Granada The Moorish Jewel

The Moorish castle called The Alhambra, is found in Granada. This has been a famous attraction throughout the years and was built in the mid fourteenth century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada.This was to honor the last Muslim Emirs in Spain of the Nasrid dynasty. It showcases the beautiful Islamic architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, many of the Muslim building were destroyed or repurposed by the Catholic rulers.

The decorations within the palaces are examples of the best Andalusian art of Granada. It is said that they designed the Alhambra as their version of Paradise. The Alhambra includes the palace, a gardens, fountains, streams, and a mosque.

Granada is considered a university town since almost one forth of the population is either a student or employed by the famous University of Granada which was founded in 1528.

This is also the city that impressed Andres Segovia to invent with his guitar. Granada is the city with the famous homes made of caves in the hills and mountainside. This is the original gypsies home, the Sacromonte area.

Granada continues to host the International Festival for Music and Dance. It is the birth place of the writer Federico Garcia Lorca. The city is a mixture of Arabic art mixed with a blending of the Baroque and Renaissance style. A lively area of town with narrow and bustling streets that you will not want to miss is the Albayzin. This is know to many as the Arabic quarter. You will see many homes from the sixteenth century here. Some places you will not want to miss are, the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Museo de Bellas Artes, and of course, the Museo de la Alhambra. At the Royal Chapel of Granada you will see the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand II and Queen Joanna and King Philip I.

You will want to see original flamenco dancing and the live theaters. The Zaidin is a colorful area with a diverse mix of residents. On Saterday morning you can visit an outdoor market there. They also have many festivals throughout the year. If you do not mind the large crowds, the festival for the Semana Santa will last all of Easter Week. They will have thirty two processions throughout the streets of Granada. You will be able to search for the listing of festivals online and enjoy the pictures. You can also make your arrangements for travel including the hotel accommodations online. Plan the details now so all you will need to do is enjoy and relax once you arrive.

If you want to experience the best of art, you have to visit Granada a beautiful and amazing city full of things to see and do.