construction of several defence towers around the perimeter. But as the magnificence of the Alhambra grew, so too did the desire of the enemies of the Arabs to take hold of Granada..  

The castle finally fell, along with the rulers of the Arab dynasties in 1492 to Christian rulers Ferdinand and Isabel, who occupied the palace themselves and ordered the construction of developments including a church, monastery and military garrisons.  

Today, there are four main sections of the complex open to the public: the Alcazaba (fortress), Palace of Carlos V, Generalife gardens and the Palace Nazaries. Entry to the palace will be allocated to you within a particular  time slot which will be printed on your ticket. Entry outside your allocated time is not permitted, so check the details of your tickets before planning your route around the complex. At least three hours is recommended to be able to see everything at your leisure, including the museum.  

Tickets are 10 euros per person and can be purchased up to three months in advance. You can enter the complex either in the morning, afternoon or evening. Some entry times are only for certain sections of the palace and places are limited. For more information consult the Alhambra website: www.alhambra.org 

Cathedral de La Encaceracíon 

The Cathedral in Granada is impressive, if not by sheer size alone but in the elaborate decorative features of the building. The construction of the Cathedral began in 1529 under the authority of Christian monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, but the project would go on to take just over 180 years until completion, unable to be appreciated by it's powerful patrons. 

Work on the Cathedral covered three major architectural movements including initial construction during the Gothic period by Pedro Morales, further expansions during the Renaissance by Spanish master Diego de Siloé and decorative work during the Baroque period by various artists including Vincente Acero, Pachote and Moreno. 

Next to the Cathedral is the celebrated Royal Chapel ("Capilla Real ") which houses the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, their daughter Juana, her husband Phillipe and their son, Prince Miguel. There is also a small museum with Isabella's crown, Ferdinand's sword and various other royal objects and paintings on display. 

The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sunday but is opened from Monday- Saturday between 10:30am- 1pm, then 4pm- 6pm. General admission is 3 euros.  

Hamman (Arabian Baths) 

In ancient times, a public bathhouse was an important part of society in Moorish settlements around the world. It offered everyone, rich or poor, the chance to maintain good personal hygiene, or relax with a massage or natural therapy. The bathhouses, or "Hammans" were also an important place for social gatherings.  

A traditional Haman is usually a series of marble rooms decorated with mosaic tiles and decorative fountains. To begin, the bather would immerse themselves in a tepid bath before moving into a hotter room to bathe, scrub and possibly have a massage before moving back to the cooler bath. Traditionally, the massage would be with olive oil to moisturise and replenish the skin the same way that we use moisturising creams today.  

A visit to a traditional Haman makes for a relaxing experience in Granada and there are several to choose from. The Haman Arab Baths on Calle Santa Ana offers a range of services. Entry to the baths alone is 17 euros, or enjoy a bath with massage for 26 euros. They are open every day, including Sundays and public holidays and take bookings online.  

Calle Calderería 

After a long day sightseeing, you'll love a visit to this famous street in Granada's Arabic neighbourhood, Albacín. The street is packed with tea rooms, offering a comfy place to sit back and taste a range of traditional flavoured teas ranging from black, lemon and mint. They also serve a variety of Arabic sweets like honey cakes, crepes and baklava.  

Those that regain their energy from the break can enjoy browsing amongst the shops and bazaars in the neighbourhood- from carpets to jewellery, lanterns and spices. This area is also a great place to have lunch or dinner in one of the many outdoor garden areas, where you can enjoy live music or a flamenco show in the evenings. 

Sacromonte Hill 

This area of the city, close to the Alhambra, offers visitors a fascinating insight into the lives of the early gypsy communities of Granada who built their homes here by carving out underground caves. The settlement here is believed to have begun with those who were thrown out or who fled when Granada was captured by Ferdinand and Isabel in 1492. Many of the caves are still private dwellings but some have been turned into restaurants, shops and flamenco bars.  

 Abadía del Sacramonte (Sacramonte Abbey) was built on Sacramonte Hill (literally ‘sacred hill') during the 17^th Century. As well as a lovely church, courtyard and spectacular views of the area, including the Alhambra, there is also a little museum which has a good collection of art and religious artifacts. There's also a library, and some beautiful tapestries and brass carvings, including one which has an etching of the oldest map of Granada. 

To learn more about the geological history of the area and the lives of the early cave dwellers, visit the Centre de Interpretacíon del Sacromonte which has a collection of traditional gypsy crafts and offers the chance to see inside some of the caves, as they would have been in early days. You can also learn about how the dwellings were constructed and maintained.  

You can get there on bus 34, which leaves every hour from Plaza Nueva. The centre is open from 10am-2pm and 4-7pm in Winter (open later in summer). Entry is 4 euros.  

La Alcaiceria 

A visit to this old Moorish silk market is a must. This is the place where raw silk was brought down from the mountains on mules in ancient times, ready to be traded or woven into luxurious garments to be sold. In it's time the market was a busy economic hub and an important social scene. Today it operates mainly for tourists on the lookout for souvenirs and local crafts. 

The markets today sell a lot of junk but you can also find some great gifts such as jewellery, leather shoes and handbags, shisha pipes and scarves. You'll have to bargain if you want a good deal.  

If you're not looking to buy, the colourful stalls, Moroccan restaurants and charismatic shopkeepers make for an enjoyable experience anyway. Or you can sit down for some mint tea and watch the goings-on around you. A warning however: Keep your eyes on your valuables at all times as pickpockets find this location particularly rewarding whilst buyers are distracted by their shopping. The market is on Calle Zacatin, near the Cathedral in the centre of town.  

Plaza Nueva 

This square was built to cover over some of the river Darro, creating a space large enough for public gatherings for events including bullfights, public executions and celebrations. Today it's an excellent place to sit and have a coffee and for people-watching, or to plan the next phase of your Spanish itinerary at one of the many travel offices in and around the square. Its also a good place to experience Granada's nightlife when the bars and clubs open after dark. The main buildings in this square are the High Court, the Church of Santa Ana and the Royal Chancellery.

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