How to Make the Most of Granada Spain, Granada, Spain

What an interesting past Granada has had! It reads like a political thriller with invasions from the Muslims in 711, becoming one of the richest cities in Europe, to the Christians invasion in 1492 and the expulsion of Jews in the 17th century. Granada then declined in popularity during the latter part of the 17th century and then made a revival during the Romantic movement in the 18th century. Granada has a medieval Moorish heritage.

The most important building in Granada is the Alhambra. Originally it started out as a fortress, palace and small city during the 9th Century. When the Nasrid Dynasty arrived in 1238 they started to renovate and add palaces to the original building. When the Spanish King Ferdinand and his wife Queen Isabel conquered Granada in 1492 Alhambra became a Christian court. The building fell into repair during the late 18th century and early 19th century and was home to thieves, criminals and beggars. In 1870 it was declared a national monument and in 1984 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As soon as you know that you are travelling to Granada and you want to visit the Alhambra you do need to book as far in advance as possible.

You can’t leave Granada without a wander through the old medieval Moorish area known as The Albaicin. High in the hills that look across to the Alhambra you will wander through a maze of narrow winding cobbled streets. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).