Granada History

This is a great place to get a taste of the fascinating and often very turbulent history of the region, and indeed Spain as a whole. Granada was one of the key Moorish strongholds during the long Islamic occupation of the southern Iberian peninsular. The most important buildings from that period are grouped together in an enclosed area called the Alhambra ; highlights include the Casaba (castle) and several palaces influenced by both Moorish architecture and the later Catholic styles post 1492. Once you have visited the main historical attraction, which is situated on top of a strategic hill, then head on down into the maze of streets and alleyways which make up the old town. There are some great places to sample the local cuisine, especially the Tapas bars - But be warned many landlords do not speak English and if your Castilian Spanish is not up to much then you may have to get by in French! But once the food arrives then all the effort of walking around the sites will be made truly worthwhile, all food is freshly prepared and there are sure to be things to please all travellers.

Most visitors to Granada never venture into the city itself thanks to a series of bypass roads that now take visitors to the area, directly to where most of them want to go: the Alhambra sitting on a hill overlooking Granada. Many people now whisk directly to the Alhambra and head on without setting foot in Granada. That is a mistake. The town is worth seeing. If you are a history buff. Ferdinand and Isabella of Christopher Columbus fame, are buried in the cathedral. Up in the hills opposite the Alhambra, are the gypsy caves. They are worth a visit although nowadays they are pretty touristy.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain Plan to spend the day. Get there early as they only let a certain number of people in a day. The buildings, gardens, reflecting pools are beautiful. The Spanish/Moorish designs are faboulus! Beautiful doors!! Such old history. A must see!!! Between the popular Costa del Sol on the west, and the coast of Almeria in the east, lies the Moorish Spain of history and romance novels, Spain’s central southern coast, which appeals to visitors who desire a more natural, less hurried experience. The home town of famous author Federico García Lorca, Granada makes an excellent home base from which to explore all that the area has to offer. Grenada is the largest city in the area, set back from the coast, arrayed across the Alhambra and the Albaicín hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and crisscrossed by the Genil and Darro Rivers. Unusual, sub-tropical fruits, such as the custard apple, called cherimoya, are only found in this area. Other more familiar fruits, such as the avocado, can be found ripe at almost any time of the year. The African continent, just across the Mediterranean, together with the mountains keeps Grenada sheltered and sub-tropical in all seasons. One of the many private bed and breakfast inns will give you the best perspective on local cuisine and culture, but business travelers have a wide selection of full-service, contemporary hotels in the metropolitan areas, as well.

If you're going to go to Alhambra, take an official tour or read about its history first. It makes it even more impressive than it already it.