The Alhambra, an Arab citadel and palace, is the most renowned building of the Islamic historical legacy of Granada.
Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation, especially the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens.
1. Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada. The Alhambra was built with its own special type of column, which is not used in any other building. This column has a very fine cylindrical shaft, the base of which has a big concave molding and is decorated with rings on the top part. The capital is divided into two bodies and the first one, cylindrically shaped, has a very simple decoration and a prism with a rounded-angled base and stylized vegetal forms as decoration. The greatest concern of the architects of the Alhambra was to cover every single space with decoration, no matter the size of the space.
2. The Palacio de Generalife
The name ‘Generalife’ means ‘garden of the architect’. The Generalife is located on the hill Cerro del Sol, adjacent to the Alhambra. Originally it was most probably an architect’s house that later passed to the royal family and was remodeled. The Generalife is composed of a series of large gardens, where every corner holds a novelty and a pleasant surprise for the eyes, with a minimum of obtrusive buildings.
3. Granada Cathedral
Granada Cathedral was built by Queen Isabella immediately after the conquest of Granada on the site of the Mosque. This cathedral is a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance style. The Cathedral of Granada has impressive facades and a stunning interior with a grand altar and several chapels. It is the 4th largest Cathedral in the world.
4. Alcaicería of Granada
The Alcaicería market is Granada’s Big Bazaar and the original Moorish silk market. Originally, this was a range of streets between the Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla, filled with Arab silk stalls, spices, and other valuable goods. Nowadays, the only remaining part of the bazaar is the Calle Alcaicería. It is an area with a rich history and local culture where interesting and exotic items are still for sale. Think of traditionally painted ceramics, inlaid wood, and stained glass lamps. The bazaar of Granada is very touristy and the narrow streets mainly consist of small souvenirs and fabric shops.
5. The Bañuelo
The Bañuelo are Arab baths dating back to the 11th century, numbering amongst the oldest, most important and most complete, in terms of their conservation, in Spain, whilst also representing one of the oldest monuments bequeathed by Moorish Granada. It is one of the few places of this nature that were not destroyed by the Catholic Monarchs, as, amongst Christians, Arab baths had a reputation comparable to brothels. Only a private home has been built on the site since the city fell to Christian forces, which now serves as the entrance to the baths.