Granada

Granada was the capital of the Emirate of Granada, the last major Muslim ruled state on the Iberian Peninsula. Its most famous landmark is the Alhambra

On the hill next to the Alhambra is the Generalife, a summer palace.

The Nasrids ruled the Emirate of Granada. They built the Generalife in the 13th century.

 

The Spaniards did some remodeling after conquering the Emirate of Granada in 1492.

Construction on Alhambra was begun in 1238 by the first Nasrid emir, Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar

Charles V commissioned this palace in Alhambra.

The palace was begun in 1526, but never completed due to the Morisco rebellions in Granada.

The Puerta del Vino

The Alcazaba is the oldest part of Alhambra.

The entrance to the Nasrid Palaces from the Alcazaba

From left to right, Generalife, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Palace of Charles V

Albaicin is a neighborhood of Granada under the Alhambra famous for its Moorish architecture.

The Torre de la Vela

The view from the top of the Torre de la Vela

The rest of the Alcazaba

The Partal Palace, the oldest palace in Alhambra, was built in the early 14th century.

When the Caliphate of Cordoba collapsed in 1009 after the Fitna, a group of Berbers called the Zirids established the Taifa of Granada.

Under the Zirid kings, the most powerful figure was a Jewish administrator named Samuel ha-Nagid. After his death, the 1066 Granada massacre brought an end to flourishing Jewish culture there.

The Nasrid Palaces are the most impressive part of Alhambra. Right now admittance is limited, so make sure you book a ticket in advance.

Nice floor

Two more Berber groups ruled Granada after the Zirids: the Almoravids and the Almohads.

When the Berber kingdoms left al-Andalus and returned to North Africa, the Arab Nasrid dynasty took over Granada.

The Almohads left al-Andalus in 1228. Castille captured Cordoba eight years later.

The Nasrids were never afraid to play both sides, fighting with and against Castile and the other remaining Muslim Taifas and Emirates on the Iberian Peninsula.

Because Granada had to pay heavy tribute to Castile, they specialized in trading high-value goods.

Boabdil, Emir Muhammad XII, was the last Muslim ruler of Granada, and on the Iberian Peninsula.

After the Reconquista, Granada slowly took on a more Catholic and Castilian air.

Napoleon purposely destroyed large portions of Alhambra during the Peninsular War.

The Spanish Bourbons tried refurbishing Alhambra (with their coat of arms).

The Court of Lions

The Nasirids were light-skin toned Arabs.

The city of Granada would be worth a trip by itself, even without Alhambra.

The Corral del Carbon was a Nasrid caravanserai.

The Cathedral of Granada was built over the Nasrid Great Mosque in the 16th century.

It was built when Spanish Renaissance style was replacing Gothic style.

The Royal Chapel of Granada is built into the side of Granada Cathedral and not to be missed. Isabella and Ferdinand are buried here, along with Juana la Loca.

Tres Reyes

The Darro river separates Alhambra from the Albayzin neighborhood.

Granada has a small archeology museum.

A Roman statue

An astrolabe from the Nasrid era

The museum has a great view.

Churros and melted chocolate are a popular snack in Spain.

In Granada, if you order a drink, the tapas are free.

Artichoke hearts

Offal omelet

Most tapas places are famous for a type of tapa they make. They are also chains with 3-4 locations close together in the city.

Our favorite tapas place was Bar Los Diamantes.

For atmosphere stop by Bodegas Castaneda for a glass of Vermouth fresh from the barrel and their house tapa of breadcrumbs, sausage, and cheese.

You can never have enough jamon iberico.

Not a bad way to spend Christmas!