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The Corral del Carbon is one of the oldest little known Moorish buildings in Granada
The Corral del Carbon holds a surprise in store for its visitors.
One moment you are in a noisy street outside and then suddenly all is quiet and peaceful as you walk through the large gateway.
If you turn back and examine the arched entrance you have just passed through, you will see it is surrounded by Arabic calligraphy and sculpted patterns similar to those in the Nasrid Palace of the Alhambra. The gateway is constructed in two sections and is certainly worth close inspection.
The Corral del Carbon is the only example of an Arabian funduq in Spain. It was originally built as a caravanserai and is one of the oldest Moorish buildings in Granada.
Built in the 1340's, it was used to store and sell animals, various goods and food. Travellers would also spend the night there as they passed by on their travels. The ground floor was used to store the goods for sale and the other two floors housed the various offices and places to sleep.
View of the Interior
During the Nasrid era it was known as the Ahondiga Jadida (New Caravanserai). At that time it actually belonged to the Nasrid Sultans.
Corral del Carbon literally translates into "Coal Yard", but the word coal refers to charcoal rather than coal. Needless to say, charcoal was a valuable resource in those "early days".
The central courtyard is large and square and built in the typical Islamic design. The horse trough in the centre is linked to a freshwater fountain which makes the constantly flowing beautifully clean and clear.
On each of the four sides of the courtyard is a three storey building with each section divided into rows of separate rooms or apartments. Along each level is an open passageway supported by stone or brick pillars. During the recent restoration work various decorative features were uncovered on the ground floor around the courtyard which are very similar in style and colour to those found in the Alhambra and in various areas of Morocco.
The Use Gets Changed
In 1494 the Corral del Carbon was given to Sancho de Arana by the Catholic kings, but when he died without leaving a successor in 1531 the building was sold by auction. The use changed at the beginning of the 16th century.
Now, it is owned by the State, is often used as an open air theatre and houses a Tourist Information office, a museum and an art shop. However, each summer in the central courtyard area a stage is erected and thrilling flamenco concerts are to be enjoyed there.
Directions:- Standing at the Plaza Isabel La Catolica, with Gran Via de Colon to your right, walk down Calle Reyes Catolicos and turn left onto the narrow street. Entrance is free.
Address:- Plaza Mariana de Pineda 10 bajo
Telephone:- (0034) 958 225 990
Whatever you do when you next visit Granada, the Corral del Carbon should definitely be on your list of things to see.
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