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Why Is It So Easy To Fall In Love With Granada CityLiving near to Granada city meant little to us when we first moved into our house at Padul. We thought it would be a convenient place to visit now and then. After all, it´s only 15 minutes away from Los Limoneros. Little did we realise how we would fall in love with it. For, as the song goes, “Granada, you´ve got me under your spell.” And, indeed she has got us under her spell. The first city on the site of Granada was built by the Romans but it was the Arabs, invading the country in the 8th Century, who gave it its current name. Granada city was the last Muslim stronghold to be taken over by the Christians in 1492 by the forces of Queen Isabel and her husband Ferdinand. It can be easily understood (once seen) why the Albaicín, together with the Alhambra and the Generalife have been declared World Heritage Sites. The city of Granada is actually located near to the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains where the rivers Darro and Genil join.  The weather can be hot – but because the altitude is 630 metres the air is very dry. And in the summer there is a continuing supply of fresh clean drinking water supplied by the melting snows of the Sierras. The dry atmosphere not only is a boon for anyone suffering from arthritic conditions, but is also is an integral reason for why the highest quality of world famous flamenco and classical guitars are made here. Using well seasoned, dry wood for the body of the guitar helps create the best of tones which last throughout the life of the guitar. Visit guitar street and just listen to how those instruments sound. And yet, Granada city is not all “show”. It is a working centre and is alive and bustling. However – amidst all the activity – you will find plenty of peace and tranquility to be able to just sit and enjoy. With a population of around 300,000 (a number which fluctuates because of the great numbers of students coming into the city) you will find a wide cross section of warm hearted, open people, all too ready to please.
In Spanish, the word granada means pomegranate, and that is why, throughout Granada city, you will see pomegranates decorating bollards, fountains and even the pews in churches. Those who live in Granada are granadinos (or granadinas if they are feminine).     One of the most famous granadinos is Frederico Garcia Lorca a well known author and playwright. In spite of the fact that he was killed by firing squad in a nearby village during the Spanish civil war his writings live on and are performed regularly in Granda city - his “home town”. Areas of interest in Granada include the Alhambra , which is the most visited monument in Spain and hosts more than 8,000 visitors each day. It is, in effect, a group of palaces which were built in the 14th century and include the Generalife, the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid sultans of Granada.  The old arab quarter, or Albaicín, lies just opposite from the Alhambra. Here you will find a true labyrinth of narrow streets streets “paved” with cobble stones and flanked with whitewashed houses. Many of the houses have secluded inner gardens, and are known as "carmens". And at the highest point of the Albaizin you will find the mirador San Nicolas, from which ex-president Bill Clinton claimed to see “The best sunset in all the world.” The Sacromonte is reputedly the birthplace of flamenco. Visitors to Granada city will invariably go to one of the many cave-shows where the singers and dancers strut their stuff flamenco-style. Here you can see flamenco at its rawest. A sight well worth seeing. Granada city is proud to host a comprehensive calendar of leisure and cultural events each year. These include events in music, theatre and cinema as well as the various festivals such as Corpus Christi, Semana Santa and Cruz de Mayo. Throughout Granada city you will find a wide selection of temporary and permanent exhibitions all year through. Subscribe to our Newsletter for more information about what is happening in the area.  The olive trees and the almond groves around Granada are a real feature of the area. And finally, as well as the wide range of activities available in the snow of the Sierras, the sun of the beaches of Costa Tropical, the Aqua Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Science Park there is a whole host of restaurants to tempt you to taste the local olive oils the delicious tapas and the dishes of the region. And because we know Granada city so well, we can give you the best of advice on where to see the touristy things, as well as those little known parts of Granada that are well worth going to during your time here. Granada city is just 15 minutes away from our bed and breakfast accommodation 30 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort and just 40 minutes from the coast. It is certainly worth visiting, even if only to admire the many pomegranates, to taste the food and to speak to the open-hearted granadinos. Who knows, you could even fall in love with Granada yourself. Tell a friend about this page by clicking the link below.. To go to the top of this page click on Granada city To locate any webpage on this site click on site map If you found this page useful or interesting click on the bookmarking link below.... |
