About Granada
Granada came into being when the Muslims conquered the small village of Garnata al Jahud in the year 711. This happened on the spot where the Albayzin still exists. The formerly small village, which is situated at 685 metres above sea level, has grown into a town of 243.000 inhabitants.
The Moors built the Alhambra on top of a hill above the city, so they could defend it well. The red castle, which is the translation of the name, is still Granada's biggest tourist attraction. The old building attracts thousands of visitors on a daily basis and a visit to the site is an absolute must when you are in town.
But there is more to see. It is definitely worth a wander for an afternoon around the small streets and narrow alleys of the Albayzin. You can do this on your own, but it's also possible to join a guide on one of the tours, for example www.ciceronegranada.com.
The Albayzin has many churches and museums you can visit, but you can also find dancers of the famous flamenco. Behind the Albayzin there is another district where you can find the flamenco, the Sacromonte.
The great cathedral of Granada is across from the Albayzin at the other side of the Gran Via de Colon, the main street that cuts the historic centre in two. The building of this gothic renaissance structure started in 1521, and took over two centuries to complete.
But to see beautiful monuments you don't have to go beyond our street. Around the corner from the hostal is the basilica of San Juan de Dios. Its famous golden altar draws many tourists to this part of the centre. It is from here, the procession of the statue of San Juan (on the 8th of March) starts. In Semana Santa (Easter) there are numerous processions in our street as well.
Across the street from the hostal is the park Jardines del Triunfo, named after the Arco del Triunfo, situated a little down the street. The fountains of this park give a spectacular lightshow after dark, which make the park a special place. To watch the fountains against the decor of the old Hospital Real is the icing on the cake.
The former hospital is now part of the University of Granada, but is open for visitors. The architecture and wall paintings make it worth your while to pay a visit to this old building.
When you had enough of walking after a day at the Alhambra, or strolling through the Albayzin, you can take the www.city-sightseeingbus.com. The open air bus takes you on a journey past many monuments. There are plenty stops where you can get on and off the bus, for example at the www.parqueciencias.com.
