Category Archives: Andalusia / Andalucía

Cadiz City: What to visit in Cadiz (Andalusia)

June 6, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cádiz, Emblematic buildings, Streets and monuments, Tours and Guidesjulia

Situated on a small peninsula in the Andalusia region, on the southwest Spanish coast, Cádiz is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and joined to the Iberian Peninsula (San Fernando town) by a long narrow isthmus. Its ideal geographical location, its mild, warm and sunny weather almost all year round, and its well preserved cultural and historical heritage make Cádiz an attractive tourist destination.

Cádiz is the oldest city in Spain, was founded 3,100 years ago by the Phoenicians (Fenicios) who named it Gadir and in the 3th century the Romans called it Gades, therefore, people who are born in Cádiz are called Gaditanos. Besides, when Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims inhabited here they left an unmistakable cultural imprint on Cádiz which was conquered by the King of Castilla Alfonso X El Sabio ( 1221-1284) in 1262.

Nowadays, Cádiz and the Iberian Peninsula are linked by the isthmus, the Carranza Bridge, which was built between 1960 and 1970 of 1400 meters long, and the Puente de la Constitución de 1812 (Bridge of the Constitution of 1812) also called La Pepa Bridge that was built between 2007 and 2014. Being the longest bridge in Spain (1,655 meters in length over the sea), La Pepa Bridge was designed by the world renowned engineer Javier Manterola who was born in 1936 in Pamplona. It is said that the Drawbridge of the Constitution of 1812 is going to be the most emblematic construction of Cádiz. Both the Carranza and La Pepa bridges cross over the Bay of Cádiz from Puerto Real town to Cádiz.

Cádiz, with a population of about 135,000, has a lot of to offer in the way of architecture, culture, gastronomy, entertainment, carnivals, flamenco, beaches, nightlife among others without forgetting its important seaport.

What to visit in Cádiz city

Firstly, we suggest taking a leisurely walk through its historical walled town (casco antiguo), enjoying its narrow streets, alleys and typical squares sensing the friendly atmosphere of the neighborhoods which still retain a lot of its traditional charm. Moreover, local people really have a lot of fun and open mind.

The Cathedral Square, one the most popular places in Cádiz, is in the medieval Pópulo quarter, which is really the oldest part of the city, visitors will be able to find the most remarkable buildings of Cádiz, such as the imposing Cathedral also known as New Cathedral in Baroque and neoclassical style that was built between 18th and 19th centuries and designed by Vicente Acero. Here is the tomb the world renowned musician Manuel de Falla. Besides, if visitors go up the Poniente Tower they will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the golden dome, the city and surroundings. It is worth a visit.

Following the walk from Cathedral Square people can go under the Arco de la Rosa (Rose Arch) from 13th century, it was a gateway to the walled town built by Alfonso X (1221-1284). This Pasaje de la Rosa ( Rose Passage) goes to San Martín Square, here are the Casa del Almirante with facade from 17th century in Baroque style, and the Church of the Carmen dating from 18th century in Baroque style inside a fine altarpiece from 18th century. If visitors take the Obispo Rances Street, they will arrive at The Fray Félix Square one of the most interesting spot.

Santa Cruz Church, (also known as the Old Cathedral) was finished its construction in the early 17th century by Cristobal de Rojas in Renaissance style. Being the first Cathedral of Cádiz until 1838, Santa Cruz Church was built on the site of a previous church destroyed in the late 16th century, which had been built on the site of a mosque. Inside Santa Cruz Church its main altarpiece, the Genoveses Chapel and the Urn and the Christ of Holy are worthy of mention. The Sagrario Tower and the Cathedral Museum next to Santa Cruz Church are also must see places.

Casa del Obispo ( Bishop’s Palace) between the New Cathedral and the Fray Felix Square ( Santa Cruz Church ) is the most important archaeological remains of the city ( Phoenicians, Romans and medievals) can still been seen in this palace.

Teatro Romano (the Roman Theater) was built in the late first century before of Christ being the largest Roman Theater in Spain. It was discovered in 1980 by chance. It is next to Santa Cruz Church too.

Other interesting places in this quarter of Pópulo are: The Arco del Pópulo (Pópulo Arch) from 13th century was other gateway of the walled city built by Alfonso X (in Fabio Rufino Street). Arco de los Blancos (White Arch) of four Arches was part of a medieval castle and other gateway from 13th century. It is in San Juan de Dios Street next to the Roman Theater .

If tourists visit the Pópulo neighborhood they will be able to enjoy its shops, cafés, taverns, traditional dishes, delicious tapas and wines spending their free time sitting in its open air terraces because the weather in Cádiz is usually excellent.

By the way, the promenade goes around the old town so the Cathedral, Casa del Obispo, Santa Cruz Church, Roman Theater and other places can also be reached by Campo del Sur Avenue (Paseo Maritimo).

It is said that flamenco song was born of the people of Santa María neighborhood, so the music roots come alive in its streets. If people want to know more about flamenco, they will probably have a first contact with Flamenco in this neighborhood.

Puertas de Tierras one of the most emblematic monument of Cádiz separates the Old walled Town from the modern Cádiz city.

The Town Hall building, which was built in the early 19th century in neoclassical style, has a beautiful facade and is located in the lively San Juan de Dios Square one meeting point in the heart of Cádiz.

Museo del Vinos y Toros de Cádiz (Wines and Bulls Museum) is an exhibition about wines and bulls in where visitors can taste the delicious wine from Cádiz and know more about the traditional bullfights ( a spectacle in which a man fights and kill a bull).

In middle of the Spain Square people can find the magnificent Monument to the Constitution of 1812 which was raised in 1912, and other interesting buildings such as the Customs and the House of the Four Towers. Do not miss out on the port and pier on the Cádiz Bay nearby.

Oratorio de la Santa Cueva, which consists in two outstanding chapels, is considered to be a masterpiece of the neoclassical Gaditano, decorating with paintings by Francisco de Goya, Zacarias Gónzalez and others world renowned arts.

People interested in art should visit the Cádiz Museum where they not only will find paintings by Zurbarán, Murillo, Rubens, Alonso Cano among others but also archaeology, art and history. Is is in La Mina Square.

Alameda Apodaca is a popular area with plenty of trees, benches, fountains and gardens an ideal area to walk and rest, above all in summer. It is in the north of the city near the Candelaria Bastion from 17th century and the Cádiz Museum.

Genovés Park is the most beautiful and important green area in Cádiz, plenty of plants, trees, fountains, gardens benches is a real botanic park where people can enjoy walking along its avenues and squares. It is situated in the old town between Santa Catalina Castle and Candelaria Bastion and near the Caleta beach.

Grant Falla Theater was built between 1884 and 1905 on the site of the previous theater brunt in neomúdejar style. It is worth a visit and near Genovés Park.

The lively Viña quarter is certainly popular not only among Cádiz residents, but also with tourists elsewhere in Spain and other countries, with plenty of typical bars, cafés, restaurant where serve traditional dishes, tasty cook fish and delicious wine. The Santa María Square is a typical meeting point in the heart of this neighborhood which comes alive with citizens and tourists dancing and signing during the Carnivals.

San Sebatian Castle dates from 19th century is a fortress on a small islet in La Caleta washed by the sea. Inside there is the lighthouse set up in the early 20th century, it measures more than 40 meters in length.

The coastal Castillo de Santa Catalina was constructed in the 17th century is a fortress by La Caleta beach.

Other interesting place is the Hospital de Mujeres (Women Hospital) in gaditano Baroque style and its chapel where there is one noteworthy painting by El Greco. It is near Oratorio San Felipe.

Oratorio San Felipe Neri (Saint Felipe Neri Church) in Baroque style has a Baroque altarpiece dating in the mid 18th century with a beautiful painting by Murillo, next to this Church is the Museo de las Cortes de Cádiz (Cortes of Cádiz Museum ) about Cádiz Constitution.

The watch Tavira Tower from 18th century is one of the most visited places in Cádiz, it has the Camera Obscure that allow visitors to watch the city and the terrace from where people can also see a spectacular views of Cadiz. It is near the Oratorio

Plaza de Abastos (Abasto Square) is a traditional Gaditano market, although most tourists come here to taste its typical tapas and wine in the bars nearby and have a look around the Flowers Square the main shopping area.

Beaches in Cádiz city- Costa de la Luz (Coast of the Light)

Obviously Cádiz has many beautiful and sunny beaches most of them are formed by fine golden sand dunes its clear blue water attracts tourists and citizens who enjoy its excellent weather.

– La Caleta beach of fine and golden sand is the most popular beach in Cádiz because it has bars, restaurants, excellent facilities even flamenco club and is situated between San Sebastian and Santa Catalina Castles in the old historical town so it is often plenty of tourists and local people.

– Santa María del Mar beach of golden sand is the smallest beach of Cádiz. Situated next to La Victoria beach is often crowded.

– La Victoria beach stretches for more than 2,900 meters. It is by the promenade in the modern area of Cadiz. Having excellent facilities La Victoria is usually plenty of people of all ages.

– The Cortadura beach of fine golden sand dunes is located in the isthmus between Cádiz and San Fernando town. It is easy to get on foot and measures about 2,500 meters in length, secluded but plenty of free space.

– El Chato or Torregorda beach is located between the Cortadura and the Composto beaches it is similar to the Cortadura beach but more than 2,600 meters long.

Cádiz has more beaches, other interesting places, a lot of fun, tasty food. good wine, a very pleasant weather, lively nightlife, dancing and flamenco and so on.

More cities and towns to visit near Cadiz

– Tarifa: The most southerly town of Spain.

– Andalucia / Andalusia region: Read here all about this region, including cities as Grandada, Cordoba or Sevilla.

Tarifa: What to see in the most southerly town of Europe (Andalusia)

January 21, 2014Beach, mountain and nature, Cádiz, Tours and GuidesJorge

Tarifa is the most southerly town of Spain (without counting Ceuta, Melilla nor Canary Islands) and Continental Europe. It is located in Cadiz Province, Andalusia region. Tarifa is 100km away from Cadiz city, 200km away from Seville and 160 km away from Malaga.

With around 20,000 inhabitants, currently Tarifa is a touristic small city, famous for its beaches, its castle, but above all because of the coast of the city from where you can reach the Strait of Gibraltar and see Africa, or cross it by boat.

What to visit in Tarifa (Andalusia)

Among the tourists, in summer Tarifa is well known for its beaches, in where you can practice aquatic sports as surf. However, if you are visiting Tarifa, don’t miss seeing these popular places about what we will talk now:

– Baelo Claudia Roman city.
– Guzman el Bueno’s Castle (Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno).
– Pigeons’ Island (Isla de las Palomas).
– The Strait of Gibraltar (Estrecho de Gibraltar).
– The Port of Tarifa.
– And of course the beaches, the sea and the Andalusian Gastronomy.

Other important sites are Puerta de Jerez (Jerez Gate), Sancho IV Monument and San Mateo Church.

Baelo Claudia: The ruins of a Roman city

The history of Tarifa began a lot of time ago, in the prehistory. From these times still remain some places, as the Albarbes necropolis or The Moorish Cave (La Cueva del Moro). However, the most important rests are in “Baelo Claudia”, a roman city which were founded in the third century B.C. and developed the next centuries, and whose ruins can been visited nowadays.

Guzman el Bueno’s Castle (Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno)

This castle is located in the south of the city, in the top of a hill, bordering the sea. It is said that it was built in the 10th century by Abderramán III. Some years later, in 1292, Tarifa was conquered by the Christians, commanded by Sancho IV.

Because of its strategic location, the castle was military point for many centuries. During this time it was improved and reconstructed many times.

Nowadays the castle is open to visitors. To visit the whole complex can last about 40 minutes. We recommend to visit it, and don’t miss your photos camera: From the towers of the castle you will see an amazing view of the Port , the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Pigeons’ Island (Isla de las Palomas) and The Strait of Gibraltar (Estrecho de Gibraltar)

The Strait of Gibraltar is the piece of sea which separates Spain (Europe) and Morocco (Africa). It also separates the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. In its narrower point the strait measures 14 km, and it is one of the most transited sites of the world.

Pigeons’ Island (La Isla de las Palomas) is a small island located inside the Strait. Nowadays you can arrive at the island by foot following a path from the city. In the island you will find a 12th century fortress, which at first was a small military base, but which have been extended since then until the 20th century covered most of the island.

You can visit Pigeons’ Island for free. It is the officially the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and of the continent of Europe. Also, from there you can see in the clear days the north of Africa.

The Port of Tarifa

The Port of Tarifa is the closest port near Europe and Africa. It can be seen from Guzman el Bueno’s Castle and also from Pigeons’ Island.

From this small port you can cross the The Strait of Gibraltar by boat and arrive in Tangier (Morocco).

Other places to visit in Andalusia and Spain

– Andalusia: Check here all our articles about this wonderful region of Spain.

Popular cities in Andalusia: Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada.

– The best places to visit in Spain: Read our post with the most popular places to visit.

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba / Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

January 4, 2014Córdoba, Emblematic buildingsManu

The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (La Mezquita de Córdoba) situated near the Guadalquivir river is one of the most remarkable and tourist places in Spain and in the world, and the most emblematic building in Córdoba city. The Mosque of Cordoba is the symbol of the Andalusí art, one monument that remind us of the art and great power of the Caliphate of Cordoba during the 9th and 10th centuries.

The Mosque of Cordoba was declared a World Heritage site in 1984 by UNESCO.

History of the Great Mosque of Cordoba

The construction of the amazing Mosque in Andalusí style began in 786 on a Visigoth church (dating in the 6th century) destroyed by order of Abderraman I (Abd ar-Rahman) (born in 731 in Damascus and died in Córdoba in 788) who wanted a great Mosque in Córdoba. In fact, he had bought the Visigoth Saint Vicente the Martyr basilica in order to built the first Mosque aljama in Córdoba in the same place.

The Great Mosque aljama was built in different stages: Abderraman I who founded the dynasty Omeya (Umayyad) began the construction in 786; his son Hixem I (757-796) built the first minaret; Abderraman II (792-852) added eight rows; Abderraman III (891-961) constructed a new minaret in the 10th century; his son Alhaken II (915-976) added twelve naves and decorated the mihrab in the 10th century; the last construction was by Almanzor (Al-Mansur) (938-1002) who added eight naves at the end of 10th century.

The great Mosque of Córdoba became the second largest Mosque in the world after the Mecca Mosque in Saudi Arabia until 16th century when was built the Blue Mosque in Istanbul (Turkey).

In 1236 Fernando III king of Castilla and León known as the Saint (1199-1252) conquered Cordoba, and the Great Mosque was converted into The Cathedral of Cordoba.

Unfortunately in 1523 inside the Great Mosque was begun to build the main chapel in Renaissance style, the transept and the choir of the cathedral until 17th century, and as a result part of the Great Mosque constructed by Abderraman II and Armanzor was demolished to built the current cathedral. Moreover, the minaret built by Abderraman III was cover by the new baroque bell tower which was constructed in the 16th century although it is said that the minaret is still underneath the Christian bell tower.

Therefore Charles I of Spain and V of Germany the Emperor (1500-1558) regretted having allowed the bishop of Cordoba to build inside the Great Mosque.

Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

Nowadays, the Mosque- Cathedral of Cordoba has more than 800 granite, jasper and marble columns with double horseshoe arches, an beautiful orange tree courtyard, the incomparable miharb which is a masterpiece, the Chapel of Villaviciosa, other outstanding chapels, the beautiful choir, the bell tower and too beautiful artworks to see in only a visit.

In conclusion, the Mosque-Cathedral covers a quadrangular area of more than 23,000 m2 full the interesting artworks. Do not leave without visiting the Mosque of Cordoba.

In addition, People interested in night tour can visit the Mosque-Cathedal during the night because there are several guided visits in the evening and during the night. Although the visit takes place in groups about 80 people, it had better book the ticket in advance to avoid the wait and spend the free time strolling in its surroundings. It will be an unforgettable experience to know better this unique Mosque-Cathedral in Andalusí art.

The visit costs between 9 and 18 euros and it takes about one and a half hour the guided visit. By the way, visitors can enjoy the Mosque more if they border the building to admire its more the 15 doors in its facades.

More places to visit in Cordoba

– Medina Azahara: Medina Azahara was a luxury wall city situated on a hill to 8 km away from Cordoba. It was begun its construction in 936 by Abderraman III and finished by his son Alhaken II with the finest decoration in Andalusi style.

Read also our recommendations about Granada and Seville and our list with the best cities and destinations of Spain.

Medina Azahara medieval palace (Cordoba)

January 4, 2014Córdoba, Emblematic buildingsManu

Medina Azahara (Madinat al-Zahra) was a luxury wall city situated on a hill to 8 km away from Cordoba by Sierra Morena Mountain. It was begun its construction in 936 by Abderraman III and finished by his son Alhaken II with the finest decoration in Andalusí style.

Unfortunately the upmarket place, the royal castle, the mosque, gardens, fountains among other things were plundered during the wars in Al-Andalus in the 11th century.

However, important remains of the city can still be seen in the archaeological site. It is worth a visit. There are several buses to go to Medina Azahara, it costs about 9 euros. Another way is to take the buses with tourist guide it costs 20 euros. It is 8 km away from Córdoba.

It can take about 2 hours to arrive at the Medina Azahara on foot from the Mosque, and 14 minutes by bus.

More places to visit in Cordoba (Andalusia)

– The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba: Situated near the Guadalquivir river in Cordoba is one of the most remarkable and tourist places in Spain and in the world, and the most emblematic building in Córdoba city.

Read also our recommendations about Granada and Seville.

Catedral de Santa María y La Giralda / Santa Maria Cathedral and The Giralda (Seville)

December 27, 2013Emblematic buildings, Seville / Sevillajulia

Santa Maria of the Sede Cathedral, Seville (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede in Sevilla)

Situated in the heart of Seville, near Guadaquivil river, the Gothic Santa María Cathedral in Seville is the largest Cathedral in Spain, and the largest Gothic Christian Cathedral in the world. In fact, the imposing Cathedral measures 116 metres in length and 76 metres in width, being together with the Zaragoza and the Toledo Cathedrals the three unique Gothic Cathedrals with five naves in Spain.

This outstanding Cathedral was built between 1433 and 1519 on the site of the Great Mosque aljama demolished when the Almohad Mosque aljama (dating in 12th century) started being in ruins, but fortunately, the minaret (currently known as the Giralda), El Patio de los Naranjos (the Orange trees Courtyard), and the Puerta del Perdón (the Pardon Door) were not demolished and have remained in the place for more than eight centuries.

Being one of the buildings more visited by tourists in Spain, the Cathedral has more than enough interesting thing to spend several hours seeing its 138 Gothic stained glass windows, its unbelievable sculptures, its beautiful paintings by Murillo, Zurbarán, Valdés, Goya and others. Moreover, visitors can see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Its artworks can be stared inside and outside the Cathedral. Therefore, it is said that 99 per cent of tourists who arrive in Seville do not miss out on the Cathedral.

The Giralda (La Giralda de Sevilla)

Next to cathedral is its bell tower, the world renowned Giralda with its 24 bells is one of the most remarkable towers in Seville, it measures 13,61 m in width and the same in length (square) and 94,70 metres in height without the Giraldillo (the statue on its top).

It was constructed in two stages:

– The first stage was between 1184 and 1198 of Almohad architecture and was the minaret of the Great Mosque aljama of Isbiliya until 1248 when the king Fernando III of Castilla (1199-1252) conquered Sevilla and the Great Mosque and its minaret were converted into The Cathedral of Sevilla.

– The second stage was added from the bells to the Giraldillo between 1557 and 1568.

Do not leave without going up the Giralda there is a breathtaking view of Guadalquivir river, Santa Cruz neighbourhood, Patio de los Naranjos and the city.

To add, the Cathedral and its bell tower the Giralda together with The Alcazar, and Archive of Indias were declared World of Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1987.

More places to visit in Seville

– Plaza de España: Plaza de España is located in the middle of Maria Luisa Park, in the city center. The square has a fountain in the middle, rounded for a small lake and a building behind it that gives a traditional style to all the place.

– Torre del Oro: This ancient tower is by the river, near to San Telmo Bridge. The first part of its structure was constructed in the 13th century when the Muslims lived in Andalusia, one century later it was improved and finished by Pedro I.

– Plaza de toros de la Maestranza.

– Metropol Parasol: Metropol Parasol is the official name of this construction placed in Plaza de la Encarnación, near the city centre of Sevilla. Popularly, the structure is known as “Setas de la Encarnación” because of its similarity to a big-scale mushrooms.

Sierra Nevada: Skiing and hiking near Granada

December 24, 2013Beach, mountain and nature, GranadaJorge

Sierra Nevada is a mountain massif located in the south of Spain, more specifically in Andalusia, between Almeria and Granada.

In there, there is located The National Park of Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Nevada Ski station. These two places offer a lot of activities for the people who visit it, from skiing and snowboarding in winter, to hiking, to make excursions, cycling or para-gliding the whole year.

The National Park of Sierra Nevada

Inside the mountain massif it’s placed the National Park of Sierra Nevada (Parque nacional de Sierra Nevada). Declared a national park in year 1999, it covers an area bigger than 85000 hectares.

The park has more than twenty peaks over 3000 meters high. From all of them, Mulhacen is the highest peak, with 3480 meters high.

The Ski Station

The Ski Station of Sierra Nevada (Sierra Nevada, Estación de Esquí y Montaña de Andalucía) is the highest ski station of Spain and one of the biggest ones (only comparable with The Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Aragon and Navarra). Besides, its location in the south of the country, near the sea, creates a softer weather and its height propitiates to have high quality snow.

Every winter thousands of people from the south and the center of Spain, and also from outside, go skiing and snowboarding. One day skiing can cost from 40 to 65€ per person (depending if you have your own equipment, if you park the car in a parking or if you want to eat in its restaurants).

To arrive at the Sierra Nevada ski station, you can go by bus or by car from Granada city. The station is 31 away of the city. Another option is to take a bus (called Bus Blanco) from Madrid.

Map: Sierra Nevada Ski tracks

Here you have a map of the Ski Station:

The main entrance is at Pradollano (2100 meters), then a chairlift will you take you to Borreguiles. The highest ski tracks of the station are placed at Veleta peak (3400 meters).

More places to visit near Sierra Nevada

– La Alhambra (Granada): It is said that “There is nothing sadder in the world than being blind in Granada,” because one blind cannot see the wonderful sunset staring at the Alhambra from the Albaicín, and enjoy its extraordinary architecture, therefore, a must for tourists who visit Spain is to spend several days in Granada and visit The Alhambra which is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

– Andalusia: Check here all our articles about this wonderful region of Spain.

La Torre del Oro / The Gold Tower (Seville)

December 1, 2013Emblematic buildings, Seville / SevillaJorge

The Gold Tower (La Torre del Oro) of Seville is a unique tower located beside the Guadalquivir River. The tower measures 36 metres on height and can be seen from San Telmo Bridge. The first part of its structure was constructed in the 13th century when the Muslims lived in Andalusia, one century later it was improved and finished by Pedro I.

There are many suppositions about the name of the tower: On one hand some rumors say that the tower was used by the governors of the 14th century for storing the treasures (mostly gold) which came from America. On the other hand, other experts say that its name became from the color of its surface, that it reflected from the water of the river.

The Gold tower is in the centre of the Seville, close to the Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar the Bullfighting Ring of La Maestranza and near Maria Luisa Park, where is the most popular square of Seville: Plaza de España.

More buildings and monuments to visit in Seville

– Santa Maria Cathedral and La Giralda: Situated in the heart of Seville, near Guadaquivil river, the Gothic Santa María Cathedral in Seville is the largest Cathedral in Spain, and the largest Gothic Christian Cathedral in the world. In fact, the imposing Cathedral measures 116 metres in length and 76 metres in width, being together with the Zaragoza and the Toledo Cathedrals the three unique Gothic Cathedrals with five naves in Spain.

– Plaza Nueva: There is the Seville’s Town hall.

– Plaza de toros de la Maestranza.

– Archeological Museum and Arts Museum of Seville: Both of them are placed on Maria Luisa Park.

– Canal de Alfonso XIII: This watercourse passes just alongside Maria Luisa Park.

La Alhambra / The Alhambra complex of buildings and palaces (Granada)

November 5, 2013Emblematic buildings, Granadajulia

It is said that “There is nothing sadder in the world than being blind in Granada,” because one blind cannot see the wonderful sunset staring at the Alhambra from the Albaicín, and enjoy its extraordinary architecture, therefore, a must for tourists who visit Spain is to spend several days in Granada and visit The Alhambra which is one of the most visited monuments in Spain.

The Alhambra is situated on the top of the Sabika hill in a strategic site, where there was a Roman city before the Arabs began constructing new buildings in the 9th century, and added more buildings in the followings centuries. However, the most beautiful buildings were constructed between the 13th and the 15th centuries by the Muslims. This historical and Muslim monument was a fortified town with many towers, a some incredible palaces, and of course, a lot of beautiful gardens. Moreover, the king Charles I of Spain and V of Germany (1500-1558) ordered to build other palace inside of the Alhambra in the 16th century. The Alhambra was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984.

One of the most amazing palace in the Alhambra is the Lions Palace built between 1362 and 1391 ( nasrid art), where visitors will be impressed by the great richness and variety of its decoration, such as, the Hall of the Two Sisters whose spellbinding vault is worth a visit, the Courtyard of the Lions with its famous fountain rounded by 12 lions, it is a noteworthy symbol of the Alhambra, the Hall of the Abencerrajes other stunning vault of nasrid art, the Hall of the Kings an interesting place to admire the finest nasrid architecture, among others.

The Palace de Comares, other palace in the Alhambra, which has the most beautiful Myrtles o Comares courtyard with its clear water mirror, the Room of the Ship, the Hall the Comares, and the Golden Room, whose woodwork ceiling is a splendid artwork, all theses places are must-see.

People interested in renaissance architecture and nasrid art should not leave without visiting the Palace of Charles V in the Alhambra and the National Museum of Spanish-Moorish Art which is on the ground floor of this palace.

If you like new challenges, there are some poems written in impressive calligraphy on the walls of Generalife, Ambrassadors, Comares Gate, in the Hall of the Two Sister, and some more.

Do not leave without going to the Alcazaba a medieval fortress in la Alhambra. Granada has about 240,000 inhabitants. It takes more than three hours to visit the Alhambra. You can arrive at the Alhambra by car, by bus or on foot.

The queues are very long, so tourists should book the ticket in advance to avoid the wait.

Other interesting places to visit in Granada

– Generalife was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984, this medieval palace was built in 1319 by the muslims, and has many breathtaking gardens and a lot of stunning fountains, therefore, it is worth a visit, above all in spring when the flowers are in bloom.

– Albaicín, you must not miss the medieval Muslim Albaicín neighbourhood which is placed on other hill in front of the Alhambra, you will be absolutely spellbound when you see the spectacular sight of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada at the sunset from the Albaicín, Besides, if you like flamenco show you will find traditional dance, tapas and drink in the Albaicín neighbourhood. UNESCO declared Albaicín a World Heritage site in 1994.

– Sacromonte neighbourhood is placed on other hill. However, citizens and tourists can be seen together enjoying the neighbourhood life. Obviously, this is the most popular place for tourists in Granada. When you visit Sacromonte neighbourhood don’t miss out its fork dance and you do not hesitate to join them for a dance. Moreover, you will like a drink and taste the delightful tapas while watching the famous zambras gitanas and pure flamenco (folk dance and folk song) it is an experience unique at the Sacromonte neighbourhood.

– If you like skiing, Sierra Nevada is one of the most popular ski resort in Spain with its powerful new Snow Park for freestyle skiers. By the way, it is only 27 km from Granada city.

– Other place worth a visit is the Royal Chapel of Granada (next to the Cathedral ) where are the mausoleums of Isabel of Castilla ( 1451-1504) and Fernando of Aragon (1452-1516) ( the Catholic Monarchs) who ordered its construction, and where their graves remain. In addition, Granada was conquered on 2nd January 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs and the muslims were definitely expelled from Spain.

The best places in Spain

A guide to visit Spain, written by Spaniards