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The monuments of GranadaLa Alhambra The Alhambra was originally a medina, which is a small city surrounded by walls within another city (like the Vatican in Rome). The Alhambra could function on its own and had every service available for its inhabitats: mosques, schools, shops, etc. The first part of the palace was constructed by orders of sultan Ben-Al-Hamar and was alter fortified by his son Mohamed II. After the reconquest in 1492 the Alhambra became the palace of the Spanish kings. Two gates allow you to enter the Alhambra: The Puerta de las Granadas and the Cuesta de los Chinos. The central road that starts at the Puerta de las Granadas is used for public transport. Multiple palaces can be found inside the Alhambra and originate from the 14th century. Some of the things you have to see are: the Torre de Comares, el Palacio de los Leones, the Sala de los Reyes, el Palacio de Carlos V and the Torre de las Infantas. The Cathedral The cathedral of Granada was the first catedral in renaissance style in Spain, and according to many people, also the best one. The architect Diego de Siloé designed the cathedral and had great plans, but for economical reasons these couldn’t all be realized. In 1667 Alonso Cano designed a new front for the cathedral. The plans of de Siloé were also followed, but of his two towers only one was built to 57 meters altitude. The cathedral has five naves instead of the for that time more usual three. It’s not the cathedral Diego de Siloé had envisioned, but nevertheless it is a magnificent cathedral. The Albaicín quarter The Albaicín quarter has been populated ever since the time of the Iberos and was also a roman settlement. In the Zirí era the quarter was surrounded by walls. The Nazarí era made the quarter to prosper and evidence of this era can still be seen: the long and broad streets that form an intricate network from the highest part of the quarter all the way down to the river Darro. Traditional houses in this quarter are called “Carmen” and consist of a big groundfloors house surrounded by high walls that separate it from the streets. Because the quarter was walled drinking water came out of cisterns and wells, some of which are still in use. Just like the Alhambra, the quarter of Albaicín has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The Cathedral The cathedral of Granada was the first catedral in renaissance style in Spain, and according to many people, also the best one. The architect Diego de Siloé designed the cathedral and had great plans, but for economical reasons these couldn’t all be realized. In 1667 Alonso Cano designed a new front for the cathedral. The plans of de Siloé were also followed, but of his two towers only one was built to 57 meters altitude. The cathedral has five naves instead of the for that time more usual three. It’s not the cathedral Diego de Siloé had envisioned, but nevertheless it is a magnificent cathedral. What are you looking for in Granada? | ||
