3 Reasons to Visit Granada, the Spanish City of Sweeping Views

In the foothills of Sierra Nevada lies the revered city of Granada. The historical city southern Spain’s Andalusia region is esteemed for its grand medieval architecture dating back to the 13th-century Moorish occupation. As the last stronghold of the Moors in Western Europe, Granada is home to the famous Alhambra Palace. But beyond the grandiose architecture, you will enjoy a remarkable cuisine distinct from other famous Spanish cities like Barcelona and the neighboring Seville. Find out what makes Granada such an inspiration to celebrated writers and artists by downloading the Granada Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      The Alhambra Palace

If Agra has the Taj Mahal and Siem Reap has the Angkor Wat, Granada has the spectacular Alhambra Palace. Standing tall atop the entire hill of La Sabica it offers intricate designs, detailed mosaics, hand-carved cedar wood, and even serene orchards. Samuel Ha-Nagid, the Jewish grand vizier of one of Granada’s 11th-century Zirid sultans, initially built the UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Nasrid emirs turned the area into a fortress-palace complex and housed royal families before the Catholic Monarchs took hold during the Reconquista in 1492.

2.      St. John of God Basilica

The basilica dedicated to John of God, the Portuguese soldier who devoted his life to helping those who were less fortunate, is a glistening jewel of the Baroque period. And when we say glistening it indeed shines with gold and silver. It boasts a beautiful Baroque façade flanked by towers featuring slate capitals. Inside, you will discover opulent decorations that fill every inch of the Latin cross floor plan. The church chapel houses a solid silver urn that holds the relics of Saint John of God. Its interior is richly adorned with sculptures and images. The fresco paintings depict saints, angels, virtues, and episodes from the life of Saint John of God.

3.      Junta de los Rios

Granada isn't just about spectacular palaces and grand temples; it also boasts breath taking natural wonders. Nestled in Otivar, Granada is a place of outstanding natural beauty with wonderful river pools and spectacular views. Making Junta de los Rios, which translates to "the joining of the rivers", a great excursion for the more adventurous. Junta de los Rios with there the rivers Rio Verde and Rio Negro converge to form waterfalls and crystal, clear pools where you can take a dip and take a break from the warm Granada weather. Until recently, only a handful of people visited for climbing and canyoneering.

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3 Compelling reasons to Visit Alhambra!

Built originally for military purposes, the name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "crimson castle", due to the colors of the towers and wall that surround the entire hill of La Sabica. Interestingly enough, by starlight, the walls and towers look silver, but by sunlight, they transform into gold. The Alhambra was created as an "alcazaba" (fortress), an "alcázar" (palace) and a small "medina" (city), all in one. Download the Alhambra Guide and Offline Map to help you understand the distinctive features of the monument when you visit.

1.      It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Alhambra is regarded one of the finest palaces from its era and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It welcomes over two million in 2014 alone and was declared the most visited monument in Spain. That's reason enough to visit Alhambra considering Spain's other impressive sights. Although the palace was built in the 13th century, its magnificence and beauty remain remarkably intact. The buildings feature intricate designs, detailed mosaics, and hand-carved cedar wood.

2.      It is Home to Magnificent Monuments and Incredible Art

Seven halls at Alhambra is dedicated to a variety of exhibitions where you can learn about the Alhambra's interesting history. It is also considered to hold the best collection of Nasrid and Mudejar in the art world, so the Museum of Alhambra shouldn't be missed. As you walk your way through a labyrinth of passageways, you'll come across impressive monuments. One of the notable monuments is the Fountain of the Lions. It's a stunning piece to behold with its 12 marble lions sitting at the center of the courtyard in the equally mesmerizing Palace of the Lions.

3.      The Stunning View

Having been built as a stronghold by the Arabs, the Alhambra sits on the hilltop and occupies the entire hill of La Sabica overlooking Granada. Expect wondrous views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the rolling hills of the Andalusian countryside. Asides from the views and architecture, visitors can also enjoy a stroll through the Generalife Gardens. It's an oasis of peace and tranquility that dates back 750 years. Although it began as a military fortress, the construction of the palace was eventually commissioned by the Nasrid dynasty and was home to the royal family before the Catholic Monarchs took hold during the Reconquista of 1492.

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