About Granada
Snow-capped mountains surround southern Spain’s captivating city of Granada. Its early Moorish influences can still be seen throughout this multi-ethnic region.
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Overview
Granada’s outstanding Alhambra Palace sits proudly on the verdant hillside. In 1492, when the Christians defeated the Moors, this incredible structure was destined to be the last Moorish palace built in Andalusia. Its name comes from the Arabic word for “red or crimson castle.” Inside, extensive Arabic calligraphy adorns the palace walls. Outside, a garden of paradise was designed to reflect the Muslim view of heaven, complete with life-affirming fountains and trees. Water equals life in Andalusia, as it does throughout the world. Today, there are about thirty mosques in the Old Arab Quarter. The newest mosque was built in 2003, the first constructed here in more than 500 years. Glimpses of modern Granada can be seen throughout the city, as well. Its Science complex offers a planetarium, delightful butterfly garden and enticing observation tower offering panoramic views of some of the area’s best sites.
What To Do
Stroll through the Albaicín, Arab Quarter, and Old Quarter’s bustling Silk Market, where you can still bargain for spices and souvenirs much as locals did centuries ago. Dine at Spain’s only revolving restaurant atop the modern Forum building. Free the Gypsy in your soul during a real-life Gypsy folkloric performance in their Sacromonte neighborhood, nestled in the hills above Granada. The Sacromonte caves were originally carved by exiled Muslim, Jewish and Gypsy residents following the Christian occupation in 1492. Feel like a character from the Arabian Nights at a local teteria, an Arabic tearoom. Toast your good fortune with some full-bodied red wines from La Rioja and Ribera, as you feast on tapas and delicacies served in Moroccan-style tagines.
When to Go
Summers are usually short, dry and host, while winters can last awhile and be quite cold. Temperatures range from 32 F to around 93 F, so remember to dress accordingly in the beautiful Andalusian city of Granada.
Fast Facts
The incredible Alhambra Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When visiting an Arabic style tearoom, known as a teteria, a few words of Spanish go a long way. Some of their most popular teas are called té verde (green tea), té negro (black tea), té rojo (red tea) and menta (mint).
There are more than 10,000 gypsies living in Granada today. Many inhabit Sacromonte caves built right into the hillsides surrounding the city.
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