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 The Alhambra – the spectacular and serene climax of Moorish art in Spain stands watch over Granada as it has done for centuries. Granada was established as an independent kingdom in 1238 by Ibn Ahmar. By a series of shrewd manoeuvres, the Moors of Granada maintained their autonomy for two and a half centuries, but by 1490 only the city itself remained in Muslim hands. Boabdil, the last Moorish king, appealed in vain for help from his fellow Muslims in Morocco, Egypt and Turkey, and in the following year Ferdinand and Isabella marched on Granada with an army said to total 150,000 troops. For seven months, through the winter of 1491, they laid siege to the city.
For the tourist one of the most interesting areas of Granada is the Albaicin, the old Arab quarter, with it's cobbled streets and white washed houses. The Albaicin is a painter's paradise at almost every turn there is an attractive view. almost always including glimpses of the Alhambra. Many shops in this district sells the typical grandino pottery( white background with strong blue shapes). But Granada is not just history it has a vibrant night life, though it is opposite of most cities as during the summer holidays (winter in SA) things slow down as the students go home. Try the Rocio for flamenco dancers, the Rocio is a cave where they dance right in front of you as they go up and down the cave and not on a stage as in most other places. Don't buy tickets from someone on the street but get them from your hotel, who will also organise transportation. All Spanish cities have a vibrant nightlife usually involving consuming copious quantities of cubatas (spirits mixed with a long drink) and staying up late, Granada is no exception. Tapas are an integral part of the nightlife in Spain, a tapa is a small portion of food which you receive when you order a drink. It is normal to only stay in each tapas bar for one or two drinks so you may visit a whole series of bars during an evening. In some tapas bars you can choose which tapa to have whereas in other bars they have a set list of tapas which you get according to which round of tapas you are on. It's not necessary to drink alcohol to get a tapa with your drink. Coca Cola funnily enough doesn't count for a tapa, but if you don't feel like drinking alcohol and fancy a tapa, try a "cerveza sin alcohol" (alcohol free beer), a "vino sin alcohol" (grape juice) or try a "tinto de verano" (red wine with soda and ice). |
