Granada is the soul Spain (Andalusia), a place of breathtaking beauty at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
This mysterious city was the capital of a Moorish kingdom from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
For the Moors, who arrived from North Africa, the fertile setting of Granada was like heaven on earth.
The Nasrid dynasty ruled with a splendor unmatched anywhere in the medieval world.
After flourishing for centuries, Granada became the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain when the Catholic Monarchs captured the city in 1491.
Although now predominantly Christian, it has inherited rich Islamic, Jewish and Gypsy influences.
Great tourist destinations in Granada, Spain
Granada, Alhambra Palace / A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
The Alhambra stands majestically on top of a fortified hill, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop to the palace, giving it even more majesty.
This site, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The main reason to visit Granada.
The Alhambra was the residence of the Moorish rulers of the Nasrid dynasty for 250 glorious years.
From the 13th to the 15th century, it is a true museum of Islamic architecture.
Surrounded by ancient walls, the Alhambra looks from a distance like an impenetrable fortress.
This site was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain.
The palace complex consists of four groups of buildings in carefully landscaped grounds.
The Alcazaba is an original Moorish castle built in the mid-13th century, and is the oldest part of the Alhambra.
But all that remains today of the Kasbah are the walls and towers.
The Nasrid palaces constitute most of the magnificent buildings of the complex, which were the residences of the Nasrid sultans.
Like Moorish buildings, Nasrid palaces are simple on the outside but lavish on the inside, with ornate tile work and peaceful courtyards.
Later, the Palace of Charles V was built in the 16th century after the conquest of the Moors and was used by the Spanish Emperor as his summer palace.
Alhambra Palace
Granada, Capilla Real / Royal Chapel
The grandeur of Spain's Catholic Monarchs can best be seen in the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), which houses the royal tombs.
This church with its magnificent 47-metre-high dome is connected to the Cathedral of Santa María de la Encarnación.
But it has a separate entrance; it was an addition to the cathedral built from 1506 to 1521 in the late Gothic style.
The interior features beautiful 16th-century stained glass windows and seven large paintings by Alonso Cano.
An elaborate network of frescoes, crafted by Bartolomé de Jaén, surrounds the richly decorated royal tombs.
To the right is the tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella in a Carrara marble monument created by the Florentine sculptor Domenico Fancelli.
The crypt also contains the coffins of other kings and princes.
Capilla Real / Royal Chapel
The gypsy quarter of Sacromonte
Granada's colorful gypsy quarter of Sacromonte is a great place to visit.
It is present Gypsies Gitanos ) in Granada since 1532 and settled in the caves of Sacromonte in the 18th century.
Wander the hillside lanes of this atmospheric neighborhood to discover artistic gypsy homes; some decorated with vibrant handmade ceramics.
The caves in the upper area of the hill are in the best condition, and one of them has been converted into a museum so you can see it from the inside.
Tourists can also find several cave places in Sacromonte where flamenco is performed.
The area offers some of the best views in Granada, with panoramic views of the rugged valleys, Valparaíso Valley and the Darro River.
Some destinations also overlook the Alhambra and the pool.
The gypsy quarter of Sacromonte
Bañuelo / Traditional Arab Baths
When the Moroccans conquered this region, they brought with them the ritual of the hammam (Arab baths) from their homeland in North Africa to Andalusia.
The 11th-century Bañuelo in Granada is among the oldest and finest baths in the country. Spain.
It is one of the few bath complexes that was not destroyed after the Reconquest by the Catholic Monarchs.
It is one of the oldest surviving Moorish sites in Granada.
Today, visitors can get a similar experience to the Moorish baths at the Hammam al Andalus near Plaza Nueva.
Traditional Arabic Baths in Granada
Science Park
Families traveling with young children may want to take a break from Spain's historical marvels to visit a place where kids can explore the wonders of science.
The Great Scientific Discovery Complex, about a 15-minute walk from the centre.
Includes a macroscope wing that explores the human body.
And the Technology Forum pavilion that examines new technologies.
And many other pavilions with exhibits that include pleasing children.
In addition, there is a planetarium displaying 7,000 stars.
A tropical garden and outdoor exhibit areas explore botany, mechanics, perception, energy and more.
Science Park
Arabian Spice Market
This traditional Arab market is an extension of the old Moroccan market that existed here before the fire of 1843 destroyed the area.
The entire Caesarea district, a maze of narrow streets, housed the silk and spice market.
Today, this original market is a favourite place to buy souvenirs in Granada.
Also close to the market is Plaza Bib Rambla, a large public square that is bustling with people and activity.
There is an artistic fountain in the center of the square surrounded by ornate ironwork and colorful flower stands.
Arabian Spice Market
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