GRANADA, WHERE THE NAZARI MAGIC OCCURS

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2 P á g i n a 1 GRANADA, WHERE THE NAZARI MAGIC OCCURS "Every inquisitive traveller keeps Granada in his heart, even without having even visited it." William Shakespeare Granada is a defiant city which rises magnificently below the range of snow covered mountains known as "Sierra Nevada", a magical corner whose origins are formed around numerous legends connected to mythological heroes as renown as Hercules, who according to such myths, his daughter "Granata" gave name to this city... Its beauty has captivated along the centuries Spanish kings with the standing of Charles V, the Emperor, or rulers like Muhammad I, Ben Nasr, who established it as their home and capital of their kingdom respectively. Coveted in Ancient times, Cultural centre of religions in the past, Granada was conquered by Muslims, reconquered by the Catholic Kings, reaching the highest point of the Spanish Reconquest. Such past, tainted with cultures as diverse and different among themselves, has made Granada as we know it now, an exotic place, different and above all unique. Writers, artists, kings, and the First Lady of USA herself, Michelle Obama, were overcome before its beauty by only walking through its narrow streets and contemplating its grandeur and culture. Treat yourself to an unforgettable trip to a magical city whose beauty will trap you the moment you set eyes on it!

3 P á g i n a 2 GRANADA CARD. TOURIST PASS. The GRANADA CARD Tourist Pass offers entries to the main monuments of Granada and public transport services. An infant Granada Card also exists for children between the ages of 3 to 11 which include the same services as adults. What does it include? Entries to "La Alhambra" and "El Generalife". Entries to the main monuments of Granada. Trip in urban buses (number of trips limited to the type of pass obtained). Trip in tourist train (Granada Plus Card). What is the price? Price of Plus Card 40 Price of Basic Card 37 Where to obtain it? You can obtain the card exclusively in the Tourist Office of Granada, or through its website page

4 P á g i n a 3 La Alhambra. The history of "La Alhambra" is geographically connected to the place where it is found, Granada; upon a rocky hill with difficult access, within the margins of the river "Darro", protected by the mountains and surrounded by forest, between the oldest boroughs of the city. La Alhambra is lifted as an imposing castle protected with reddish coloured walls hiding the delicate beauty that lies inside. Firstly considered as a military zone, La Alhambra passes on to become the royal residence and court of Granada, in the middle of the XIII Century after the establishment of the Nazari (Moorish) reign and the construction of the first palace, by the founder, King Muhammed Ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr, better known as "Alhamar". Along the XIII, XIV and XV centuries, the fortress changed into a citadel with high walls and defensive towers, that held the main areas: the military zone or "Alcazaba", the quarters of the royal guard, and the "Medina" or palatial city where the famous Nazari palaces are found and the rest of the noble houses and plebeians lived. The Place of Charles V, (built after the city was taken in 1492 by the Catholic Kings), is also in the Medina. The monumental combination also has an independent palace opposite the Alhambra, surrounded by orchards and gardens, which was the palace for the rest and relax of the kings. MORE INFORMATION ON

5 Página 4 The Surrounding of Alhambra ALCAZABA It was the oldest part of the monumental combination of buildings and was aimed at the vigilance and control of the city, dating back to the IX Century. In the same way, the king established inside this part the usual residence of his elite army. It not only served for the defence of the city against enemies but also against internal uprisings. This great defensive wall allowed, even with the fall of the protected city, the citadel to resist during long periods of time. Inside this area we can find the towers of "Quebrada", "Homenaje" and the famous tower of "Vela". EL GENERALIFE It was the resting and place of relax of the kings of Granada where its ornamental gardens and orchards stunningly stand out, dating from the end of the XIII century. It is formed by two buildings joined together in the middle by the Patio of "la Acequia", the most emblematic of those situated in the area of La Alhambra. It is at this point where the Royal "Acequia" is found, responsible for taking the water to all the orchards and the whole area in general of La Alhambra. At that time it was located outside the area of the monument, being the only access from the path of "Los Tristes", through the slope of "los Chinos".

6 Página 5 PALACIO DE LOS NAZARÍES The usual residence of the kings of Granada. A palatial group composed by three buildings: - "El Mexuar", is the oldest room. Used for meetings held by the ministers of the king and Queen as well as the place where justice was imparted. - The palace of "Comares", its construction dates from the time of Yusuf I, this residence was built around the patio of "los Arrayanes", in a way which that at each side one can find the rooms of "Los Embajadores" and of "La Barca". The room of "Los Embajadores" is found inside the tower of "Comares". - The patio of "Los Leones" (the lions' patio)... PATIO DE LOS LEONES Muhammad V inspired this beautiful palace built in his second mandate, between 1362 and 1391, as he was overthrown after just five years of his reign. The Patio adopted a cruise design, with a fountain in the middle, from where precedents and consequents of both the Muslim Spain and the rest of the Islamic world are found. The proportional and visual perfection that the patio adds to the adjacent archwork in all its perimeter has made it one of the most universal and admired architectonical examples in history.

7 P á g i n a 6 THE PALACE OF CHARLES V. In 1526, the then King of Spain and Emperor of Germany Charles V visited Granada on his honeymoon. Such was the fascination that the city produced to him that he decided to make this place his future royal residence and for this purpose he ordered the construction of a new palace upon the ruins of La Alhambra. The architect Pedro Machuca was the person responsible of the project who chose a superb mannerist style where the Renaissance Italy of the time prevailed. Its colossal circular inside patio is the main characteristic of this building which changed the construction of the Arab enclosure forever. Today this area holds the Museum of Fine Arts (this can be seen with the GRANADA CARD Tourist Pass) and the Museum of La Alhambra.

8 P á g i n a 7 The Cathedral of Granada. Its construction was ordered upon the main mosque in 1501 by the Catholic Kings, Fernando and Isabel, the emperor wanted to continue the instructions given in 1492 by his maternal grandparents. It is the main symbol of Christianity in the city. Its museum holds various pieces of plastic art: paintings, sculptures, tapestry, goldsmithing and sacred ornaments. The vast cathedral building forms part of the impressive monumental enclosure. Starting from the "Las Pasiegas" square, we can admire the main face of the Cathedral, following to the left the Bell Tower can be seen, we can continue on to the "Cárcel Baja" (lower prison) upwards, to see the great doors of "San Jerónimo" and "del Perdón". From the small square of "Siloé" we can also admire the Clock Tower and the door of "Ecce Homo". The cathedral is located in the city centre, a perfect point to begin a pleasant stroll through the heart of the city: "Capilla Real" (Royal Chapel"), "Lonja" and "Alcaicería".

9 P á g i n a 8 Tomb of the Catholic Kings The Catholic Kings was the name the married couple of Ferdinand II of Aragón and Isabel I of Castilla received, sovereigns of the Crown of Castilla ( ) and the Crown of Aragón ( ) in Spain. Reconquerors of Spain, grand monarchs, the remains of the Catholic Kings lie in the Royal Chapel of Granada. It should be mentioned that it was Queen Isabel I herself who gave great priority to this project and provided the necessary funds for its construction, leaving even a will with specific instructions upon how it should be completed. However, both monarchs died before the project was entirely finished. The Emperor Charles V respected all the wishes of his grandparents and he later ordered, in 1521, the movement of their bodies to the chapel that had just been finished. In fact, Charles V buried in the Royal Chapel of Granada nearly all the members of the royal family who died then: his parents, Felipe el Hermoso (Phillip "the Handsome") and Juana la Loca (Joanna "the Mad"), his own wife Isabel, his children and Princess Maria of Portugal, wife of Prince Phillip. Turning it into the Pantheon of the royal family.

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11 COLLECTOR OF CHARMING SPOTS. Due to the long Moorish occupation, Granada hides many exotic corners. Traditionally Andalusian, (the southern region of Spain), the Moorish city fulfills the classical sensitivity that are generally held in Spanish culture, where the dark haired and tanned skinned woman moves her hands sinuously while she dances "flamenco". And for this reason, no doubt, if you are attracted to flamenco music and wish to see something unique unlike anywhere in the world, you should not miss the opportunity of visiting the "Barrio de Sacromonte", enjoy a flamenco performance in the "Cueva de la Rocío", watch the sunset from the Sacromonte Abbey or stroll through the market of the "Alcaicería". Traditional house in the "Sacromonte" neighbourhood CUEVA DE LA ROCIO Was the place where one of the first Gypsy "zambras", (gypsy folk dance) took place, in the Sacromonte neighbourhood. In recent years it has had the pleasure of receiving several renown visitors such as the first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, and the Kings of Spain, Don Juan Carlos and Doña Sofia, the President of the United States, Bill Clinton. The "Cueva de la Rocío" has two different outside cave terraces with views of the Alhambra and Generalife. Treat yourself to something exquisite and enjoy! More info: Addres Camino del Sacromonte,70 ABBEY OF SACROMONTE Is located on the summit of "Mount Valparaíso", at the end of the road of the seven slopes. This is the place is where, in the 17th century, several lead plates, (leaden books), were found describing the martyrdom of "St. Cecilio", "St. Tesifón" and "St. Hiscio". Underneath the church we can also find the catacombs, where St. Cecilio, first bishop and Patron Saint of the city of Granada was tortured. ALCACEÍRIA It was the old Arabic souk, a network of narrow streets that served as a market where silk was manufactured and sold, with multiple inns where the merchants who visited it tended to stay. It extended from Plaza Nueva to the Plaza BibRambla, at the core of the Islamic Medina, and their walled-houses protected it by way of a citadel.

12 P á g i n a 1 GRANADA, LADY OF THE "TAPEO" CASA JULIO Authentic. A bar with personality where you can breathe the essence of Granada from every corner. "Fried fish". Generous servings. Quality food. There is no doubt that is worth visiting. Try the dogfish and the ring-shaped rolls! Address: Camino de Ronda, 101 LA ANTIGUALLA Traditional Spanish skewers, burgers, sandwiches and ring-shaped rolls... typical dishes from Granada! An abundant menu to choose from. If you go after a tiring day of sightseeing, you will "roll" yourself out slowly from the bar after having tried the scrumptious "tapas" of this bar. Address: Calle Elvira, 22 EL MINOTAURO Something to highlight is its peculiar decoration with napkins decorating the walls with messages written by the visitors. A place usually visited by students. Economical. There are "Tapas" for only two euro! Don't leave without tasting its typical ring-shaped rolls. Address: Camino de Ronda, 101 LA BELLA Y LA BESTIA Here the beauties are more beasts than anything else. Abundance, that is what has made this bar famous among the locals and those who visit the city. Each small beer is accompanied by a good generous "tapa". The "tapas" are not chosen, the customers tastes the snacks and dishes as they come out of the kitchen. Address: Calle Cárcel Vieja, 1

13 P á g i n a 2 GASTROBAR LA CRIOLLA A commitment of QUALITY. DIFFERENT "tapas". Great presentation on dishes. Fun menu that focuses on original names. You only have to visit the opinions of tripadvisor to persuade yourself to go by and taste its culinary variety. GoodMorningRentaCar recommends it without a second thought. Plaza del Campillo Bajo, 10 BABEL WORLD FUSION An original corner. A different option to the range of traditional bars offered by Granada. You can choose from vegan and vegetarian dishes, to varied menus with a multitude of flavours like Asian, Mexican, African and even Indian. Calle Elvira, 41 LOS DIAMANTES Under no circumstances can anyone leave Granada without visiting this place. Inflate yourself with patience though if you decide to visit it, as it is a highly demanded restaurant. Authentic specialists of the "pescaíto frito" (fried fish). Like other bars from Granada, the "tapas" that accompany the drinks are not chosen from a menu, they are tasted as they come directly out of the kitchen. Calle Navas, 26

14 Nuestra Ruta de Tapas. A TAPA IN SPANISH CUISINE, IS AN APPETIZER, OR SNACK. IT MAY BE COLD (SUCH AS MIXED OLIVES, SPANISH CURED HAM OR CHEESE..) OR HOT (SUCH AS FRIED FISH, SPICY SAUSAGES, GRILLED IBERIAN PORK FILLETS MARINATED WITH JEREZ...) ACCOMPANIED BY WINE, BEER OR A SOFT DRINK. IN SELECT BARS IN SPAIN, TAPAS HAVE EVOLVED INTO AN ENTIRE, SOPHISTICATED CUISINE. IN SPAIN, REAL LOVERS OF TAPAS CAN ORDER MANY DIFFERENT TAPAS AND COMBINE THEM TO MAKE A FULL MEAL WITH FRIENDS.

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