Albaicin - Albayzin in Granada

The Albaicin is located on a hill in Granada, on the other side of the Alhambra. It is an area with steep and narrow streets, whitewashed houses with fragrant gardens, and numerous sights that recall the Islamic origins of the city. Ideal for a leisurely stroll, you will also pass the numerous Christian monuments that after the fall of Granada are built.

At the end of your journey through the history of the city, you come to the Plaza de San Nicolas where you have the beautiful and world famous view of the Alhambra. The Albaicin is a must see on your trip to Granada.

History Albaicin

The origin of the Albaicin dates from the beginning of the tenth century. The Ziridische Zawi King was looking for a safe place to live for the people. The plain was difficult to protect the population. But on the hill of the Albaicin you had a good view of the surroundings and possible attackers. He built defensive walls, and were numerous houses, mosques and palaces built within the city.

Once the Nasrid had seized power function of the Albaicin changed. It was a neighborhood of Muslim aristocracy and the people. The inhabitants were mainly engaged in crafts, retail and farming. The Kings and the court chose to live. Sabikaheuvel the The Alhambra was now the center of the city. However, the Albaicin remained important. It was a prosperous town with many residents who lived in narrow streets

After the capture of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand the Albaicin changed thoroughly. The mosques were demolished and converted into churches.

The population also had to convert to Christianity. The Moors were as Moriscos. But their conversion was largely apparent, because they continued to retain their traditions.

Dissatisfaction among Christian leaders who conducted an aggressive policy towards the Moriscos. The once thriving district was now an area where the people lived in poverty. Discontent grew strongly and regularly there were uprisings.

At the beginning of the 17th century the population was largely expelled under Philip III. The Albaicin changed in a rundown neighborhood. But not for long, because the rich Christians then took over the houses, and made beautiful homes with beautiful gardens. They also demolished many houses and the streets were wider. This stay still wear today to the atmosphere that prevails in the Albaicin.

In the first half of the twentieth century the district degenerate again. The secularization and the confiscation of church property, artworks many wealthy citizens pulled back away from the district. During the Spanish Civil War mass destruction were then applied to many churches and monasteries. Despite the many infestations that the Albaicin has undergone the unique atmosphere never lost. You may also notice today.

Main attractions in the Albaicin

• Royal Chancery or Real Chancillería

Who is on the lively square of Plaza Nueva and head towards Carrera del Darro goes, will be introduced to the Royal Chancery immediately. This impressive Renaissance building was built by Philip II in 1530. Several courts in Andalucia and southern Spain were controlled from the chancellery. Even the Supreme Court was located here. A striking feature of the building is the Spanish coat of arms on the second floor next to statues of the two cardinal virtues: justice and strength.

• Church of Santa Ana or Iglesia de Santa Ana

On the other side of the Royal Chancellery is the Church of Santa Ana. This brick church in Mudejar dates from the mid 16th century. Striking are the beautiful portal and minaret tower in which a bell was placed later. Inside this picturesque church is an important art collection kept. As an altarpiece (a wall painting or sculpture above an altar) of Flemish origin.

• Arab bath or el Bañuelo

If we continue along towards Paseo de los Tristes we come to the bathhouse or el Bañuelo. This public bathhouse dating from the 11th century when the Ziriden ruled over Granada.

Today is still in a very good condition. Particularly beautiful are the star-shaped openings that allow light to invade. It is now under a Christian home.

• Casa del Castril

This mansion from the 16th century is especially notable for the beautiful ornamental façade. This house would have been held by the secretary of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Today it is an archaeological museum where you can see from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. Objects You will find many rare pieces like an Egyptian urn or a 14th century astrolabe, which Moorish scholars the positions of celestial bodies could measure.

• Paseo de los Tristes

Just before you go to the higher parts of the Albaicin, you come to the Paseo de los Tristes. There is a pleasant square with a fountain and pleasant terraces. From here you also have a beautiful view of the Alhambra which is the height. Ideal for a break for you to climb to the Mirador de San Nicolas begins.

• El Mirador de San Nicolas

Who visits Granada, next to the Alhambra, a thing not be missed: the Mirador de San Nicolas. The viewpoint gives you a beautiful view of the Alhambra and the city.

At sunset you got the best effect, the Alhambra than ocher colors, and the red glow of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada makes you admire only increase.

On the Plaza de San Nicolas you can find the Iglesia de San Nicolas. A church from the early 16th century, built on the site of the former mosque. Meanwhile, the church be rebuilt, because it was completely destroyed. By the Spanish Civil War

• Calle Calderia

Eventually you come wander in the narrow streets around Calle Calderería. They are indistinguishable from a souk in Morocco. You will find lots of small shops and tea houses where the colorful merchandise is displayed on the sidewalks.