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    Tourist Attractions in Granada

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Granada. Photos and a brief description.

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    About Granada

    Andalusia is the heart of the south of Spain, its blood, soul and history. Granada is the heart of Andalusia, which still holds memories of the power of the past years. The city attracts tourists with passionate flamenco rhythms, the splendor of Catholic cathedrals, the magnificent architecture of the old quarters and the restless gypsy spirit, as if floating in the air.

    The grandiose Alhambra is a witness to the heyday of the Emirate of Granada, the amazing caves of the Sacromonte quarter, the tomb of the famous Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile – this is just a small list of the attractions of Granada. Generalife gardens have been blooming here since time immemorial against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada ridges, and in the evenings hospitable taverns light their lights and invite the audience to enjoy a spectacular flamenco dance.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Granada

    Alhambra

    An impressive palace complex surrounded by landscaped gardens, an ancient fortress of the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Alhambra is the highest architectural achievement of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the south of Spain in 1230-1492. The architectural ensemble of the Alhambra includes palaces, mosques, gardens, artificial reservoirs, residential buildings and administrative buildings.

    Alhambra
    Sacromonte Quarter

    Sacromonte Quarter

    A unique Gypsy quarter, which is part of the historic district of Albaysin. Since the XV century, Gypsies have settled in caves located on the slopes of one of the city's hills. It is believed that it was these Spanish "guitanos" who created the wonderful art of flamenco. The caves are still residential, they are equipped according to modern realities. Some are inhabited by people, others are adapted for flamenco concerts and museums.

    Albaysin Quarter

    The ancient Arab quarter, the historical center of Granada. It is located on a hill overlooking the Alhambra and the city surroundings. Albaysin has existed for more than 700 years, but over the past time it has changed little – all the same white houses, narrow stone streets covered with paving stones, and small taverns. The first settlements on the site of Albaysin existed in the era of Antiquity before the arrival of the Moors.

    Albaysin Quarter
    Granada Cathedral

    Granada Cathedral

    Cathedral of the XVI-XVII centuries, built in honor of the victory of the Reconquista and the liberation of Spain from Moorish rule. Granada became the last stronghold of the weakening caliphate, and after its conquest in 1492, the Catholic kings decided to build a grandiose Christian temple. In the appearance of the Cathedral of Granada, the influence of several architectural styles is noticeable: Gothic, Baroque, classicism and Renaissance.

    Royal Chapel

    The chapel is part of the architectural complex of the Cathedral of Granada, it was built at the beginning of the XVI century according to the project of E. de Egasa. The place is famous for the fact that Catholic kings Isabella and Ferdinand are buried here. It was thanks to these rulers that Spain was freed from Arab rule. Also next to the crowned spouses under the arches of the chapel is the tomb of their daughter Juana the Mad and her husband Philip the Beautiful.

    Royal Chapel

    Sacromonte Abbey

    The abbey is located outside the city limits of Granada on the slopes of Valparaiso Hill. In the XVI — XVII centuries, these lands became a place of mass pilgrimage for Christians, as tablets describing the martyrdom of some saints, as well as their relics, were discovered here. Some time later, with the approval of the Pope and his confirmation of the authenticity of the finds, the abbey was erected.

    Monastery of St. Jerome

    The monastery of the XV century, built according to the project of D. de Siloe. The Monastery of St. Jerome became the first Christian monastery built after the expulsion of the Moors. There is evidence that the decision to build it was made even before the victory over the Arabs. On the territory of the monastery there is the grave of the famous military commander of the Reconquista – F.G. de Cordoba. For his brilliant victories, he was awarded the title of Great Captain.

    Monastery of St. Jerome
    The Carthusian Monastery

    The Carthusian Monastery

    The building of the monastery complex is a striking representative of the architectural era of the Spanish Baroque. The construction of the monastery began in 1506 and lasted for almost 300 years. For such a long time, the appearance has absorbed elements of several architectural styles. As a result of the sale of the surrounding lands in the XIX century, the monastic cells and the abbot's house were lost, but otherwise the monastery retained its original appearance.

    Basilica of St. John of God

    The church is located near the Monastery of St. Jerome. The basilica was erected in the XVIII century at the expense of the Hospice Order, whose patron and founder was St. John of God. It was decided to name the church in his honor. The relics of this saint are kept inside the temple. The interior is richly decorated with gilding, decorated with wall paintings and mirrors, massive candelabra and other elements.

    Basilica of St. John of God
    Granada Madrasah

    Granada Madrasah

    The former Moorish school, which was founded by Emir Yusuf I in the XIV century. Now the Academy of Fine Arts, which is part of the University of Granada, is located on the territory of the madrasah. In the Middle Ages, a wide range of disciplines were taught in madrasas: law, mathematics, history, medicine. Some of the best thinkers of their time worked here. The school was closed in 1500 at the insistence of the Catholic clergy. The building passed from owner to owner until it was in the hands of the University.

    Arab baths

    Active baths located on the ruins of a medieval hammam at the foot of the Alhambra. The baths were reopened in the XVII century and became the first in Europe. Inside, visitors are invited to fully indulge in the ancient Moorish ritual of bathing "al-Andalus" among the magnificent historical interiors. Additionally, you can order a relaxing massage or swim in the pool.

    Arab baths
    Corral del Carbon

    Corral del Carbon

    A former Moorish caravanserai located near the cathedral. The complex was built during the heyday of the Nasrid dynasty in the XIV century, it is an exemplary representative of the Mudekhar architectural style. In the XVI century, for some time the inn was used as a coal warehouse, hence the name. In the XX century, the Corral del Carbon was restored several times.

    Science Park

    A modern museum and a platform for experiments, where you can learn how many physical processes "work", what happens during natural elements, how the planet is arranged and what the human body consists of. In addition to thematic halls, there is a planetarium, a garden of tropical butterflies and an observatory with an observation tower on the territory of the Science Park. It is better to come here with children, as many attractions are designed for an inquisitive child's mind.

    Science Park
    Generalife Gardens

    Generalife Gardens

    A historical complex consisting of a palace and landscaped gardens. In the XIII-XIV centuries, the residence of the rulers of Granada was located here. Since 1984, this object has become part of the UNESCO Historical Heritage List. The complex is the apogee of Arab park art. Everything here is designed with the harmony of space in mind – cypress alleys, small fountains, rose gardens create a unique sense of privacy and tranquility.

    Mirador de San Nicolas Observation Deck

    The observation deck is located on the territory of the Albaysin district. All tours of this historic quarter necessarily include a visit to Mirador. It offers excellent views of the Alhambra, especially romantic and fascinating in the evening. Street musicians and souvenir vendors are frequent guests at the venue. The place is popular with couples in love, a lot of them gather here at night.

    Mirador de San Nicolas Observation Deck