GRANADA TOURIST ATTRACTION

                                    Some Landmark Attractions

Being one of Spain's most frequently visited tourist destinations, Granada contains many notable monuments which are an architectural as well as artistic masterpiece. The city is dotted with fine renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical churches, convents, monasteries, palaces, and mansions. Some of the most frequented attractions are: The Alhambra: Like other typical southern European cities, Granada has its customary share of churches, museums etc. However, Granada is home to the evocative Alhambra meaning "The Crimson Castle", which is considered by a number of people, to be one of the 10 wonders of the world. The Alhambra is a colossal castle built over many centuries. It consists of gardens, fortifications and opulent palaces. It was the home to numerous Arabic Sultans who ruled the entire province and thus has always received the finest in interior decoration and architecture. It is said, that the Alhambra is an Arabic attempt to create heaven on earth. So majestic is its grandeur that The Alhambra receives about 8000 visitors per day and is Spain's most visited monument. The Albaicin: An old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra Albaicin is characterized by the cobble stoned streets lined with white washed houses. Despite several centuries of disregard and architectural barbarities allowed the town still retains a strong Arabic feeling. There are many squares with terazas where you can relax with a bite to eat. This town has always been an oil painter's paradise and at every turn of the street you will find someone canvassing the attractive view and glimpses of the Alhambra in his own style.Every typical Granadino pottery surely reads this often quoted catchphrase: “Give the poor man alms because there is nothing as awful as being blind in Granada” and to realize the same visit Mirador de San Nicolas. Mirador de San Nicolás: An Absolute Must!! Besides the Archaeological museum in Albaicin this observation point offers the best view of the Alhambra against the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains in the whole city. Take a bus or taxi up here just in case you don’t wish to walk it up. The shrine dedicated to Granada's patron saint, is just 100m away, along Callejón de San Cecilio. Capilla Real: The Royal Chapel is the city’s most impressive Christian building. It contains the tombs of Fernando and Isabella.

Cathedral: Granada’s Cathedral adjoins the Capilla Real. Its construction began in 1521, but was then left incomplete midway until its completion in the eighteenth century. Alpujarras:  Drive down to the jewel in the crown of this province at the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, just an hour and half from Granada. Here you'll find the most beautiful and attractive natural landscapes, and the most interesting variety of people food (plato alpujarreño) and leisure activities. Berber people from North Africa, during the Moorish occupation, built an intricate system of terracing and irrigation that is used till date. The whitewashed villages with their characteristic flat-roofed houses, are very appealing to the eye, adhere to the hilly slopes among the olive, almond etc trees. Indulge in some outdoor activities like trekking, horse-riding, mountain-biking, and para-gliding and some unconventional recreational activities like meditation and yoga. Basílica de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias: On the banks of the river Genil stands a parish church land marked by the twin 17th-century bell towers guarding it from all the surrounding buildings. The ideal time to visit this church is during late September so that you can witness this façade covered in a beautiful display of flowers. Granada's patron saint, la Virgen de las Angustias, is worshipped here. This baroque style façade with its Corinthian columns and vaulted niche holding the Virgin Mary embracing the body of Christ is amongst the highlights of the Basilica. The 18th-century marble altarpiece happens to be the first illustration of Churrigueresque style in the city. Murallas del Albayzín (Original Moorish defensive walls) After invading Spain in the early 8th century, the Arabs settled in Granada, and built a fortress on the Albaicin hill. The original walls were built with stones from the river Darro below and what you see today are the remains of that original fortress.In the 10th and 11th centuries the Arab tribe ruling Granada rebuilt the walls and added extra fortified towers, some of which can still be seen - Puertas de las Murallas (Old City Gates). Universidad Literaria A former religious house turned into an academic establishment this building is now the university's law faculty but is open for tourist to having a look inside at the lovely patio. Carlos V specially made the building in the 16th century as a seminary and it was a Jesuit headquarters until 1759 when they were expelled and it became part of the university. The other parts in the building worth having a look at are the old cloister, the sacristy and the theatre. The sacristy's stucco dome is adorned by images of the Virgin Mary and important Jesuits. This baroque fascia features four spiral columns and a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary. Sierra Nevada is the highest peak on the mainland in the region and offers great skiing in winter and rich wildlife in spring and summer. This mountain range is house to Spain’s largest ski resort and is just 35km (40min) from the city with all the facilities needed for a week long holiday or a simple day trip. A high-altitude fitness-training centre with incredible facilities is available for the tourists. Sierra Nevada is snow clad (ideal for skiing) from December to April and has a sunny weather in late spring and summer. During this period a rich variety of wild flowers dress the mountain into a picturesque landscape and if lucky you could spot a few wild mountain goats too. With some professional guidance you can trek up to the highest peak, Mulhacén (3479m) during the summers. Sala de dos Hermanas Amazing domed ceiling with stalactitesThis is considered by many to be the most beautiful room in the entire Alhambra complex because of its spectacular domed ceiling with stalactites. You'll find it opposite the equally impressive Sala de los Abencerrajes on your tour. It gets its name from the two matching white marble slabs on the floor. The pool in the centre is fed by water from the fountain in the Patio de los Leones. The lower part of the wall is marble covered in ceramic tiles and the upper part is decorated with stylized poetic calligraphy. The sultan's favourite wife had this room, which opened onto an inner apartment with a balcony.

                         Some other historical places in Granada

1. Alcázar Genil - Arab palace.
2. Carmen de los Mártires - Historic old mansion with gardens.
3. Casa de Castril - 16th-century palace.
4. Castillo de las Torres Bermejas - The red towers.
5. Corral del Carbón - Old Moorish inn.
6. Hospital Real - 16th-century building.
7. Huerta de San Vicente - Brilliant poet's summer home.
8. Palacio de Carlos V - Former royal residence.
9. Palacio de Comares - Heart of the Serrallo.
10. Palacio de Dar-al-Horra - Former Arabic palace.
11. Palacio de la Madraza - Former Arabic university.
12. Palacio de los Leones - Sultan's oriental palace.
13. Palacio del Mexuar - Former Cabinet Office.
14. Patio de los Leones - Beautiful 14th-century courtyard