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Granada is the capital city of the province of Granada. It has an enviable location at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains.
The city has a population of 240,000, of which a third are students, owing to the presence of a large university. This is also partly responsible for the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Granada is 680metres above sea level and around 50 km from the Mediterranean coast. Winters are generally mild, though the temperatures drop in the evening and there’s even a possibility of snow. Summers can be very hot with similar temperatures to the coastal regions.
As with so many towns and cities in Spain, the architectural splendours of the past happily coexist with the modern world. Top of most tourists’ itinerary is the Alhambra Palace, which has been described as ’ the Jewel of Moorish Spain,’ and attracts more than two million visitors a year.
It was the last city to be recaptured by the Catholic monarchs and the Arab influence is much in evidence. Particularly in the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter, where you’ll see cobble stoned streets and whitewashed houses.
GRANADA ATTRACTIONS
The Alhambra
An exquisite palace fortress of Nasrid Sultans, the rulers of the last Spanish Moorish Kingdom. There are 3 separate groups of buildings to explore: The Royal Palace, the palace gardens of the Generalife, and the Alcazaba.
Opening hours: April-October 08.30-20.00 November-March 08.30-18.00.
Arab Baths and Tea rooms
A recreation of a traditional Moorish bathhouse. And after a long soak, relax with a cup of tea in the upstairs tearoom.
Archaeological Museum
The museum is housed in a Renaissance mansion and contains historical finds from throughout the province.
Opening Hours: Tuesday 15.00-20.00, Wednesday-Saturday 09.00-20.00
Sunday 09.00-14.30. Entrance is free with an EU passport
Plaza de Toros
Bullfights are held here from March-November.
Mirador de San Nicolás
From here you can enjoy spectacular views over the Sierra Nevada, The Alhambra and Granada.
The Catederal
A large gothic pile containing, that was raised on the site of the Great Mosque, which was demolished when building commenced in 1521.
Opening Hours: April-September Monday-Saturday 10.00-13.30 and 16.00-20.00 Sunday 16.00-20.00; October-March Monday-Saturday 10.45-13.30 and 16.00-19.00 Sunday 16.00-19.00
Albaicín Quarter
A warren of cobble stoned streets, tranquil plazas, cobble stoned streets, restaurants and tea shops. Some of the streets are lined with Moroccan style tea-shops.
GRANADA ATTRACTIONS CONTD:
Parque de las Ciencias (Science Park)
More than 270 interactive activities, where you’re actively encouraged to try them. Outside there’s an observation tower with a good view of the city, a maze, a planetarium and water gardens.
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10.00-19.00 Sunday 10.00-15.00
Church of Santa Ana
A top tourist attraction, largely because of the freshly baked cakes, served by the nuns. The food comes to you through a revolving hatch, because the nuns have vowed to have no more contact with the outside world.
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