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The Albaicin in Granada where you can easily imagine yourself to be transported to a different country
The Albaicin in Granada is where I go whenever I want to lighten my spirits. The colours, sounds and busy atmosphere sets everything right and my day automatically gets onto the right track.
The area is the Moorish part of Granada and is very reminiscent of north Africa. The name can be spelled Albayzin, Albaicin or El Albaicin but is always pronounced al-by-ee-thin, and it was here that the first fortifications of Granada were built.
This is part of the old Granada, dating back to 11th century. It is situated north of the River Darro on a hill opposite the Alhambra. In fact, the Mirador San Nicolas, which is probably the most popular and famous viewpoint in Granada city is situated here.
Wonderful colours, San Gregorio Church and old houses
this is the mix of the Albaicin Granada
Near the Mirador you will find the Church of San Salvador which was built on the site of the Great Mosque. You can also see the Arab font nearby, where feet and hands were washed before entering the Mosque to pray.
To get a true idea of the complexity of the Albaicin, go to the Alhambra, and look out from the palace rose gardens. The view is almost as breathtaking as the views are in the opposite direction, i.e. views of the Alhambra taken from the Mirador de San Nicolas.
The whole area of the Albaicin of Granada abounds with a variety of buildings, ranging from old white houses with grass growing on the roof to beautiful Carmens (Private villas with beautiful gardens, surrounded by high walls to give total privacy).
The best way to visit the Albaicin down in Granada is on foot, approaching it from Plaza Nueva or the Cuesta de Elvira. Once inside you could be forgiven for thinking you had been magically transported to a different country.
Churches built on the sites of
the old Mosques
The Iglesia de San Gregorio, also built on the site of an old mosque (as were the other 30 churches of the area), is a small, easily missed church. It is well worth a visit. You will find it where the narrow streets of CaldererÃa Vieja and CaldererÃa Nueva meet. The whole area around the approach to the church is set out as an African bazaar would be with crafts, clothes, slippers, jewellery and spices for sale.
Other places well worth visiting are Granada's archeological museum and the ancient bath complex.
And while you are walking through this magic place with its cobbled, narrow and winding streets, you can rest up a while in one of the many teterias (tea houses) and quench your thirst. While there, be sure to taste one of the many Middle Eastern sweets.. and, to get you really into the mood, get the hookah pipe going and have a few puffs.
If you require something more substantial to eat I can wholeheartedly recommend the Arrayanes Restaurant where Mustapha, the owner, will be sure to make you feel at home. He will welcome you, speaking to you not only in your own language, but also in your own local accent (if you have one).
In 1984 The Albaicin was declared to be a world heritage site along with the Alhambra.
The people there are friendly and you can easily while away several hours and come away enlightened, entertained and refreshed by the mint teas, sweets and, of course, the people you enjoyed along the way.
Be sure to go to the Albaicin in Granada if ever you are in this wonderful city. Lighten your spirits and make your own day set off to the very best effect.
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