Days 8 and 9: Granada

It was a long train ride from Madrid to Granada.  


Late afternoon I did a self-guided walk of Granada's Old Town.  I walked through the Alcaicería (originally a Moorish silk market), around the cathedral, the Royal Chapel square, Plaza Isabel La Católica, through Plaza Nueva, down the Paseo de los Tristes that parallels the Darro river, then continued up a long hill of winding cobblestone streets to the Albayzín (the Moorish quarter) and the Mirador de San Nicolas, an overlook with spectacular views of the Alhambra, the ancient Moorish fortress and palace--the main attraction in Granada.

The next day I visited the cathedral.  The fa­çade was striking, but the interior was grey, cold, and unmemorable.  I can't show you because, as they say, "no photo."

The owner of my hotel gave me a great map of the city and showed me a lot of places that were "must see," good restaurants, unique neighborhoods, etc.  I spent a good part of the morning walking east of town along the river.

Back to the heart of town, I visited the Royal Chapel.  Again, no photos allowed.  The crypt of Ferdinand and Isabella, heroes of Spain, are here below the carved likenesses of the king and queen based on their death masks.  The coffins are quite plain considering their lavish surroundings on which, according to the guidebook, the famous royals spent a quarter of their wealth.  I was certainly fascinated.  Some well-preserved artifacts and fine medieval paintings are displayed here as well.

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More Images of the Day

Church of Santa Ana (once a mosque) on the Paseo de los Tristes.

Looking down a road leading to the Mirador (overlook) de San Nicolás.

Looking down another road leading to the Mirador.

Door in the Albayzín neighborhood.

The fortress of the Alhambra, late evening, from Mirador de San Nicolás.

The Alhambr palaces, late evening, from Mirador de San Nicolás.

Graffiti near the Albayzín.