This modern city and province, located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, boasts the highest peak on the Spanish mainland, Mulhacén. Granada is shielded by mountains to the north and southeast, with motorways traversing valleys towards the sea.
Archaeological remains found throughout the province date back to prehistoric times. It can be said that every civilisation and culture that has passed through the peninsula has, at some point in history, left its mark on this Andalusian territory, from the Iberians to the Romans and the Arabs. The earliest settlements were situated on a hill that is now part of what is known as the Albayzín.
From the Romans to the Iberians, all benefited from Granada's access to the sea and its abundant natural resources. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths oppressed the native population throughout the southern peninsula, leading to rebellion and aiding the Arab conquest that advanced from the south. This conquest resulted in the coexistence of different cultures and religions (Christians, Jews, and Muslims) under a single Muslim rule.
The period of Arab rule was a time of prosperity in the country, during which the Alhambra was built. It was also a refuge for Andalusians fleeing from the territories conquered by the Christians. Built overlooking the city of Granada and fortified for defence, the Alhambra encompassed a castle and a town within its walls. Constructed using the clay soil of the area, it was named 'Al-Hamra', meaning 'The Red One' in Arabic, due to the reddish hue of its walls.
The Alhambra is the most significant palace of Islamic architecture and is renowned internationally. Its construction began in the mid-13th century under the Nasrid dynasty, initiated by Muhammad I. The complex was expanded and enhanced by his successors, with Muhammad V completing most of the royal palaces between 1362 and 1391.
The Alhambra served as a royal residence, a fortress, and a small medina. It was divided into three main sections: the Alcazaba (a military base), the palatial zone (which housed several palaces for the sultan and his kin), and the Medina (where court officials lived and worked). The Nasrid palaces were divided into three independent areas: the Mexuar (a semi-public part for justice administration and state affairs), the Comares Palace (the official residence of the sultan), and the Palace of the Lions (a private area for the king and his family).
One of the most famous structures within the Alhambra is the Patio of the Lions, named for its central fountain surrounded by twelve lion statues. Other notable features include the Hall of the Abencerrajes, with its stalactite ceiling, and the Hall of the Ambassadors, where Islamic emirs would negotiate with Christian emissaries.
Today, the Alhambra stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Islamic Golden Age. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, along with the Albaicín and the Generalife Garden, further cementing its status as a cultural and historical treasure.
The location of Granada with the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a natural defence added great difficulty to the Christian troops who wanted to conquer the city. Following the previous heyday came the Christian conquest, exploiting the political and economic crisis of the kingdom of Granada. A series of sieges finally gave victory to the invaders after a series of pacts with Boabdil, King of Granada, in 1492.
After the conquest, Boabdil was named king of the Alpujarra, where he lived with his wife Morayma until his departure to Fez in Africa in 1493. Morayma died just before leaving, and she is believed to have been buried in Mondújar, where she still continues to rest along with Muley Hacen, Aliatar, Yusuf, and perhaps one of her sons, who died shortly before, thus ending the reign of the last kings of Granada.
Granada became, under Muslim rule, one of the major cultural and commercial centres of the ancient world.
Now a neighbourhood, the Albaicín was once the capital of the kingdom. It features a typical Arabic layout with narrow, winding streets, making it less suitable for driving. The Albaicín is one of the oldest districts in Granada, with its origins dating back to the 11th century when it was a significant centre of Muslim culture in Spain. The Zirid dynasty established their royal palace and other important Islamic buildings here, encircled by a sumptuous fortress. The Great Mosque of the city was also located in this area.
During the Nasrid dynasty, the Albaicín reached its peak, boasting a population of over forty thousand inhabitants and thirty mosques. The streets were narrow, and the houses were small yet tidy, with numerous wells, some of which still exist today. The area was also home to important palaces and residences of Granada's nobility.
After the Reconquista in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs designated the Albaicín as a place of residence for Muslims. However, following several Moorish uprisings, the monarchs expelled those who practised the Muslim religion, and the mosques were demolished. The neighbourhood transformed from having a thousand mosques to a thousand churches.
Today, a stroll through its streets transports visitors to the past, offering beautiful views of the Alhambra, the Sierra Nevada, and the entire city of Granada. The Albaicín's rich history and unique charm make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Granada.
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