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Cities of Andalucia
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Cities of Spain
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last update:
10-09-2010 16:00uur
Granada
Granada is the capital of the Spanish province of Granada, located
in the eastern part of Andalucia at the Sierra Nevada.
History of Granada
Near the city of Granada was the town Elvira, formerly one of the
capitals of the provinces of al - Andalus. During the Berber uprising in
the year 1010, most residents fled to the village of Granada. After the
collapse of the caliphate in Cordoba in 1238 a family member of the Banu
al-Ahmar conquered Granada, and ruled a Nasrid dynasty that ruled for
two centuries. The empire stretched from Malaga to Almeria. Because the
Christians expelled the Moors in large parts of Spain many Moors fled to
Granada. Granada was thus a city with many palaces and mosques. The
richness of the area around Granada was caused by the flourishing silk
industry and a flourishing trade with the East and Africa. Via Granada
gold came from Sudan to Europe.
In 1492 Granada was conquered by the Catholics and by law stipulated
that all inhabitants of Granada, under certain conditions, their
property, laws, customs and religions were maintained. The conditions
were however ignored and 6 years later Granada divided into a Muslim
area and a Christian area. Some Muslims converted to Christianity and
controlled the silk industry and provide an uprising in 1568 which the
Muslims were expelled.
Granada made during the Spanish Nasriden regime its peak period and many
monuments in Granada strains also from the period 1241 to 1492. In the
19th century, Granada went through a period of decline but now Granada
is fully back on the map, thanks to the good reputation of the
University of Granada.
Sightseeing in Granada
Most sights of Granada are in or near the center of the city. Granada
has the following points of interest:
Cathedral of Granada.
In 1523 began the construction of the Cathedral of Granada. The of
origin Gothic design with Corinthian columns that support the Capilla
Mayor with it's perfectly round dome. Under this umbrella are glass
windows from the 16th century. The west facade of the cathedral in
Granada is designed by the Baroque artist Alonso Cano, born in Granada.
In the cathedral you can see his grave and many of his works. In the
entrance to the Cathedral of Granada you see wooden statues of Catholic
kings.
Capilla Real.
The royal chapel was built between 1505 and 1507 in Granada. Designed by
sculptor Ordonez are the marble statues of King Ferdinand, his wife
Isabella and their daughter Juana la Loca (Joan the Mad). A staircase
leads to a crypt in the chapel in Granada. Their bodies are buried in
boxes of lead. Boxes of glass protecting the crown and the sword.
Palacio de la Madraza.
This is a of origin Arab university in Granada, built in the 18th
century. Inside one finds a decorated mihrab too.
Mirador de San Nicolas.
Overlooking the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada is this square that is a
perfect place to enjoy the sunset in Granada.
El Bañuelo.
These Arab baths in Granada were built in the 11th century and have
beautiful columns. The special light in this bathhouse in Granada is
caused by the star-shaped openings in the vaults.
Museo Arqueologico.
The casa Castril houses including the treasures from the time of the
Phoenicians and Romans, all found in the province of Granada. The facade
is decorated with sculptures with mythological figures.
Alhambra & Generalife.
Without doubt the most famous and most visited attractions of Granada
and perhaps even those of total Andalucia.
An inventive use of light, space, water and decorations is why the
Alhambra in Granada is unique in its kind. The Alhambra was largely
built by the rulers during the Nasrid period (1241 - 1492) in order to
disguise their waning power. Aim was to build a heaven on earth in
Granada. Over the centuries, the Alhambra in Granada had much to endure,
including Napoleon's attempts to attack it. With much zeal and
craftsmanship Granada managed to restore the Alhambra in recent decades
.
