Granada spain attractions. Guide to Granada: travel, attractions, shopping, food, reviews and tips from tourists. What to see in Granada

The Spanish city of Granada is the capital of the province of the same name in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It has more than 234 thousand inhabitants. It is considered the most beautiful city in the country. It lies on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which smoothly turns into a fertile valley. The Hanil River carries its waters along it. The city organically combines ancient buildings along narrow streets and modern quarters made of white stone.

Centuries-old Arab influence can be felt here. Friendly Granadians and old narrow streets create an atmosphere of calm and friendliness in the city. Granada has many architectural monuments from different eras. The city is famous for its artisans and guitar makers. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year.

According to legend, Saint Cecilio, who was the first bishop and patron of Granada, died at the hands of the Romans at the site of the abbey. The tablets kept in the abbey museum tell about this. The oven where the remains of other martyrs were cremated is also on display here.

You can see the world's oldest map of the city, many sculptures, paintings and other exhibits. Next to the abbey there is an extraordinary gypsy quarter with caves in which lived the people who gave the world fiery flamenco. Some of them are still lived in today. You can get acquainted with the life and way of life of Spanish gypsies in the cave - the museum of gypsy culture.

This complex appeared in the 13th century as the residence of Arab rulers. Two hundred years later, a royal palace was built on its territory. The integrity of the original development was destroyed. These buildings are called the Red Alhambra Palace because of the red brick used in construction.

Many of its structures are mysterious, such as symmetrically arranged arches that look like stalactites. In the center of the courtyard they formed there is a fountain in the form of a bowl of water supported by twelve marble lions.

This is the name of a Renaissance palace dating back to the architecture of the 16th century. Its name is apparently related to the muskets protruding from the façade. After the liberation of the city, it was owned by a noble family of Granadians. They wielded the sword of the last Muslim ruler.

The ornament of this sword is reproduced on the facade of the palace, where sculptural images of ancient heroes are installed. The museum inside the house contains portraits of Catholic monarchs. They are shown in the Golden Hall. The exhibition includes many lithographs, engravings and photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Location: Pavaneras - 19.

Along with historical attractions, Grenada offers many current issues of human development. An interactive museum in the city's science park serves this purpose. He reveals the problems of the biosphere and the universe, heuristics, perception of the world and its study.

It was organized using the most modern means of computer technology, mechanics, optics and communications. Thanks to this, visitors, especially children, have the opportunity to directly comprehend the world around them. Here you can see how the Earth moves, what the greenhouse effect is, how Archimedes' law or gravity works.

Location: Gran Via - 61.

At the end of the 15th century, when the city was under the rule of the Spanish crown, a magnificent Cathedral was built here on the site of the mosque. Adjacent to it is the largest tomb in the country, called the Royal Chapel. Isabella of Castile, who financed the travels of Columbus, and Ferdinand of Aragon, who drove the Moors out of the city, rest in it.

The interior features white carved columns and soaring vaults. Wall paintings made by famous painters amaze with their richness of colors and subjects. Masses are held in this active cathedral, just like five hundred years ago.

Location: Calle Gran Vía de Colón - 5.

When the Spaniards drove the Moors out of the city at the end of the 15th century, they began building a monastery, which later received the name of St. Jerome. Together with the construction of the cathedral, this was supposed to contribute to the return to Christianity of the city and surrounding lands.

The complex was designed by the architect Diego de Selone, according to whose drawings the Cathedral was built. A distinctive feature of the monastery is the altar with relief images from floor to ceiling. The monastery houses the tomb of the Spanish military leader Fernando Gonzalez de Cordoba, nicknamed the Great Captain.

Location: Calle Rector López Argueta - 9.

The great Spanish poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca came every summer to this picturesque place where his family’s summer house was located. Here he created his most famous works. From my balcony I admired the beauty of my hometown. Friends came here with whom he enjoyed spending time. After one of these trips he was arrested and executed.

In the second half of the 20th century, a house-museum of the writer was organized in this spacious and cozy room. The exhibition includes his piano, desk, and other personal items. Letters, drafts, drawings and photographs reflect the open character of this man and his love for Spain.

Location: Calle Virgen Blanca.

During Moorish rule, this ancient area was considered the most important city quarter. It amazes with its many intricate staircases among the narrow streets, neat white houses, between which bright Andalusian laundry is dried on lines. Over the course of several hundred years, only churches and many restaurants were added to the appearance of the area. This place attracts tourists who are willing to wander the streets for several hours, observing the daily life of local residents. The best way to end this walk is at the most famous viewpoint of San Nicolas.

This is the name of the luxurious garden at the summer residence of the Moorish rulers. However, the building itself, with its modest interiors, unlike the garden, attracts little attention from visitors to Granada.

The huge garden is designed in such a way that anywhere you can relax in the shade, splash yourself with water from the fountain, and admire the bright colors of flowering bushes and trees. There is a rich collection of flowers here that will not leave visitors indifferent. In the evening, the garden, illuminated by lights, gives the impression of an unusually romantic place.

Location: Camino Fuente del Avellano - 4.

Granada is the capital of the province of Andalusia in Spain. One of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Here they still remember the former Islamic greatness, Catholic churches shine, flamenco rhythms sound, the gypsy spirit is felt everywhere. Truly a magnificent city.

Here, in the Middle Ages, Muslim and European cultures collided, each left in Granada, on earth, its cultural and historical monuments and attractions: palaces, temples, fortresses and tombs, etc.

There are also many interesting modern places where you can go during your vacation in order to better get to know the people living here, to become imbued with their mentality, historical and cultural characteristics.

We bring to your attention a brief description of the sights of Granada with photos and names and wish you to see it all with your own eyes and touch it with your own hands as quickly as possible. So, what to see in Granada, Spain?

Sights of Granada on the map

This is a magnificent palace complex, surrounded by beautiful gardens, and at the same time a fortress, where the leader of the Emirate of Granada from Mauritania lived many centuries ago. - the best palace of the Muslim period in the life of this city.

The Nasrid dynasty came with its troops to the south of modern Spain and ruled these territories in the 13th-15th centuries from the Alhambra. It includes palaces, mosques, gardens, ponds, individual mansions, administrative buildings, etc.

This quarter is located in the historical part of Granada Albaicin. It is here that the famous Gypsy quarter is located, where the Gypsy people have lived since the 15th century. The quarter is located near local hills with caves. Many gypsies still live in caves today.

Art historians are convinced that it was these gypsies who became the creators of beautiful flamenco. In the caves where people live, the housing is quite modern, and in other caves there are studios for flamenco performers and museums dedicated to music.

This is the historical center of the city, where Arabs previously lived, and has existed in Granada for more than seven hundred years. Albaicin is located on a hill with excellent views of the Alhambra Palace and the surrounding area. Be sure to see this in Granada.

The Albaicin region has existed for more than seven centuries. It is extremely patriarchal, and has hardly changed over the past centuries. The exact same picture can be seen in the Middle East or North Africa: clay houses white from the sun, narrow streets, etc.

This cathedral was built in the 16th century due to the fact that the lands of Andalusia were finally conquered by the Spaniards from the Moors. Moreover, Granada turned out to be the most persistent stronghold of Moorish power and weapons. Here the caliphate fell last.

Since the construction of the temple, it is clear that its architectural style has changed several times in accordance with the fashion of its time. It was built in the Gothic style, and then rebuilt several times; traces of the Renaissance, Baroque, and Classics are visible on it.

This chapel is part of the cathedral. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century. King Ferdinand and his wife Isabella, who liberated Spain from the Moors and colonial slavery, are buried here.

Philip of Burgundy and his wife also found their last earthly rest in the chapel. In Granada during the Late Middle Ages, Catholicism prevailed over Islam, which later determined the history of this country and all of Europe.

This religious landmark of Granada became a place of pilgrimage for thousands of believers in the 16th-17th centuries. Here they found tablets telling about the lives of the saints and their martyrdom, and their relics were also discovered.

The abbey is located on the hill of Valparaiso, it was erected at the direction of the Pope in honor of their discovery and authentication. Today some of the holy relics are in the temple. Catholics should definitely venerate them.

Only when you get to Granada and feel the harmony in which white houses merge here with brick-pink ancient architecture, and the azure sky with the emerald green mountain slopes, crowned with white caps of snow that does not melt even in summer, you can understand why this city has always been considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. It's not so much about the sights of Granada, but about the amazing, original atmosphere of the ancient narrow, winding streets, saturated with the aromas of orange and lemon trees.

About invaders and liberators

The history of the city as a Phoenician settlement of Iliberra begins long before our era. In those ancient times, it was under the rule of the Romans, Vandals and Byzantines. In the 6th century, as a result of the great migration of peoples that went down in history, started by the Visigoths, the city became part of the Iberian state they created.

In the 8th century, the settlement, along with most of the Iberian Peninsula, was captured by the Moors, who subsequently formed the Cordoba Caliphate in the conquered territories. Resistance to the invaders, which involved the northern regions of the peninsula - the kingdoms of Aragon, Castile and Navarre, marked the beginning of the Reconquista liberation movement.

As a result of incessant wars, the Cordoba Caliphate disintegrated in the 11th century into separate independent emirates, and after 2 centuries, the Muslim Moors had one last stronghold in Andalusia - the Emirate of Granada, which was in their power until the 15th century. The capital at that time bore the Arabic name - Kalat Garnata. Many of Granada's landmarks date back to that time.

As a result of a long siege of the city in 1492, the Islamic ruler of the Nasarid dynasty, Muhammad XII, capitulated to the combined forces of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Granada lost its position as a capital city, and subsequently its commercial and cultural importance decreased markedly.

After the expulsion of the Moors, who moved to North Africa to the territory of modern Morocco, the entire remaining Muslim population - Moriscos - was forcibly converted to Christianity. Today, Moroccans, descendants of their former owners, cross the Strait of Gibraltar in boats to hire Andalusian peasants for agricultural work. Apparently this is the will of Allah!

Western "Damascus"

“The star of Mohammed that fell to earth,” as Granada was called, shone for Muslims for eight centuries. It still bears the imprint of seclusion characteristic of Arab culture.

This is a city in which today, both in everyday life and in the minds of people, Islam and Catholicism, Spanish arrogance and refined Eastern sensuality coexist peacefully. Notice boards offer a mix of flamenco and belly dancing classes, and Moorish architecture houses icons of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Despite the fact that the Spaniards are ardent supporters of coffee, the eastern tradition of tea drinking has been preserved here.

Its rituals are observed by many local sitios, decorated in Moorish style, with an amazing backdrop to ancient Arabic architecture.

Albaicin – minarets converted into bell towers

On the slope of one of the hills that strew the foothills of the Serra Nevada mountain range, lies the most ancient landmark of Granada, which was once the center of the city - Albaicin district. This Moorish heritage is listed by UNESCO.

Numerous temples attract attention with their architecture. The bell towers of Catholic churches, called “iglesias” in Andalusia, were built in the late Middle Ages on Muslim minarets. This distinctive style is called Mudejar and is most often found in Spain.

Under the Moors, Albaicin was surrounded by a double row of fortress walls, of which now only isolated fragments and gates, built in the form of arches in the 11th century, remain.

• Puerta de Elvira

• Puerta de Monaita

• Puerta Nueva

Legend has it that through the main gate of Puerta de Elvira, Their Catholic Majesties Isabella and Ferdinand entered the city as winners.

The stone structure topped with eastern domes also attracts the attention of tourists. This El Bañuelo – Moorish baths.

Traditionally, they consist of 3 rooms. The first was rectangular in shape and contained bathtubs with cold water, the second, square and larger in area, contained bathtubs with warm water, and the third, main room contained bathtubs with hot water.

The interior decoration of the ancient hammam does not exactly correspond to the Moorish style: the columns supporting the vaulted ceilings are reminiscent of the Romanesque architecture present in Granada even before the arrival of the Moors.

The ancient residential buildings that have been preserved in Albaicin, surrounded by small gardens, bear the strange name “carmen”.

Unusual and a little mysterious, they create an amazing impression: as if time here once froze in place forever.

The last architectural wonder of the Moors - the Alhambra

At the top of al-Sabika hill, just opposite Albasiyin, lies the medieval palace complex of the Alhambra.

It includes:

• Nasrid Palaces;
• Generalife Gardens with summer palace;

It was built long before the reign of the Nasarid dynasty, but even today it is surrounded by powerful, high walls, and its towers, each of which has its own name, offer a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Nasarid Palaces include 3 buildings.

In Mechoir Palace receptions, audiences and trials were held. This is the oldest part of the complex. Its walls, like those of other palaces, are decorated with Arabic openwork carvings on plaster.

In the Palace of Lions there were private chambers of the emirs. It was built in the 14th century under Muhammad V. Christian notes are woven into the Moorish style of this building. The guides claim that the emir’s friendship with King Pedro of Castile, nicknamed the Cruel, had this effect on him.

WITH Palace of Lions There are many legends associated with it. One of them claims that the Abencerrach family was beheaded in the palace hall; neither more nor less – 100 people. What crime led to the destruction of this family? Of course, love! One of the Abencerrachs dared to fall in love with the emir's concubine. In memory of the feelings of the daring young man, the hall is named after this executed family.

The central courtyard is decorated fountain in the form of 12 lions holding a huge twelve-sided bowl on their backs.

Another legend says that the number of royal beasts was not chosen by chance: 12 lions supported Solomon’s throne. And the emir learned about this from his Jewish vizier ibn Nagrella, who advised Muhammad to equal the biblical king in wisdom.

Palace Comares was the official residence of the Nasarid dynasty. In front of it is the Myrtle Courtyard, popular among tourists.

Majestic arches and jagged towers, as if in a mirror, are reflected in the water of a huge rectangular fountain, and the whole picture is reminiscent of an oriental fairy tale.

Here is the famous Golden room.

It got its name thanks to the inlaid carved ceiling made of wood and covered with gilding. The room was decorated already under the Spanish rulers; it embodies the best traditions of the Mudejar style. Once upon a time, the wife of Charles V, Queen Isabella of Portugal, stayed here.

Not in vain Generalife called "Gardens of Eden". Against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Serra Nevada, palm trees, cypresses and orange trees grow, near which there are flowering flower beds. And all this splendor is observed under the melodic murmur of water, shimmering in the splashes of fountains, breaking down in cascades and simply flowing along arranged channels.

The gardens look the same as the “gardens of paradise” described in the Koran.

It was built in the 16th century at the request of the king.

Charles V ordered the demolition of part of the Moorish buildings and in their place a new palace with an adjacent church to be built.

The structure was designed by Pedro Machuca, who studied the craft of an architect in Italy, perhaps even from Michelangelo himself. He is one of the few Spanish architects who managed to work in the mannerist style.

The massive building does not fit into the overall light architectural ensemble, but thanks to it, the Alhambra was not wiped off the face of the earth in the past.

Now the palace houses two art museums.

The skillful, almost jewelry-like work of Moorish architects, carved patterned windows, arches, vaults, graceful columns, carefully thought-out arrangement of courtyards, ponds, cascades and fountains - such a synthesis rightfully allows us to consider the Alhambra a masterpiece of Moorish architecture that has no analogues in Europe.

Granada Cathedral - the celebration of Christian victory

To perpetuate the triumph of the victory over the Moors, in Granada's medina, in 1518, it was decided to build a cathedral on the site of the mosque.

Note! Due to the duration of construction, which is as much as 200 years, there is a noticeable mixture of styles in the architecture of the cathedral.

The first architect of the cathedral was Enrique Egas, who strictly adhered to the Gothic style. But after a few years, control passed to Diego de Siloe; the Gothic style seemed too boring to him, and he diluted it with details in the spirit of the Renaissance. The cathedral was completed by the architect Alonso Cano. Being an adherent of classicism, he introduced his own stylistic features. Construction was completed in 1703.

The interior of the cathedral is designed in white and gold tones, which gives the room a special solemnity. Such famous artists as José de Ribera and El Greco worked on its design.

Its walls are decorated with numerous medallions and round windows - roses, and statues are installed on the cornices of the second tier. The walls are almost completely covered with decorative reliefs.

In the main chapel, called the Royal Chapel, rests ashes of victorious kings: Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. These rulers are highly revered in Spain.

For those who have not seen Granada...

Poems by Federico Garcia Lorca, who was born here, are dedicated to Granada, who wrote that this city was created for music, and everything in it sings, even fountains and foliage of trees, and those who have not seen Granada have not seen anything at all.

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GRANADA >>> TWO DAYS IN GRANADA(life program for 48 hours)

A city in Spain and the capital of the province of the same name - Granada(Granada) is located in the autonomous region of Andalusia in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. The city is home to the Supreme Court of Andalusia. Granada is located at an altitude 738 m above sea level in the valley of the Genil River at the foot of the highest mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula Sierra Nevada(Sierra Nevada), which has a great influence on the city's climate. IN 2009 approx. lived in Granada. 235,000 people. The main districts of the city are: Zaidín, El Albaicín, Sacromonte, Realejo, La Chana, Almanjáyar and la Cartuja. To end XVI V. Granada was the capital of the kingdom of the same name. Granada is one of the most touristic cities in Spain. How could it be otherwise, if the magnificent monuments of the past are located so close to the ski resorts of the Sierra Nevada and the beach holiday centers on the coast (Costa Tropical). The main center of attraction is without a doubt (la Alhambra). Along with the Alhambra, two more monuments from the era of Moorish rule: Generalife And Albaicin- declared by UNESCO as a “World Heritage of Humanity” (1984).

Sights of Granada on Google MAP

TRANSPORT in GRANADA

Intracity buses serve 29 routes, including 4 tourist and 2 night routes. Train Station located in the center of the city. Long-distance trains allow you to reach most cities in Andalusia and other autonomous regions of Spain. Intercity electric trains(Media Distancia) travel from Granada to the cities of Seville, Almeria, Antequera, Ronda, Loja, Guadix and Linares Baeza. International Airport Federico García Lorca is located 17 km from the city. It offers flights to most Spanish cities and abroad.

GRANADA HOLIDAYS

As throughout Andalusia, the main festive event of the year in Granada is Passionate/Holy Week (Semana Santa). Almost the entire population of the city takes part in the solemn processions, united in 32 cofradia. The most beloved among the townspeople are the cofradia processions “Gypsies” (“los Gitanos”), which usually take place on the Wednesday before Catholic Easter. Holy Week declared in Granada holiday of international tourist interest (2009). Feria of Granada (Feria de Granada) does not have a fixed date, because the fair takes place simultaneously with the feast of Corpus Christi. This tradition was established by the Catholic Kings (Fernando and Isabella) after the conquest of the city. Traditional tents are erected between Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Bib-Rambla. Capture of Granada (Toma de Granada) - celebrated on January 2. San Cecilio(San Cecilio) - the holiday in honor of the patron saint of the city is celebrated on the first Sunday of February. On this day, a procession of believers goes to the Abbey of Sacramonte, where the relics of the Saint are kept. Maiden of Sorrows (La Virgen de las Angustias) - patroness of the city. Every year on September 15, residents present her with flowers. And on the last Sunday of September, a procession of believers passes through the city center.

GASTRONOMY OF GRANADA

Typical dishes of Granada are: abas con jamon(large beans with dry-cured ham), Tortilla Sacramonte, patats a lo pobre(potatoes with pieces of fried pork), salad with abas. Desserts of Granada: San Jeronimo puffs(hojaldre de San Jerónimo), biscuits(bizcochaza de Zafra). People in Granada love various dried fruits (raisins, dates, etc.)

SIGHTS OF GRANADA

Alhambra Address: C/ Real de la Alhambra E - 18009 Granada Website for ordering tickets: http://www.alhambratickets.com Opening hours: March-October. from 8.30 to 20 (and from 22 to 23.30 Tue-Sat); November-February from 8.30 to 18.00 (and Fri-Sat 20.00-21.30). The ticket office closes 75 minutes before. until the end of the complex's operation. The ticket entitles you to visit all premises. The entrance time to the Nazarene Palace (Palacios Nazaríes) is indicated on the ticket. Cost: 7 € (at the complex’s box office). 7.88 € (when purchasing a ticket at BBV Bank branches in any region of Spain or online).

Generalife Address: Paseo de las Adelfas E - 18009 Granada

Albayzín Address: Pl. de San Nicolás E - 18010 Granada An ancient Arab district that arose on the hill of the same name, opposite the Alhambra. A walk through its narrow and crooked streets is a real adventure in time.

Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) Address: c/ Oficios 3 E - 18001 Granada Opening hours: 10.30-13 and 15.30-18.30. Apr.-Oct. 10.30-13 and 16-19; VSK and Holiday days 11-13 and 15.30-18.30. Closed Jan 2 (morning), Good Friday and 12 Oct (morning). Cost: 2.10 €.

Cathedral Address: Gran Vía de Colón 5 E - 18001 Granada Opening hours: 10.45-13.30 and 15.30-18.30; Sun. 15.30-18.30. Apr.-Sept. 10.30-13.30 and 16-19; Sun. 16 - 19. Cost: 2.10 €.

Palace of Charles V Address: Pl. de los Aljibes E - 18009 Granada The Palace houses two museums: the Alhambra Museum (Museo de la Alhambra) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes).

Darro Street (Carrera del Darro) Address: Carrera del Darro E - 18010 Granada A charming street that stretches along the banks of the Darro River. It starts from pl. Santa Anna (Plaza de Santa Ana) and ends at the Alley of Sorrows (Paseo de los Tristes). There are many stone bridges across the river that connect the Alhambra and Albaisin.

Alley of the Sorrowful (Paseo de los Tristes) Address: Paseo de los Tristes E - 18010 Granada This alley offers unforgettable views of the Alhambra. It is especially pleasant here in the evening, when the Alhambra is flooded with bright spotlights.

Monastery of St. Jeremiah (Monasterio de San Jerónimo) Address: c/ Rector López Argueta 9 E - 18001 Granada Opening hours: 10-13.30 and 15-18.30; Apr.-Oct. 10-13.30 and 16-19.30. Cost: 2.10 €. Renaissance style.

Arab Baths (Baños árabes /El Bañuelo) Address: c/ Santa Ana 1 E - 18009 Granada Opening hours: 10-14. Closed Mon, Sun and Holidays. Cost: free. The baths were built in the 11th century.

Church of San Juan de Dios (Iglesia de San Juan de Dios) Address: c/ San Juan de Dios 19 E - 18002 Granada Opening hours: guided visit (50 min) from 10 to 13. In the evening by prior arrangement. Closed VSK, Holiday. days and all of August. Cost: 2.40 €. The church was built in the first half of the 18th century. Style - Baroque.

Plaza de San Miguel Bajo Address: Pl. de San Miguel Bajo E - 18010 Granada In this square there is the famous Cristo de Los Faroles and the church of the same name.

Park of Sciences (Parque de las Ciencias) Address: Av. del Mediterráneo E - 18006 Granada Opening hours: 10-19. Sun. and Holiday days 10-15. Closed Sept. 15-30, and also on Mon, Jan. 1, May 1, Dec. 24 and 25. Cost: 3.60 €; 1.60 € (planetarium).

Prepared using materials from the Granada (Spanish) article from Wikipedia

INTRODUCTION +TRANSPORT+HOLIDAYS+FOOD+SIGHTSIGHTS OF GRANADA >>> TWO DAYS IN GRANADA (48 hours life program)

Andalusia is the heart of southern Spain, its blood, soul and history. Granada is the heart of Andalusia, which still holds memories of the power of yesteryear. The city attracts tourists with the passionate rhythms of flamenco, 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 - 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. Here, since time immemorial, the Generalife gardens have bloomed against the backdrop of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada ridges, and in the evenings, hospitable taverns light their lights and invite spectators to enjoy the spectacular flamenco dance.

What to see in Granada?

The most beautiful places and main attractions

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

A unique gypsy quarter that is part of the historical Albaicin district. Since the 15th century, gypsies settled in caves located on the slopes of one of the city hills. It is believed that it was these Spanish “gitanos” who created the beautiful art of flamenco. The caves are still inhabited today, they are equipped according to modern realities. Some are inhabited by people, others are adapted for flamenco concerts and museums.

Ancient Arab quarter, historical center of Granada. It is located on a hill overlooking the Alhambra and the city surroundings. Albaicin 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 Albayzin existed in Antiquity before the arrival of the Moors.

The cathedral of the 16th-17th 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. The appearance of the Granada Cathedral shows the influence of several architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque, Classicism and Renaissance.

The chapel is part of the architectural complex of the Granada Cathedral; it was erected at the beginning of the 16th century according to the design of E. de Egas. The place is famous for the burial places of Catholic kings Isabella and Ferdinand. It was thanks to these rulers that Spain was liberated from Arab rule. Also next to the crowned spouses, under the arches of the chapel, there is the tomb of their daughter Juana the Mad and her husband Philip the Fair.

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

The monastery of the 15th century, built according to the design of D. de Siloe. The monastery of St. Jerome was 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 leader of the Reconquista - F.G. de Cordoba. For his brilliant victories, he was awarded the title of Great Captain.

The building of the monastery complex is a prominent representative of the architectural era of the Spanish Baroque. Construction of the monastery began in 1506 and lasted almost 300 years. Over such a long time, the appearance has absorbed elements of several architectural styles. As a result of the sale of surrounding lands in the 19th century, the monastic cells and the abbot's house were lost, but otherwise the monastery retained its original appearance.

The church is located near the monastery of St. Jerome. The basilica was erected in the 18th century at the expense of the Hospice Order, whose patron and founder was Saint 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, wall paintings and mirrors, massive candelabra and other elements.

A former Moorish school founded by Emir Yusuf I in the 14th century. Now the Academy of Fine Arts, part of the University of Granada, is located on the territory of the madrasah. In the Middle Ages, madrasahs taught a wide range of disciplines: 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 ended up in the hands of the University.

Operating baths located on the ruins of a medieval hammam at the foot of the Alhambra. The baths were reopened in the 17th century and were the first in Europe. Inside, visitors are invited to fully immerse themselves in the ancient Moorish ritual of al-Andalus bathing amidst magnificent historical interiors. Additionally, you can order a relaxing massage or swim in the pool.

A former Moorish caravanserai located near the cathedral. The complex was built during the heyday of the Nasrid dynasty in the 14th century and is an exemplary representative of the Mudejar architectural style. In the 16th century, for some time the inn was used as a coal warehouse, hence the name. In the 20th century, Corral del Carbon was restored several times.

A modern museum and a platform for experiments, where you can learn how many physical processes “work”, what happens during natural disasters, how the planet works and what the human body is made of. In addition to thematic halls, the Science Park has a planetarium, a tropical butterfly garden and an observatory with an observation tower. It is better to come here with children, as many attractions are designed for the inquisitive minds of children.

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 site has become part of the UNESCO Historical Heritage List. The complex is the apogee of Arab park art. Everything here is designed taking into account the harmony of space - cypress alleys, small fountains, rose gardens create a unique feeling of privacy and tranquility.

The observation deck is located in the Albayzin district. All excursions to this historical quarter must include a visit to Mirador. From here you have excellent views of the Alhambra, especially romantic and mesmerizing in the evening. Street musicians and souvenir sellers are frequent guests at the site. The place is popular with couples in love; a lot of them gather here at night.

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Granada is one of the largest cultural and historical centers in southern Spain. Granada itself is an ancient city, founded before our era. For several centuries, Granada was under Arab rule, then during the Reconquista (that is, reconquest), it came under the control of the Spaniards. That is why two completely different cultures mixed in Granada, and monuments remained from both the era of Arab rule and the period of Spanish rule.

One of the city's most famous attractions is undoubtedly the Alhambra, a complex of palaces, fortresses and gardens built by the Arabs. The easiest way to get there is with a tour, because there are not many tickets on sale and they sell out very quickly. You can spend from a few hours to a whole day on the territory of the Alhambra - because it includes both a number of architectural buildings and huge gardens. In addition, the Palace of Charles V houses the Museum of Fine Arts, as well as the Alhambra Museum, where archaeological finds that scientists have discovered on the territory of the complex are exhibited.

The Science Park, an interactive museum located near the historical center of Granada, also deserves attention. By visiting it, you can get an idea of ​​how the human body works, learn about basic physical laws, safety at work and in everyday life, as well as the development of science in Spain and Andalusia. The museum also has a separate part intended for children from 3 to 7 years old - in an accessible form, children are explained what water, air, how our body works, etc. I would recommend visiting this museum to everyone who is interested in science, as well as in expanding and deepening our knowledge about the world around us.

Granada is the birthplace of the world famous Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, so it's no surprise that the city has a museum dedicated to him. It is located at calle Poeta Federico Garcia Lorca, 4 in a small town called Fuente Vaqueros. It is located very close to Granada, and you can get there either by bus or taxi. The trip will take literally twenty to twenty-five minutes (the distance is about 25 kilometers). The museum is located in the house where an outstanding Spanish poet once lived. It displays his belongings, manuscripts, photographs, and paintings. Federico Garcia Lorca was friends with other famous people of that time - film director Luis Buñuel and famous artist Salvador Dali. Their correspondence is also presented at the exhibition. The entrance ticket costs 1 euro 80 cents. The museum is closed on Mondays, but from Tuesday to Saturday it can be accessed from 10 am to 1 pm or from 4 pm to 6 pm. On Sundays the museum is open to the public only in the morning.

Another noteworthy museum located in Granada is the House of Shots. This museum is located in a palace built during the Renaissance, and it owes its interesting name to the muskets that are depicted on its facade. The museum displays photographs, engravings, lithographs, ceramics, and portraits of Catholic kings (including Ferdinand and Isabella). The address of the museum is Pavarenas, 19. It is located near the historical center of Granada. You can get there on foot, by bus (buses number 30 and 32 stop near the museum) and, of course, by taxi.

Lovers of antiquities should pay attention to the museum at the royal chapel, located at calle Oficios, 3. It is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, from 10 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, on Sunday you can visit it from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Inside the chapel there are paintings by Botticelli and Perugino, as well as Spanish masters who worked during the reign of the Catholic kings. In addition, the museum also displays paintings from a later period - the Renaissance, as well as the Baroque. In addition, the chapel contains the burials of kings and a magnificent altar, which, without exaggeration, you can admire for hours. The entrance ticket will cost you 4 euros; for people over 65 years old, the ticket costs 2 and a half euros.

And finally, I would like to draw your attention to the Carthusian monastery, located very close to Granada. It is located a few kilometers from the city center; previously it was located outside the city limits, but the city is gradually growing, so you can already see city houses there. Its address is Paseo de la Cartuja, the building does not have a number, but it is not needed - after all, it can be seen from afar. It was erected in the 16th century on the site where, according to legend, the Spaniards won a significant victory over the Arabs. Its construction lasted several centuries and was completed only in the mid-18th century. In the Middle Ages, monks lived there, but later the monastery was transferred to private individuals, after which it was partially destroyed. In the 20th century, restoration work took place, during which the monastery was given its original appearance (paintings and decoration were restored). The facade of the building is decorated with jasper and colored marble, as well as the figure of St. Bruno, the founder of the Carthusian Order. In the courtyard of the monastery there is a magnificent orange garden in which you can take a walk. Inside there is a collection of paintings of great historical and artistic value. The chapel contains two altars created by the Spanish painter Juan Sanchez Cotan. The first altar depicts the Baptism of the Lord, and the second - the Exodus into Egypt. The monastery will be of interest to both religious people and connoisseurs of antiquities and culture. It has an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, so, in my opinion, it is worth paying your attention to.

There is also an archaeological museum in Granada, but, unfortunately, it is currently closed. The exact opening date is still unknown, but it may well be that by the time you arrive it will already be available for visiting. It displays artifacts found in Andalusia and the surrounding area of ​​Granada, including objects related to Iberian, Roman, Arab, Phoenician and Spanish culture. The address of the museum is Carrera del Darro, 43.

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Abbey of Sacromonte

It is no coincidence that this sun-dried abbey is located in Granada. There is a legend according to which Saint Cecilio, who was the first bishop and patron of the city, was killed here by the Romans. This legend has factual confirmation - Arabic tablets that were discovered here. However, it is worth noting that there are doubts about their authenticity, but the monastery, nevertheless, lives an ordinary life and glorifies its saint.

In the abbey museum you can look at those tablets and decide for yourself whether they are genuine. There is also a furnace where the remains of several other martyrs are believed to have been burned. Among other things, in the museum you can see figures, paintings and the oldest map of Granada.

You can visit the museum, church and catacombs only as part of a tourist group; excursions are organized here daily, 11:00-13:00 and 16:00-18:00, and they take about half an hour.

This attraction is located at the address: Paseo del Sacromonte, you can get there from Monday to Friday. You will need to pay 3.5 euros for entry.

Cathedral

Granada has a very interesting history: at first the Moors ruled here, after them the Spaniards came with the Reconquista - the life of the local settlers and the city was never quiet. However, at the end of the fifteenth century, when new owners - the Spaniards - came to Granada, thanks to them the city acquired a majestic Cathedral. It was erected where the mosque had previously been located - this fact, by the way, was not something unusual for those times.

At first, it was planned to add two pompous towers, eighty meters high, to the existing luxurious building, but only one was erected, and not as tall and luxurious as originally planned.

But they didn’t bother with the interior design - here you immediately understand that you are in the main city cathedral. Here you can see skillful, upward-sloping vaults, white carved columns, surrounded by wall paintings by famous painters, and all this beauty is well sprinkled with gilding.

The Royal Chapel, which is probably the largest tomb in the state, joins the structure of the cathedral. Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon are deservedly buried here. This honor was given to them according to their merits - due to the fact that Isabella patronized and financed the discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus, and Ferdinand recaptured the city from the Moors.

Tickets to the cathedral and chapel are sold separately. You should remember that the cathedral is active, and behave as expected in such a religious place, but the advantage is that, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to listen to the mass - it is rumored to have remained the same as five centuries ago...

This remarkable place is located at Gran Via de Colon, 5. Opening hours: Monday-Saturday from 10:45 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 20:00, Sunday from 16:00 to 20:00 . This applies to the period from March to August; during the period September-February, you can get to the cathedral from Monday to Saturday from 10:45 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 19:00. On Sundays – from 16:00 to 19:00. To enter the cathedral you will need to pay 4 euros, and to the chapel - 3.5 euros.

Albaicin

Once upon a time, during the romantic and cruel period of Moorish rule, the ancient district of the city of Albayzin was considered its main and central quarter. Many years have passed since that time, however, fortunately for visitors, Albaicin has remained the same as it was, with its labyrinth of endless stairs and narrow streets, on which white houses are located and between which ropes with colorful Andalusian linen are stretched.

Seven centuries after the founding of this quarter, about thirty new churches and about fifty restaurants have appeared here.

If you want to get the full Albaicin experience, wear comfortable shoes and set aside at least half a day for this walk. And rest assured, you will love it here.

What you need to pay attention to here are the beautiful nooks and crannies where cats are hidden sleeping in the shadows, and the observation decks with stunning views of the Alhambra (the most famous mirador - as such observation platforms are called here - is San Nicolas).

And here is your last instruction for traveling through this ancient quarter: set off either very early in the morning or in the evening (the Alhambra in the light of the setting sun is another topic for conversation), since here, basically, at any time of the year there is a strong heat. But if you go in the evening, it’s worth bringing some kind of warm cape or something else suitable, since with the onset of darkness it becomes very cool here.

Alhambra

The mysterious Red Palace in Granada is an attraction where you can not only take impressive photos, but also experience several different cultures at the same time. By 1230, during the period when Christians conquered almost all the territories in Spain from Muslims, this city turned into a center where Muslim culture was preserved - it has been preserved to this day. Here Muslims set out to build “heaven on earth.”

Arab historians believe that not only did the red brick influence the impression that visitors get from the local atmosphere, but also that the builders built the palace at night, illuminating the work area with torches, which gave the walls a red tint.

You can get here both during the day and at night. A visit to the gardens and Generalife Palace will cost only 6 euros - from 20:00 to 00:00.

The box office sells tickets from 08:00. During the “season” and the influx of tourists - from May to October - you have the opportunity to buy tickets three or four days in advance.

If you haven’t thought through the issue of tickets in advance or arrived in the city unplanned, you should inquire about the possibility of booking at your hotel. In many places this service is available.

Adults will need to pay 12 euros for entry, children under twelve years old will have free entry.

It is impossible to get into the palace only on two days throughout the year - December 25 and January 1.