Spain
Granada
Granada
Above: If you see only one town in Spain it should be Granada. You cannot help falling in love with this
town, which enjoys one of Europe's finest settings beneath the peaks of Andalucia's Sierra Nevada.
Granada was established as an independent Muslim kingdom in 1238 by Ibn Ahmar, a prince of the Arab
Nasrid tribe. The Moors of Granada maintained their autonomy for two and a half centuries, but by 1490
only the city itself remained in Muslim hands. In the following year, Ferdinand and Isabella marched on
Granada with an army said to total 150,000 troops. On January 2, 1492, the Moors finally surrendered,
and with the fall of Granada the Christian Reconquest of Spain was complete.
town, which enjoys one of Europe's finest settings beneath the peaks of Andalucia's Sierra Nevada.
Granada was established as an independent Muslim kingdom in 1238 by Ibn Ahmar, a prince of the Arab
Nasrid tribe. The Moors of Granada maintained their autonomy for two and a half centuries, but by 1490
only the city itself remained in Muslim hands. In the following year, Ferdinand and Isabella marched on
Granada with an army said to total 150,000 troops. On January 2, 1492, the Moors finally surrendered,
and with the fall of Granada the Christian Reconquest of Spain was complete.
Above: Granada is a great place to wander, with evidence of its Moorish past still very much alive in the
souk-like labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets of the Albaicin quarter.
souk-like labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets of the Albaicin quarter.
Above: This engaging city is popular with both students and street artists, and
has a relaxed, hippy scene in its public plazas. I enjoyed sipping mint tea in the
cafés and people watching.
has a relaxed, hippy scene in its public plazas. I enjoyed sipping mint tea in the
cafés and people watching.
Above: For all its stark Renaissance bulk, Granada's cathedral has a simple but imposing grandeur. The
cathedral dates in part from the early 16th century.
cathedral dates in part from the early 16th century.
Above: Today Granada has the greatest Muslim legacy in Spain, which is evident everywhere.
