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The Alhambra & Generalife
The most famous attraction of Granada is the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a stunning collection of buildings and gardens set on the background of the Sierra Nevada that used to be a palace and home of the Nasrid sultans between the 13th and the 14th centuries. After the Christian conquest the Alhambras mosque was replaced with a church and the Convento de San Francisco was built. In the 18th century the Alhambra was abandoned and was taken over by beggars and thieves. It was declared as a national monument in 1870, and since then was heavily restored.
Today, this impressive monument is divided to four main areas; the palaces, the Alcazaba (the military area), The Medina (the city) and the Generalife.
Tickets can be purchased at the Alhambra ticket office in the Entrance Pavilion, or via Internet. For visits till the 31st of July: www.alhambratickets.com, for visit as from 1st of August: www.alhambra-tickets.es.
Opening times:
November February: Mon Thu: 8.30 am 6 pm, Fri Sat: 8.30 am 6 pm and 8 pm 9.30 pm, Sun: 8.30 am 6 pm.
March October: Tue Sat: 8.30 am 8 pm and 10 pm 11.30 pm, Sun Mon: 8.30 am 8 pm.
Albaicin
This is Granadas old Muslim quarter famous for its picturesque maze of narrow and twisting streets. A wander around these streets set on a hill facing the Alhambra is a must while visiting Granada. In 1227 many Muslims from Baeza moved to this hill after their own city was conquered by the Christians. The quarter had survived as a Muslim quarter for many years. In your wandering you will come across beautiful plazas, carmines (large villas with walled gardens), old churches and fountains.
It is easy to reach the Albaicin area by bus number 31 or 32 that depart from Plaza Nueva.
Granada
Banos Arabes
Hot baths (Hammam) had an important role in the Muslim life in Granada during the middle ages. They were normally located near masques as resting places and as meeting points for social and political activities. The modern baths are usually simpler than the original, but still try to maintain the style and characters of original baths. They include three main rooms that gradually immerse the bather into different temperature environments. The trick is to pour hot water on different parts of the body.
If you feel like treating your soul and body as the Muslims in Granada used to, you can relax in the re-created baths and even enjoy a massage.
Calle Santa Ana 16
18009
Granada
Tel: +34 95 8229978
Casa de Castril
This is a very nice Renaissance palace that belonged to Bernardo Zafra, who used to be queens Isabella secretary. The faηade from 1539 is carved with beautiful figures of shells and a phoenix. In 1869 the palace was converted into the Museo Arqueologico with an impressive collection of Egyptian vases, artefacts from provincial caves and from Moorish times.
Casa del Chapiz
This beautiful Morisco house is actually made up from two 16th century Arab houses. It is considered to be the largest and most famous Moorish house in Granada with a wonderful garden. Since 1932 it houses the school of Arabic Studies.
Opening times:
September June: Mon Fri: 8 am 8 pm, July August: Mon Fri: 8 am 3 pm.
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Cuesta del Chapiz 22
18010
Granada
Tel: +34 95 8222290
Huerta de San Vicente
Located a 15 minute walk from the city centre is the house where poet Federico Garcia Lorca (author of The House of Bernarda Alba, Blood Wedding and more) spent his summers in his vacation house. The house contains some original family memorabilia such as furniture, Lorcas desk, piano and drawings and portraits.
Opening times:
April June: daily: 10 am 1 pm and 5 pm 7 pm, July August: daily: 10 am 2.30 pm, September: daily: 10 am 1 pm and 6 pm 8 pm, October March: Tue Sun: 10 am 1 pm and 4 pm 7 pm.
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