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A Guide to Granada

 Granada is an ancient city on the foot of famous Mount Sierra Nevada (Jabl e Shleer) Spain that was Ruled by Muslims till 1492 before being taken over by the reconquista forces.

Now a days it is difficult to find the remains of Muslims rule but here is a guide to find some spots where you can find the remains of that magnificent time.  

Granada is now a days a developed city with population of 2.5 lacs. On the Eastern side of the central bus station around 5km away there is the old town of Grenada where you can find the remains of Muslim Rule. Most of the monuments are within the mountain complex of Albaićin (Albacin) including Alhamra palace and generalife (Jannat ul kahreef). In addition the old town is divided into three parts the Muslim quarter on the northern end, Christians Quarter and the Jewish Quarter on the southern end depicting the site of residence of these religious groups during Moorish reign.  

The Alhamra palace is divided into Alqazba(Alqasba) the defensive and oldest part, Nasrid's complex (Banu Naseer) the residence of Kings of grenada,Generalife(jannatul khareef) and Charles complex. It can be acessed through Granada gate(newly built) and jabillo gate (Babul Jabal).

A street carrera del daro is the most famous street of Grenada that runs toward jabillo gate( babul jabal) with Alhamra on right side and Muslim quarter on left and runs parallel the stream of Darro formed by numerous streams running through the gardens fountains and arches of Alhamra Palace. On the street there are numerous baths (arabic Hamam) that were used by general public at that time. 

In Muslim quarter there are numerous old houses dating back to Muslim Rule some of which are still locked. It is said that Muslims locked them while leaving in a hope to come back to their motherland one day. 

The Christian quarter is mainly composed of markets and hotels now a days while Jewish Quarter at the bank of river Genil ( wadi al shaneel) is inhabited by general public. 

There are numerous Halal restaurants with Turkish, Moroccan and Arabic cuisine.  One can buy postcards and jewelery featuring Alhamra art. 


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