The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Almost unrivalled for beauty and architectural splendour, the entire city has been declared a national monument. It lies at the foot of Spain´s mightiest massif, the Sierra Nevada, and on the edge of an extraordinarily fertile plain. A provincial capital with a university and archaepiscopal see, the city is divided by the Darro which runs underground in the city centre.
On the right lies Albaicín, the city´s oldest quarter; on the left rises the imposing Alhambra. To the south the city is bordered by the Río Genil into which the Darro flows. This fertile area was already settled in the 5th Century BC and was known as Iliberis in Roman times. The city was founded under the Visigoths, whose domination ended with the Arab victory in 711. 'Elvira' (Granada was just a nearby settlement) was ruled by a viceroy dependent upon Córdoba until the fall of the Caliphate in Córdoba in 1031.
During the next two centuries Granada was ruled by the Berber dynasty of the Almoravides and then Berber Almohades, until the first Nasrite king, Mohammed I, established a kingdom in 1241. After the capture of Córdoba by the Christian armies in 1236 the town increased in importance, reaching its brilliant zenith under the rule of the Moorish Nasrites, who were tolerated by the Castilian kings. It was the only surviving bastion of Islam in Spain until the last king of Granada had to relinquish the city to Ferdinand and Isabella at the treaty of Santa Fé in 1491.
The famous haumanist Diego Hurtado de Mendoza (1503-75), who was born in Granada, described the capture of the town. In the same way that the Alhambra palace was built during the Nasrite dynasty and a lively cultural environment was able to develop in the densely populated and wealthy city, so too were the new Spanish powers able to enrich Granada with splendid Renaissance and baroque buildings. However, from 1570, following the expulsion of the Moors who had rebelled against the represive measures of Philip II, the economical and historical importance of Granada declined. Vital irrigation systems which were destroyed at the time were not rebuilt until the 20th century.
In the 17th century the versatile Granada-born artist, Alonso Cano, who was a painter, sculptor and architect, made an important contributionto the appearance of the town. His buildings were of a stylistic importance which reached beyond the confines of Granada itself. The sculptor Pedro de Mena, who was also born in Granada was Cano´s pupil.
The palace and gardens of the Generalife stand on the slopes of the Cerro del Sol ('Hill of the Sun'), next to the Alhambra. This country house for the Moorish kings of Granada was built in the 13th century, and rebuilt in the 14th. The Patio de la Acequia ('Courtyard of the Stream') is the most interesting part; its northern section, the best preserved. The Patio de la Sultana ('Courtyard of the Sultaness'), also called the Court of Cypresses, merits special mention too.
The Royal Chancery
The Chancery, Law Court or Supreme Tribunal of Justice, according to the period, is a building of the 16th century. It is built around a central patio with arcade and vestibule. Designed by Diego de Siloé, the patio has a lower floor with Doric columns that support semicircular arches with medallion and leaves. On top of this arcade is an upper floor with stone balustrade and classic columns of the Jonic style. The facade is of a severe style and very harmonious. It has an enormous variety of highly dynamic decorative elements, indications of the Baroque, which was then in its dawn; nevertheless, it contains some clearly Renaissance-style elements, such as the bossage or the triangular frontons. All in All, it is a building of the transition between Renaissance and Baroque. The square where it is situated is an area that was very much rebuilt after the Christian reconquest.
Santa Ana´s Church
In front of the Chancery and in the Santa Ana´s Square is the church of the same name. It is a small church designed by Diego de Siloé. It has a simple facade with a semicircular arch, many niches with statues and a medallion with the Virgin and Christ Child. The brick tower has balconies (the upper one divided) with arches decorated with ceramic tiles. The interior has five chapels on each side, covered by Mudéjar-style coffered ceilings.
Monument of the Agreements
This is the work of sculptor Mariano Benlliure, from the 19th century. On a high pedestal, with allusive historic inscriptions, are the statues of Cristopher Columbus and Queen Isabel in the moment in which the discoverer presents his projects.
Madraza (Arab University)
Situated in front of the Royal Chapel, it was founded by King Yusef I in the 14th century, even though it has today a Baroque facade from the 18th century. The patio has a beautiful arcade and in the upper floor is the Twenty-Four Knights´ Room, splendidly decorated in Plateresque style.
The chapel was ordered by the Catholic King and Queen for their burial site. Together with them were buried the mortal remains of the King of Castile, Felipe, and of the Queen Juana, by order of the Emperor Carlos V. The costruction project was given to Enrique Egas, who had already collaborated on the project of the Cathedral. Its architecture is of the late Gothic, combined with Renaissance elements. One of its most outstanding features is the profusion of its heraldic decoration, with coats of arms of King Fernando and Queen Isabel, the royal emblem of the yoke and arrows and the initials F and Y.
A Gothic ground floor of five naves, with various side chapels and a double sanctuary or apse aisle make up a Renaissance-style structure with evident Gothic elements, as planned by Diego de Siloé. Especially eye-catching is the great height of the naves, achieved by using pedestales on which rest groups of split columns, with classic capitals and upper entablature. Crowning all of it are the ribbed ogival vaults and stained-glass windows depicting religious themes, some of them by Flemish masters, which illuminate the interior.
In front of the Facade of San Jerónimo is situated the Noble Girls School. Founded in the 16th century for the schooling of the daughters of the nobility, its facade is of Plateresque style, and inside are Mudéjar-style coffered ceilings.
This building was constructed to carry out the functions of an Imperial College annexed to the university, it was so used until 1769. It was built in the Plateresque style. The patio is bordered by semicircular arches and classic columns. The facade is more clearly Renasssance-style with a coat-of-arms of the Archbishop in the centre.
The recent inauguration of the brand new Conference Centre Palacio de Congresos) adds new eminence to
the already superior quality of resources Granada extends to the Congresses and
Expositions Organisation. This building has been equipped with the most advanced
communication and audiovisual equipment, which makes it a first class building.
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The Generalife
The Royal Chapel
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The Cathedral
The Main Chapel is a golden beauty, almost a work of perfection by Diego de Siloé. The entrance arch or main arch narrows in its centre to adapt to the enormous circular vault which it supports. At the sides of this arch are the statues of the King and Queen in prayer, and above them, the busts of Adam and Eve. The Renaissance influence can be appreciated here in the main chapel with its Corinthian columns and entablature with reliefs. Statues of the twelve apostles and other saints are found on shelves attached to the columns. Above the arches are spaces for tombs, covered by paintings. Continuous narrow balconies complete the group. In the upper part the Corinthian columns are finer, on pedestals decorated with paintings; among these are stone alterpieces which hold seven large paintings by Alonso Cano, which depict episodes in the life of the Virgin. Large Flemish stained-glass windows from the 16th century illuminate the Chapel. Furthermore, there are 17th century choir stalls, which used to be in the centre of the main nave.
Noble Girls School
The Ecclesiastic Curia
CITY OF CONGRESSES
For many years Granada has been one of the primary centres in Spain, both in
number and in relevance, for the celebration of Congresses. Also, Granada is a
member of Honour of the European Congress Federation. It possesses an ideal
infrastructure for the execution of these activities and at the same time it offers
a wide range of services of all kinds, covering any conceivable need. Numerous
specialised halls and pracrically all the salons in the large Granada hotels accommodate
every year a large number of scientific, cultural and business events and conferences.
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GRANADA HOTELS
Peña Partida 2, Tel. 22 14 68 Fax. 22 64 04
A del Darro 62, Tel. 25 83 00 Fax. 25 64 02
P.Antº de Alarcón 10, Tel. 52 12 50 Fax. 52 12 70
Av. Feuntenueva s/n, Tel. 25 50 00 Fax. 28 96 96
Prol. S. Anton s/n, Tel. 52 01 00 Fax. 52 19 82
Ganivet 7, Tel. 22 74 00 Fax. 22 74 03
Alhambra, Tel. 22 14 40 Fax. 22 22 64
Constitucion 37, Tel. 28 74 47 Fax. 27 39 54
Cno. de Ronda 107, Tel. 27 28 00 Fax. 27 28 62
Tierno Galván, Tel. 13 00 09 Fax. 12 91 61
Triunfo 19, Tel. 20 74 44 Fax. 27 90 17
C. del Genil 48-50, Tel. 22 00 02 Fax. 22 01 81
Ctra. Nal. 342, Tel. 28 30 50 Fax. 29 14 29
Joaquin Costa 7, Tel. 22 74 77 Fax. 22 89 09
Cno. de Ronda 101, Tel. 28 92 15 Fax. 28 92 15
Arabial 83, Tel. 27 66 00 Fax. 27 47 59
Constitucion 6, Tel. 28 37 11 Fax. 28 55 91
Avda del Darro 19, Tel. 22 21 56 Fax. 22 85 19
Navas 5, Tel. 22 15 81 Fax. 22 27 32
Postigo Velutti 2, Tel. 28 54 64 Fax. 28 55 91
Alixares, Tel. 22 34 23 Fax. 22 37 98
Cetti Meriem 10, Tel. 22 15 58 Fax. 22 71 00
A. del Darro, Tel. 25 89 12 Fax. 25 89 16
Alixares, Tel. 22 55 06 Fax. 22 41 02
Escoriaza 17, Tel. 22 14 24 Fax. 22 21 25
Recogidas 53, Tel. 26 58 78 Fax. 26 36 42
Cltra. Murcia, 279 km. Tel. 20 12 11 Fax. 20 12 00
Puerta Real 3. Tel. 25 77 00 Fax. 26 31 08
Generalife 2. Tel. 22 75 50 Fax. 22 88 40
Almona del Picón 10, Tel. 20 38 12
Martinez de la Rosa, Tel. 26 58 11 Fax. 29 19 20
Constitución 35, Tel. 28 29 30 Fax. 27 33 40
Recogidas 16, Tel. 26 00 16 Fax. 26 32 29
Madrid 20, Tel. 29 10 12 Fax. 20 62 13
Bld. Rambla 4, Tel. 26 67 12 Fax. 26 68 01
Pl. Nova 4, Tel. 22 75 35 Fax. 28 55 91
Avda. Madrid 10, Tel. 29 50 61 Fax. 27 10 84
A del Darro 44, Tel. 25 79 00 Fax. 25 55 96
Recogidas 11, Tel. 25 36 12 Fax. 25 05 50
Sócrates s/n., Tel. 20 98 61 Fax. 27 10 81
Avda. Madrid 74, Tel. 15 09 54 Fax. 15 00 62
Tablas 4, Tel. 25 32 11 Fax. 25 57 28
Pl. del Lino 1, Tel. 26 64 11 Fax. 26 67 07
Alhambra 53, Tel. 22 74 71
Campos 4, Tel. 22 15 87
Frailes 3, Tel. 25 76 00 Fax. 26 67 58
Molinos 12, Tel. 22 74 89 Fax. 22 74 89
Gran Capitán 1, Tel. 29 44 61 Fax. 29 44 62
Antequeruela Baja, Tel. 22 75 45
Navas 16, Tel. 22 54 30 Fax. 22 54 27
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CAMPSITES
GRANADA
YOUTH HOSTELS
Madrid 107, Tel. 15 00 62 Granada
Ctra. Nal. 340, Tel. 62 31 09
Las Lomas, s/n, Tel. 47 07 42 Guejar Sierra
Ctra. Nal. 342, Tel. 20 84 79 Granada
Ctra. Nal. 342, Tel. 20 06 06 Granada
Ctra. Bailén, Tel. 45 34 08 Albolote
Ctra. Bailén Motril, Tel. 57 61 75 Otura
Ctra. Bailén Motril, Tel. 57 61 05 Otura
Ctra. Granada, Tel. 59 00 41 La Zubia
Pago del Angel s/n., Tel. 72 00 01 Castril
Rula del Purche, Tel. 34 04 08 Monachil
ADVENTURE VACATIONS/RURAL TOURISM
Apdo. Correos 1230. 18080 Granada
Sor Cristina 8, 18009 Granada. Tel. 22 89 15
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REGIONAL CUISINE RESTAURANTS
Oficios 12. Tel. 22 12 23
Pl. Padre Suáres 5. Tel. 22 40 28
Pza. Los Campos 8. Tel. 22 34 76
Duende 16. Tel. 25 50 09
Dr, Olóriz 13. Tel. 27 70 39
Andaluces 2. Tel. 29 29 78
Duende 3. Tel. 26 66 10
Pianista Gª Carrillo 2. Tel. 22 82 90
Zaragoza 2. Tel. 22 34 13-15
Obispo Hurtado 14. Tel. 26 59 31
Camino Ronda 100. Tel. 25 42 02
Antequeruela baja. Tel. 22 74 33
Pl. Nueva 5. Tel. 22 31 16
Arabial, s/n. Tel. 25 11 12
Carrera Genil 32. Tel. 22 93 80
Martinez Campos. Tel. 25 43 93
Elvira 10. Tel. 25 86 61
Pl. Nueva 34. Tel. 22 77 50
Alcaiceria s/n. Tel. 22 69 70
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NATIONAL CUISINE
VEGETARIAN CUISINE
Ctra. Sierre Cenes Vega. Tel. 48 61 43
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
Pablo Picasso 30. Tel. 12 01 03
FISH AND SEAFOOD
Torres Bermejas 8. Tel. 22 67 23
Triunfo 19. Tel. 20 74 44
Puerta Real 1. Tel. 20 62 93
Carrera del Genil 4. Tel. 22 67 69
Ruseñor 1. Tel. 20 86 62
Trajano 7. Tel. 29 27 53
El Guerra 30. Tel. 27 72 19
Obispo Hurtado 13. Tel. 25 96 78
Andaluces 2. Tel. 27 29 08
Pl. Menorca (Pasaje). Tel. 25 32 64
Campo Principe 8. Tel. 22 61 54
Antequeruela baja 10. Tel. 22 32 39
Cno. Ronda 98. Tel. 25 41 23
Párraga 9. Tel. 25 10 17
Ctra. Ant. Malaga 51. Tel. 20 58 29
Constitucion 37. Tel. 28 74 47
Pl. Pescaderia 9. Tel. 25 07 77
Pq. Genil Edf. Amatista. Tel. 26 26 08
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To refer to granadian culinary art is to mention the best and most excellent Andalusian cuisine.
Also the Arabian roots of its cuisine, still present in many dishes and specialities
introduced a unique way of cooking which cannot be found anywhere in thr world except
in Granada and its province.
Granada garners the best and most select nourishments offered on land or sea.
Therefore it is only natural that the variety and quality of its gastronomy will satisfy the
most demanding palates, even in its dishes of humblest appearance, the papas a la pobre
(the poor man´s potatoes in which the Alpujarran villages are veritable masters. You
must taste them with their authentic recipe, fried slowly in virgin olive oil with scrambled
egg, garlic, and fried green peppers.
The highest representative of Alpujarran gastronomy is Trevélez serrano (mountain cured) ham, the secret of which it has been cured in Sierra Nevada´s snow. Throughout the region garlic rabbit and farmer´s kid goat are prepared, as well as brine- marinated partridge, paprika porridge and flour migas (wheat flour with garlic stirfried in olive oil). The best beverage to enhance these flavours is the famous coast wine, high alcohol content wine produced small scale in the Contraviesa Sierra. The Alpujarran bakery tradition is wide and varied, one of the most recommended specialities being almond Soplillos or whistles.
The famous Motril "Moraga" is prepared and eaten on the very beach after watching the fish nets full of varied fish, being drawn out of the sea. The irresistible aroma slowly rising from the burning embers over which the freshly caught sardines roast, arranged on skewers, will make you cherish this typical coastalgastronomic event. There is a great variety of shell fish dishes as well as the renowned fried fish platter, the golden "Costa" wine, and the sugar cane rum from Motril. For dessert , custard apples, persimmons, papayas, mangoes, avocados and pineapple are all excellent choices. In the villages of the Valley, Loja or Riofrio, there exists a speciality with a ground almond base called Ajo Blanco (White Garlic), always best eaten if it is followed by freshly caught trout. This region is famous for its bakery.
Sante Fé itself is worth
visiting in order to taste its uneversally famous Piononos. The same must be said of
Loja´s doughnuts and Montefrío´s lard rolls. The area called the Hoya de Guadix delights
us with its special Marquesado Corn Porridge, or its wheat or Cornflour Migas from the
village of Baza and Huéscar. Very wellknown and appreciated are the Guadix Tocinillos.
This tasty ride through the Province brings us now to Granada itself, the city Capital.
To talk about Granada is to talk about the Sacromonte Omelette. The favourite beans
and ham represent another forte dishfor which the capital´s cuisine is famous. There is
also a strong bakery tradition in Granada which goes back to the centuries old
Arabian confections, a tradition maintained with great success by the nuns in the city´s
cloister convents. Important are the Huevos moles or the Bizcochadas among many
other specialities in sweets.
A centuries old tradition confers on Granada an unusual and unique craftmanship, the
products inherited from the ancient inhabitants of these lands. This is immediately
recognised when one admires a work of marquetry. The meticulous ivory, mother of pearl,
bone conch or laminated silver inlays, within a noble wood, elevate marquetry to the
highest degree.
Pottery, albeit the younger brother of ceramics, is still proving its mettle in Loja, in
Purullena, and Guadix. Granada as a whole with its villages is a place in which to
contemplate the marvellous technique of wrought iron. Balconies and windows, gates
and gratings compete with each other in their harmony of subjugated iron in all its
forms. We must mention the technique of embossed copperwork, the chiselling
of which has been transmitted to our days.
Another exclsuive of our land is that which Lanjarón has to offer. To take a walk along
its streets is to have a new encounter with the old and almost forgotten art of basketry.
At the sught of so many and such beautiful articles made of esparto reeds, we wonder
how it is possible to braid such a vegetation conglomerate.
With wood of the highest quality and best resonance, some artisans from Granada
manufacture the best guitars in Spain. It is still possible to witness the whole process
of this miracle.
Few people know that Granada's embossed leathers once became a tough competitor
to Toledo's, but this is fact. Today we may still admire them just by visiting the open
market in the Albaicin, here we will also find pieces in tin, polychrome, jewellery,
engravings.
FESTIVALS
Throughout the year the most ancestral and ancient manifestations of the purest
popular roots appear mingled with other customs of more recent implantation, but not for
this reason less exciting and colorful. As usually happens, some of these fiestas go so
far back in time that there is no certain knowledge of their origin, which gives them an
air of mystery and so magnifies their appeal.
The cultural events which take place in Granada throughout the year are numerous.
Particularly outstanding are the celebration of the International Music and Dance
Festival, the International Theatre Festival, the International Jazz Festival, etc. as well
as the continual recitals and concerts organised by the Manuella de Falla Centre.
The festive genius of Granada extends to the totality of its geography in the innumerable
celebrations which take place in the villages and towns all over the province.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
CONSULATES
Alquiauto - 255747
MUSEUMS
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HANDICRAFTS OF GRANADA PROVINCE
Almost in every corner of cities and villages, families of potters and ceramicists have
transmitted age old secrets which make possible the elaboration of the extraordinary
enamelled vases and plates of Fajalauza. The young bull or Torico from Guadiz, the
fish and the cock from Almuñécar are likewise relevant manifestations of ancestral
techniques which are very alive today.
We now penetrate the world of textiles, for
it is not by chance that Granada, and especially the Alpujarra, was already in the
XIIth Century the main silk market not only in Spain, but in the greater part of the world.
This tradition has remained unaltered and today it is still possible to admire and purchase
delicate weaving in tulle and silk in the form of mantillas and veils, besides the precious and
exclusive lace. Very important also is the weaving following the old patterns and with
hand driven looms, of cotton carpets, blankets and curtains.
Granada and its province thrive in handcrafting activity. In any town, small or large, in
any village of the interior or the coast, in its shops, forges, looms, and kilns, a unique
piece of Granada handicraft is being created.
In the towns and villages of Granada we find a great number of fiestas and celebrations
of all kinds. Those of the capital, Granada are the ones of greater interest given their
historical component.
Incomparable is the colourfulness in the period costumes worn during the
celebrations of the most renowned fiesta of Moors and Christians. The ambience
one breathes carries us centuries backward in time and , for a moment, watches stop.
Then there is the Guadix´ Cascamorras, an amazing personage who intends to snatch
the Virgin, the custody of whom is defended by Baza´s people. The crowd enraptured
stalks the Cascamorras at all times during his presence in the village in order to
prevent any attempt on his part of stealing the image.
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GRANADA PROVINCE FIESTAS
Commemorating the day Granada was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492.
Floats and flowery wagons, shepherds and retinue of the Wise Men of the Orient cross
the city centre amidst the excitement of the public. These are celebrated in Granada,
Motril, Almmuñécar, Guadix(live Nativity), Sierra Nevada, Purullena (live Nativity).
The martyrdom of Saint Cecil, first Bishop of the city of Granada, is commemorated.
Pilgrimage to the Sacromonte Abbey, after the religious service, wine and "saladillas"
(salty buns) are distributed among the people and folk groups perform pieces of the
purest Granada folklore.
Spring holiday with strong popular roots. It is celebrated with playfulness rather than
with religious fervour. Patios, streets, homes, shop windows and balconies are
decorated with carnations and the most typical craft tools of the land, which creates
a picture of great beauty. Horse riders. polka dot dresses and Sevillan dancing give
the day a multicoloured character. The most important Granada, Murtas, Charches.
Dólar, Montefrio, Santa Fe.
Granada´s official holiday instituted by the Catholic Monarchs. The primary activity
is carried out at fairgrounds, where for the enjoyment of children and adults, rides and
dozens of casetas (enclosed pavilions) are installed, and where people eat, drink and
dance Sevillanas all night. Main places Granada, Guadix, Sante Fe, Almuñécar.
From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, the drums and the floats take over the life of
the town. Most important Granada, Almuñécar, Guadix, Motril, Salobreña, Loja.
Procession of the Brotherhood of Glory of Our Lady of the Dew (Rocio)
(Sunday prior to Pentecost Sunday)
Pilgrimage to the village of Rocio("Dew"). Floats and wagons, horse riders and
polka dot dresses throughout the city of Granada.
Pilgrimage to San Miguel Alto.
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OTHER IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS
SANTA FE
ART GALLERIES
COGOLIOS
HUENEJA,
BEZNAR,
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THEATRE
TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES
Pl. Mariana Pineda, 10, 18009 GRANADA.
Tel. 226688 Fax. 228916
Ctra. de Málaga, 18015 GRANADA.
Tel. 279398
Corral del Carbon, C/Mariana Pineda, GRANADA.
Tel. 225990
Germany - Constitución, 20, 2, GRANADA - Tel. 293352
Belgium - Recogidas, 66, 1a, GRANADA - Tel. 251631
France - Carlos Pareja, 5, GRANADA - Tel. 261447
Switzerland - C/Canada, 27, GRANADA - Tel. 500487
Italy - Dr. Martin Lagos, 3, 1º, GRANADA - Tel. 261361
United Kingdom - (Hon. Consul) - tel. 274724
National Police - 091
Municipal Police - 092
Guardia Civil - 062
RENFE Railway Station - (958) 271272
Bus Station - (958) 251358
Granada Airport - (958) 446411
Roads Information - (91) 5352222
Sierra Nevada Information (958) 249119
IBERIA (State Airline) - (958) 227593
Red Cross - (958) 222222
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CAR RENTAL
Atasa - 224004
Atesa - 227815
Autos Fortuna - 260254
Autos Gudelva - 251435
AVIS - 252358
Europcar - 295065
Hertz - 252419
Ital - 223524
Caravanas Cardenas - 819555
Palacio Carlos V, Tel. 226279
Palacio Carlos V, Tel. 224843
Ctra. Darro, 41. Tel. 225640
Antequeruela Alta. Tel. 229421
Pisas, s/n. Tel. 222144
P.F. Garcia Lorca, 4. Tel. 446453
Callejón Niño del Royo, 8. Tel. 227141, 227497
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