GRANADA
VARIOUS DATES
3 DAYS, 142€
THE MODERN CHRISTIAN CITY OF GRANADA ENJOYS A GLORIOUS SETTING, POSITIONED BETWEEN THE TOWERING, SNOW-CAPPED SIERRA NEVADA AND THE MONUMENTAL ALHAMBRA PALACE… A TRUE HIGHLIGHT OF SPAIN.
Granada was the last bastion in the Moorish occupation and the Moors have certainly left their mark on this mysterious and romantic city. The Albaicín quarter - the area the Moors lived after the Christian Reconquest, is where you can get lost in the maze of cobbled streets, maybe you will go to a cave house here to see real gypsy Flamenco dancing and not the commercialised kind that is prominent on the Costa. All of this sits on a slope, overlooked by the majestic Alhambra Palaces, which will awe you into silence as you marvel at these mysterious people who created such splendour and beauty.
In 1238 Granada became the last Muslim kingdom in western Europe. They reigned until the 15th century and were responsible for the building of the remarkable Alhambra. The surrender of Granada to the Catholic monarchs in 1492 would submerge the city into the modern world. In the Royal Chapel in Granada is a very evocative painting by Padilla depicting the last Muslim king, Boabdil, handing the keys of the city to the Christian Queen Isabella. It is said that he could not bear to watch Granada being destroyed and burned, such was his love for the city, that he “handed over the keys” without opposition.
Entering the Albaicín quarter through one of the most important of the city’s gateways, the visitors’ pleasure is merely to be lost in the neighbourhood’s labyrinth of streets. Visit the more intimate Albaicín at San Nicolás. Here the views of the Alhambra from the plaza with take your breath away. Stop here and enjoy tapas and a glass of wine whilst soaking in the atmosphere of this very special part of the city.
From here you are close to the Sacromonte district. The mystery here is not only present in its caves, landscapes or the many poems written, but mainly for the way that time has seemed to stop; it’s customs and habits that don’t belong in this century, nor to any other, for they belong to its people – the gypsies. The gypsies first arrived with the Christian troops but later suffered great persecution and attempts to expel them. Not entirely successfully, as can been seen from their continued presence today. That is why their style of dancing and music is so passionate, it depicts much of the pain and suffering that these proud people have suffered and is well worth going to see a “flamenco” show in this barrio.
Surely you are already convinced to visit the majestic Alhambra? Whilst there are remains from the 9th century, the main building took place under the Nasrid dynasty. Approach it as you would when entering an unknown city, discovering its gates, walkways and buildings displaying the sophistication and power of those who came before. It’s presence on the hill is a symbol of power and the dominant social order of those who governed the city: the monarchs inhabited the most beautiful spaces and created an Islam paradise promised to it’s people.
Set apart and distant, yet ever present; the architecture and attention to detail is astounding. High above the grounds dreams merge with water in the most beautiful of the world’s gardens – the Generalife. Here is the summer palace. A place for rest and relaxation. It is unlikely that you will wander around the Alhambra without feeling it’s history come alive, it invokes the senses and excites the imagination, whilst the peacefulness of the Generalife just add to this arousal of the senses.
The city centre of Granada itself has an intimacy that invites a casual stroll through its squares and streets. Here you can take in the cathedral and the Royal palace – the final resting place of the Catholic Monarchs Fernando and Isabel. Should you become weary of the history and architecture, there is fabulous shopping and a lively nightlife in one of the most relaxed cities in the world.
The Costa’s number one British-operated travel agent Coachtrips S.L travel frequently to Granada. Based in a central 4* hotel, b&b with the services of a knowledgeable guide.
