Lo cierto es que no hace falta llegar hasta ella para disfrutarla, puesto que se ve desde cualquier lugar de la ciudad al estar situada en alto. Su silueta, que pudiera parecer un barco por su forma, está rodeada por cipreses, y esta vista de la fortaleza forma, desde hace ya doce siglos, el emblema de Granada. Una vez en el corazón de la capital, es indispensable pasear por el Albaicín, que desde 1994 es considerado Patrimonio Mundial de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Sus calles estrechas y empedradas y sus casitas blancas tan comunes en Andalucía poseen un encanto especial, dado que la estructura del barrio se ha mantenido durante miles de años y actualmente sigue habitado por sus gentes de toda la vida, dándole un aspecto acogedor y pueblerino.
If you have not yet visited Granada, you must know that it is a must-see destination at least once in your life, since nobody is able to forget the feeling of greatness that Alhambra produces when you see it for the first time. This construction was created to be a palatial city, palaces that of course would inhabit many kings throughout history. The absence of the main facade draws attention, especially as it does not follow a specific axis. The buildings are emerging spontaneously, and towers, palaces, courtyards, gardens and other buildings seem to have been designed according to the request of its inhabitants.
The truth is that it is not necessary to reach it to enjoy it, since it is seen from anywhere in the city to be located high. Its silhouette, which might look like a ship by its shape, is surrounded by cypresses, and this view of the fortress forms, for twelve centuries, the emblem of Granada. Once in the heart of the capital, it is essential to stroll through the Albaicín, which since 1994 has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its narrow and cobbled streets and its white houses so common in Andalusia have a special charm, since the structure of the neighborhood has been maintained for thousands of years and is still inhabited by its lifelong people, giving it a cozy and village-like appearance.
Foto por Sergio R. de Juan en Unsplash
Otra buena forma de empaparte de la cultura del barrio es paseando por los rincones de la Casa de Zafra, actualmente el Centro de Interpretación. En el Albaicín confluyen sin parar construcciones árabes y la esencia de otras ciudades mediterráneas en la antiguedad. La construcción más típica es aquella casa con jardín y huerto, y las cuestas inundan el paisaje, aunque merecen la pena por la gran cantidad de miradores. El más famoso de todos ellos es el mirador de San Nicolás, bien ambientado siempre, con turistas haciendo fotos, lugareños vendiendo artesanía y música en directo. Las puestas de sol que pueden disfrutarse desde ahí son sin lugar a dudas unas de las mejores de España.
Pero no solo de cultura árabe se nutre Granada, ya que al ser la ciudad preferida de los Reyes Católicos, tiene edificaciones cristianas también, como la Catedral, situada en el corazón de la ciudad, junto a la Capilla Real, ahora el panteón de los monarcas y al monasterio de San Jerónimo, considerado una joya del Renacimiento de Primer orden. En cuanto a gastronomía, es típico el tapeo con una gran variedad de bares y restaurantes. Hay muchas calles donde disfrutar de una buena comilona, pero la calle Elvira es la más famosa de todas ellas junto con la Alcaicería, un antiguo mercado de seda.
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Another good way to soak up the culture of the neighborhood is by strolling through the corners of the Casa de Zafra, currently the Interpretation Center. In the Albaicín converge non-stop Arab constructions and the essence of other Mediterranean cities in antiquity. The most typical construction is that house with garden and orchard, and the slopes flood the landscape, although they are worth it for the large number of viewpoints. The most famous of them all is the San Nicolás viewpoint, always well set, with tourists taking photos, locals selling crafts and live music. The sunsets that can be enjoyed from there are undoubtedly some of the best in Spain.
But Granada is not only nourished by Arab culture, in fact it was the preferred city of the Catholic Monarchs, it also has Christian buildings, such as the Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, next to the Royal Chapel, now the pantheon of the monarchs and the monastery of San Jerónimo, considered a jewel of the Renaissance of the First order. As for gastronomy, tapas are typical with a great variety of bars and restaurants. There are many streets where you can enjoy a good meal, but Elvira Street is the most famous of them all along with the Alcaicería, an old silk market.
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