The Albaicín, Granada's Moorish quarter, is a maze of narrow alleyways-this one looks out
towards the Alhambra.
Granada's Renaissance Cathedral was commissioned to Diego de Siloé in 1528 after the
expulsion of the Moors by the Catholic Monarchs.
Spices and nuts are sold in bulk outside the Granada Cathedral.
Light streams through star-shaped cutouts in the vaulted ceiling of El Bañuelo-the best
preserved Moorish baths in Spain.
The Rio Darro divides Granada and its medieval quarter Albaicín, and it crossed with a
myriad of crumbling footbridges.
The Albaicín's Real Chancilleria (The Royal Chancery-a records office) dates from 1530.
The Generalife as seen from the gypsy quarter of Sacromonte.
Granada's Alcazaba (fortified palace) provides a view of the surrounding Sierra Arana.
The Alhambra's Generalife is a decadent garden of flowering trees and water pools designed
a a retreat for Moorish princes
Calla lilies carpet the Jardines del Partal, the Alhambra
Dick takes a break at the foot of the Torre de la Vela at Alcazaba, Granada. 
Gail takes a photograph of the Palacio Nazaries, the Alhambra from the gardens of the
Generalife. 
Poppies prevail at the Generalife.
The Alhambra's oldest palace - Palacio del Partal with all that remains- a five-arched
portico and reflecting pool. |
RICH'S NOTES-PARENTAL TOURISM May 8, 1999
Hotel Sacromonte, Granada
Granada
In 1238 the Nasrid dynasty established Granada as its centre and work began on its
palaces. Under Moorish rule, the city flourished as a hub for artists, merchants, scholars
and scientists. By the 13th century, the Nasrid kingdom from Tarifa to Almeria
and through the mountains to Granada was the last of the Moorish kingdoms in Spain. In
1492 the final Moorish ruler, Boabdil, wept as he left Granada, overpowered by the
Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel. The Moorish-inspired cultural momentum continued
through the Renaissance and it wasn’t until the 19th century that the city
experienced a decline.
Granada is an enlightened jewel in rural Andalusia. Its sophisticated architecture and
thoughtful avenues are refreshing and timelessly beautiful when compared to the modern
Málaga and neglected Seville. Its Renaissance Cathedral was commissioned to Diego de
Siloé in 1528 after the expulsion of the Moors by the Catholic Monarchs. The later
Baroque façade was built in 1667 by Alonso Cano. Next door, the Capilla Real (Royal
Chapel) houses the remains of the Catholic Monarchs who wanted to be buried on the site of
their definitive victory over the Moors. They are surrounded by every conceivable
decoration of the Isabelline style, including their ornate insignias and initials.
Clinging to the hillside opposite the Alhambra is the Moorish
Albaicín—Granada’s medieval quarter, including the remains of a 13th
century fortress and more than 30 mosques. It is a maze of narrow alleyways and carmenes—Moorish
villas with enclosed patios and gardens, secluded from the world with high walls, terra
cotta tiles and 1300 years of paint and stonework. We sneak a glance at the star-shaped
cut-outs in the vaults of the 11th century El Bañuelo (Moorish baths) by
joining an early morning tour group.
15th and 16th century monasteries and churches show the heavy
hand of the Catholic Monarchs who forced baptism or expelled Moors and Jews. The Real
Chancilleria (The Royal Chancery) dates from 1530. At the end of the Plaza Nueva is the 16th
century Iglesia de Santa Ana. The Catholic Monarchs allowed the best Moorish architects
and craftsmen to remain in Spain as builders for their churches and palaces. These Moors
were renamed Mudejar, meaning "those permitted to stay". The ornate Plateresque
doorway of the Museo Archeológico hides a barrage of school groups, all vying for a
glimpse of an exhibition covering early man to the Renaissance in Spain.
From the Alhambra, high above Granada, I can show my mother the great distances
we’ve walked this morning. My dad respects his vertigo and stays near the middle of
the tower, refusing the view below. The Sierra Nevada is visible today and towering above
us, reminding me to return for the drive. We can see the hills of Sacromonte where
Washington Irving and other travelers experienced spontaneous outbursts of flamenco by
cave-dwelling gypsies. Today, few gypsies reside but many touristy flamenco shows of
varying quality remain. Santa Maria’s pouring rain has carpeted the Generalife with
poppies and roses, calla lilies and jasmine. |
A statue of Columbus at Granada's Plaza de Isabel la Catolica shows the navigator asking
the Queen for support in finding a western route to the Indies.
Granada's Cathedral rises high above the cityscape, and can be clearly seen from the
Alhambra.
The Renaissance Cathedral's facade was designed by Alonso Cano 1667.
Finely carved Isabelline wooden doorways are found on both the inside and the outside of
Granada's Cathedral.
Plateresque carvings of shells, armour, crossbows, helmets and shields decorate the
entrance to the Museo Arqueologico.
The bell tower of the 16th century Mudéjar Iglesia de Santa Ana, Albaicín.
The Alhambra and the Alcazaba, as seen from the Moorish Albaicín quarter of Granada.
The hills of Sacromonte are where Washington Irving and other travelers experienced
spontaneous outbursts of flamenco by cave-dwelling gypsies.
The Sierra Nevada-among the highest mountains in Europe at 3500 metres- towers
behind the Alhambra.
Arbours at the Generalife are in full bloom with multi-coloured roses.
Birds take advantage of the ornate plasterwork at the Alhambra to make their nests.
Flowers in ivy find every nook and cranny to thrive at the Generalife. |
