Granada Glorious of Al-Andalus in Spain

Granada City

Situated at the foot of the southerly Sierra Nevada ski resort, Granada is one of the most splendid cities of eastern Andalucia. Granada is the capital of the Granada province which is within the larger autonomous community of Andalusia and is called home by 250,000 inhabitants. It sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and at the confluence of three rivers: the Beiro, the Darro and the Genil. On its southern side is 103 kms of fabulous Mediterranean coastline, with the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical in close proximity whilst, in between, lies a fertile plain producing exotic fruits.

View of the Alhambra from the Mirador of San Nicolás

History

Granada dates back to prehistoric times. When the Romans colonized the southern part of Iberia, they built their own city there, calling it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the Peninsula in the eighth century, gave the city its current name of Granada. Founded during the Caliphate civil war of the 11th century due to its militarily defendable position, the village quickly grew into one of the most important cities of Al-Andalus (Moorish Spain). In 1228, The Nasrid Dynasty established the Emirate of Granada which was to remain in place for more than 200 years and their architectural influence is still felt in the city today. However, the tides of change were flowing against the Emirate and on 2nd January 1492, Emir Muhammad XII, the last Muslim ruler on the Iberian peninsular surrendered to the Los Reyes Católicos (‘The Catholic Monarchs’) Ferdinand II and Isabella I after defeat at the Battle of Granada.
Being the last Muslim city of Spain to be reconquered by the Christians, Granada has an unmistakable Arab flavor, and Moorish and Christian elements go hand-in-hand.

Catholic Kings Square - Granada

Climate

The climate in Granada is extremely sunny with little rainfall. The winters are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 1oC – 12oC and hot summers 17oC – 33oC.

Gardens of Generalife - Alhambra

Getting around 

Granada airport is located 15 km west of the city and offers mainly domestic flights, especially to Madrid and Barcelona. However there are a few seasonal international flights to Rome and Paris. Granada’s  train station Estación de Granada, is located 30 mins walk north of the city center. Services are provided by RENFE and links with Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla daily. The bus station can be found on the outskirts of the city, 3km from the centre, with the number 3 or 33 bus providing connections to the city proper.

There are a number of operators with the most important being ALSA, who offer services to cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Malaga, Seville and many others.The local bus system is run which offers a number of lines that run all across the city, including 5 lines that focus on all the main tourist attractions. Single tickets cost €1.20 , with multi-trip card options also available (€5 for 7 trips, €10 for 16, and €20 for 33 trips).

Nasride Palace - The Alhambra

Things to do

One of the most brilliant jewels of Granada is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the fourteenth century. This mighty compound of buildings, including the summer palace called Generalife with its beautiful fountains and gardens, stands at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

The hill facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah or medina called the Albaicí­n. One of the oldest districts, it has been declared a World Heritage Site, along with the Alhambra and Generalife.

The Plaza de San Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicín, is famous for its magnificent view of the Moorish Palace.

Sacromonte Hill, which overlooks the city from the north, is famous for its cave dwellings, once home to a large gypsy community. Here, you can find some of the best flamenco shows in Andalucia.

Perhaps the most important Christian monument of Granada is the Cathedral. Built in 1523, Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand are buried there in the Royal Chapel.

If the children become a little bored with sightseeing, they will just love the activities available in the nearby Sierra Nevada ski resort or the beautiful beaches not too far away.

For more information view: The Alhambra Patronato