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book a Spanish Course in Granada
It is not possible to speak of Granada without
a feeling of beauty and mystery. Its setting, with the backdrop
of the often snow-clad Sierra Nevada, is magnificent. Wander
around the narrow cobbled streets amid the white-washed walls
of the city, and visit the celebrated Alhambra. A city of universal
historic importance thanks to its archaeological remains, it
has a large university population and an animated social and
cultural life.
History
Granada was ruled from Cordoba until 1031,
and later from Seville by the Almoravids and then the Almohads.
The Islamic city was called Karnattah, from which 'Granada'
is derived (granada also happens to be the Spanish for pomegranate,
which has been adopted as part of the city's coat of arms).
After the fall of Cordoba in 1236 and Seville
in 1248, Muslims sought refuge in the city, where the founder
of the famous Nasrid dynasty, Mahammed al-Ahmar, had recently
established an independent emirate. Granada became one of the
richest and most populous cities in 13th century Europe, flourishing
on the talents of its swelled population of traders and artisans.
But by the end of the 15th century the Nasrid
dynasty was in decline. Its economy had stagnated, the rulers
had retreated into a pleasure loving existence inside the Alhambra,
and violent rivalry had developed over the succession. The scene
had been set for war by the unification of Castilla and Aragon
throught the marriage of Isabel and Fernando. On the 1st of
January 1492, Castilian troops entered the city and next day
Isabel and Fernando entered the city ceremonially in Muslim
dress. They set up court in the Alhambra for several years.
Under them, Granada became a dynamic Castilian city but religious
persecution was rife. In 1502, Muslims were given the ultimatum
to convert or leave Spain. Most stayed and were baptised, to
be known as Moriscos. But after another revolt in the 1560s,
many were deported to other parts of Spain, and the city, having
lost much of its talented populace, went into decline.
In the 19th century tourism arrived and the restoration of Granada's
Islamic heritage began. In the early 20th century, the city
frowned on liberalism, and in 1936 at the beginning of the Spanish
civil war, many Granadinos with liberal or left connections
were killed. The city today still has a reputation for conservatism.
Climate
In general you can rely on pleasant or hot
temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November.
The temperatures normally range from 15°C to 35°C. In
Andalucia there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through
winter. However, in July and August, temperature inland can
get unpleasant, even unbearable, unless you are high enough
in the mountains. Andalucia is very hot in high summer, with
temperatures rising to 35°C.
The Mediterranean provides Spain's warmest
waters. They reach 27°C or so in August, and you can swim
as early as April or even late March in the southeast.
Five
day weather forecast
City Sights
La Alhambra & El Generalife
On top of La Sabika, the hill that overlooks Granada, this monument
is quite magnificent. The Casa Real (Royal Palace) is marvellously
decorated and the Generalife (the Alhambra's Gardens) are wonderful.
The Palace began life as a fortress in the 9th century. The
Nasrids of the 13th and 14th centuries turned it into a fortress-palace
complex adjoined by a small city (medina) of which nothing remains).
The best time to visit is early morning or late in the afternoon,
away from the crowds
It is open April to September from Monday to Saturday 9am to
8pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 6pm. From October to March it
is open 9am to 6pm daily.
Catedral
This Gothic/Renaissance cathedral with a truly cavernous interior
was begun in 1521 but work was not completed until the 18th
century. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am
to 1pm and 3.30 to 6.30pm.
Albaicin
The hilly streets and narrow old alleys of the Albaicin, Granada's
old Muslim quarter, are an absolute must see. The area covers
much of the hill that faces the Alhambra. Its name comes from
1227 when Muslims from Baeza populated the district after their
city was conquered by the Christians. It became a densely populated
residential area of Islamic Granada and after the Reconquista
it survived as the Muslim quarter.
Day Trips
The Sierra Nevada mountain range
This forms an almost year-round snowy backdrop to Granada and
includes mainland Spain's highest peak, Mulhacen. It is about
1½ to 2 hours from Granada.
Las Alpujarras
This 70 km long jumble of valleys is great walking country and
is located to the south of Granada. For centuries it was one
of Spain's most isolated corners, but recently tourism has arrived.
But the area still remains remote, mysterious and quite beautiful.
The steep white villages are surrounded by orchards and woodlands
of chestnut, oak, poplar and pine.
Trevelez
This picturesque village set in a valley, claims to be the highest
village in Spain and is also famous for producing some of the
country's best jamon serrano. The hams are driven in from all
around Spain for curing in Trevelez's cold, dry mountain air.
Nights out
To discover listings for the upcoming months
try and get a copy of Guia del Ocio, available from Kiosks.
There are a number of good restaurants around the Alhambra and
Albaicin areas.The Campo del Principe area, south of Alhambra
is very lively at night. If you want to dance into the early
hours then the Bar El Eshavira has some good jazz, blues and
Flamenco music, and is situated down a dark alley at Placeta
de la Cuna. Otherwise the El Corral del Principe has some great
Flamenco on a Friday and Saturday nights.
Activities
A distinctive local craft is marquetry (taracea)
which is used on boxes, tables, chess sets and more. The best
has shell, silver or mother-of-pearl inlays. Other granadino
crafts include embossed leather, guitars, wrought iron, brass
and copperware, basket-weaving, textiles and, of course, pottery.
Places to look include the Alhambra, and in two shops on Cuesta
de Gomérez. There's also a guitar-maker on Cuesta de
Gomérez. The government-run Artespaña in the Corral
del Carbon has a good range of granadino handicrafts. Open Monday
to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8pm, Saturday from
10am to 1.30pm.
There are a number of good bookshops on
Libreria Urbano at Calle Tablas 6, south-west off Plaza de la
Trinidad, and Libreria Atlantida at Gran Via de Colon, 9, both
have a good range of books in English.
Special Events
| Easter |
Semana Santa
Benches are set up in Plaza de Carmen
for viewing the Semana Santa processions. |
| Late Spring |
Corpus Christi
Fairgrounds, drinking and dancing
Sevillanas take centre stage. |
| 2 Jan |
Día de la Toma
(Day of the Conquest)
This celebrates the completion of
the Reconquista with the taking of Granada by the Catholic
Monarchs. |
| 3 May |
Día de la Cruz
(Day of the Cross)
Squares, patios and balconies are
adorned with crosses (the Cruces de Mayo) made of flowers.
Horse riders, polka-dot dresses and sevillana dancing
add to colour. |
| Late June/early July |
Festival internacional
de Música y Danza
International music and dance festival
with open-air performances (some free) in the Generalife
and Palacio de Carlos V. |
| November |
Festival Internacional
de Jazz
|
Where Can I Find The……?
Tourist Office
The municipal tourist office is at Plaza de Mariana Pineda,
east of Puerto Real. The helpful English-speaking staff has
plenty of information to give away about Granada and Granada
province. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10.30am to
1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Saturday from 10am to 1pm. The
Junta de Andalucía has a more central tourist office
in the Corral del Carbón on Calle Mariana Pineda. Bus
and train information is posted outside. Opening hours are Monday
to Friday from 9am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 2pm.
Post and Communications
The main post office (postcode 18080) is at Puerto Real s/n.
There are numerous public phones around the centre.
Foreign Consulates
British Consulate
Carmen de San Cristobal, Ctra de Murcia s/n, 18010 Granada
Telephone: (958) 274724
(958) 221460 - weekday mornings
Banks
There are several banks with ATMs on Gran Vía de Colón
and Calle Reyes Católicos.
Medical and Emergency Services
The Policia Local (tel: 20 94 61) is at Plaza del Carmen 5,
just north of Puerta Real. The Policia Nacional station (tel:
27 83 00) is at Calle de la Duquesa 15, northwest off Plaza
de la Trinidad.
For urgent medical help, the Cruz Roja (tel: 22 22 22) is at
Calle Escoriaza 8, near Paseo de la Bomba and the Rio Genil.
The hospital de San Juan de Dios (tel: 20 43 00) is in a fairly
central position at Calle San Juan de Dios 15.
Airport Transfers
The small airport in Granada is 17kms west of the centre of
the city. There are normally 4 airport buses daily although
on a Sunday this can be less.
To
book a Spanish Course in Granada
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