{"id":37697,"date":"2010-06-12T09:08:00","date_gmt":"2010-06-12T09:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kmatest.com\/?p=37697"},"modified":"2021-09-02T06:13:00","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T06:13:00","slug":"albaicin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kmatest.com\/en\/2010\/06\/albaicin\/","title":{"rendered":"Getaway Albaic\u00edn district"},"content":{"rendered":"

Albaic\u00edn<\/strong> is the oldest neighborhood and, at the same time, it is one of the most charismatic neighborhoods in Granada<\/strong>. It was the seed of the current Granada<\/strong>. I decided to spend enough time to visit everything (I also recommend reading the next post to know what to see in the Albaic\u00edn of Granada<\/a>).<\/p>\n

I really wanted to visit Granada<\/a>. Everyone spoke to me how wonderful is the Alhambra<\/a>, the Generalife<\/a>, the Cathedral<\/a> and Plaza Nueva<\/strong>. I knew they are must-sees that I couldn't skip; but I had Albaic\u00edn<\/strong> and Sacromonte<\/strong> as priorities.<\/p>\n

In its origins, the neighborhood was Muslim. In the 11th century a dynasty built its royal palace with Islamic temples; in fact, the city's Great Mosque was located in Albaic\u00edn<\/strong>. At the time of maximum splendor, there were more than 30 mosques; but with the conquest of the Catholic Monarchs, things changed. The Christian neighborhoods were gaining prominence and Albaic\u00edn<\/strong> remained as a place of residence for the Muslims, somewhat isolated. The mosques were giving way to the churches and the Muslims ended up leaving the area. Today, it is a unique sample of the mixture of architecture of the two worlds.<\/p>\n

During the Muslim time, luxurious houses with lush gardens and orchards were built. They are known by the name of \"c\u00e1rmenes<\/strong>\". Many of them have been turned into museums and restaurants. Some of the best known are the Carmen de la Victoria<\/a>, which belongs to the Universidad de Granada<\/a>, and the Carmen de los M\u00e1rtires<\/a>, owned by the Ayuntamiento de Granada<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Albaic\u00edn<\/strong> is located on the hill of San Crist\u00f3bal<\/strong> and borders the Sacromonte<\/strong> neighborhood. It is a popular tourist neighborhood; but, still, it is worth visiting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I started the visit in the Plaza del Mirador de San Nicol\u00e1s<\/strong>, from where there are wonderful views of the Alhambra<\/a> with the Sierra Nevada<\/strong> in the background. They say that it is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset as it is hidden behind the Alhambra<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Once seen the strongest point in the entire neighborhood, you have to walk quietly through the small, narrow streets full of history. In the Placeta del Abad<\/strong> there are remains of the old Puerta de los Estandartes<\/strong>. Some streets still respect the cisterns and others are full of restaurants and bars where you can eat at a very reasonable price. The cisterns are the most characteristic elements of the neighborhood. They were always associated with ancient mosques for the practice of ablution.<\/p>\n

The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestro Salvador<\/strong> is built on the old Great Mosque. Nowadays you can still see a patio, several columns and the cistern. Just for the history behind it, it is worth the visit.<\/p>\n

Further away but equally obligatory to visit, is the Puerta de Elvira<\/strong>, which was the traditional entrance to the city of Granada<\/a>. At the moment it only conserves the arch.<\/p>\n

In 1994 it was declared a \"World Heritage Site<\/a>\" by Unesco<\/a> as an extension of the Alhambra<\/a> complex.<\/p>\n

There are many restaurants in the neighborhood. I went to \"Casa Torcuato<\/a>\" following the recommendations of a local person and ate good tapas at a good price!<\/p>\n

The \"Palacio de los Patos<\/a>\" hotel is an oasis of tranquility and exclusivity in the middle of the city. A very well located 5-star hotel with excellent service. Book a room here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A very good guide is Granada (GUIARAMA COMPACT - Espa\u00f1a)<\/a>, but if you need and\/or want help in organizing the getaway, don't hesitate to send me a mail<\/a>!<\/p>\n


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