Sightseeing in Granada - what to see. Complete travel guide

Granada is a Spanish city of poets and romantics. This place features panoramic views of Sierra Nevada Mountains with their amazing landscapes and white peaks. This view is truly breathtaking. Granada is located on three hills at the foot of the north-western hill of Sierra Nevada. The name of the city, Granada, is connected with a local legend about the look of this place as the hills are make out an amphitheater shape, so from high above the city looks like an opened pomegranate. In this city you will find an atmosphere of solitude and calmness that is reached thanks to narrow cozy streets paved with stone and numerous houses colored in white. Granada was famous yet in V century BC, when this place was settled by Iberian tribes. Later the territory of the city was conquered by the Arabians, but they were defeated and had to leave Granada.

Of course, those eight centuries when Granada was ruled by the Arabians made a huge impact on the look and history of Granada. Solitude, that is so usual for Arabian culture, can be felt in Granada even in our days. The same applies to some Arabian traditions that have become essential in Granada and are followed up to now. Tea drinking is among them and so in this city you will find a whole quarter of tea drinking facilities designed in Muslim style. You can try and buy different types of tea blends there, and whole process of drinking is accompanied with eastern rituals and rhythms.

Go deeper in quarters of Granada and you will find one of the most amazing and oldest regions of the city – Albayzín. When describing Granada, it’s impossible not to mention the splendor of Alhambra, the heart of Andalusia. This is an elegant ancient palace that has managed to survive better than all other Arabian palaces in the world. Granada traditionally inspires numerous writers. For example, famous poet Garcia Lorca has devoted many of his works to this magnificent place. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most interesting historical neighborhoods of Granada is Sacromonte. For many tourists, it is also known under the unofficial name Gypsy Quarter. It is believed that it was in this quarter that the art of flamenco was born. The main feature of the historic district is the houses, many of which were carved directly into the rock. They are residential at present, while some historical buildings were converted into museums and used for conducting flamenco concerts.

Among the architectural monuments of Granada is definitely worth mentioning the Cathedral. Its construction began in the 16th century and lasted almost a hundred years. From an architectural point of view, the cathedral is a unique monument. In its external appearance, the unique elements of Baroque, Gothic and Classicism are combined. The interior of the cathedral is also interestingly decorated. It houses several unique Christian relics. Part of the huge cathedral is the royal chapel. It is the burial place of the kings of Granada.

A very symbolic historical monument is the Monastery of Saint Jerome. It was built in the 15th century and is the oldest Christian monastery in these places, which was built right after the expulsion of the Moors. This monastery is characterized by an incredibly beautiful design. Walls and ceilings in its halls are adorned with elaborate painting and stucco molding. On the territory of the monastery, there is an important national monument for locals - the tomb of the famous military commander F.G. de Cordoba.

One of the most interesting historical monuments is Arab baths. They were built in the Middle Ages. After the expulsion of the Moors, they came to desolation and for a long time remained abandoned. The complex was again restored in the 17th century. Today, these baths are among the oldest in Europe. Water procedures in accordance with all the historical rituals can be enjoyed in them. The bath complex was completed with a number of modern amenities. On its territory, there is a massage parlor and a beautiful recreation area.

Vacationers with children in Granada should definitely visit the Science Park. It is an interesting science museum in which visitors are invited to conduct a series of interesting tests and experiments. On the territory of the park, there is a beautiful park of tropical butterflies, as well as a planetarium.