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A one day trip to Granada

Seville, 11 February 2005

Eliane Schmid with her parents in Granada.

We decided to go to Granada by bus. The journey was very comfortable and we enjoyed the scenery of the Andalusian landscape. The ticket price was about 29 Euros per person for a round trip. After arriving in Granada at 11 o'clock we visited the city and passed several markets selling fruits, spices or tea.

The cathedral from Granada, Catedral de la Anunciación, was built in 1523. It is said to be the first church constructed in Renaissance style. My father was impressed by the high ceilings in the cathedral.

The most important part of our trip was, of course, the visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife gardens. There are several 'Alhambra-buses' which take visitors up the steep hill where the Alhambra is located. You will find different bus stops in the center. We caught the bus in Plaza Nueva.

My parents were looking forward to visiting the Alhambra, but first we enjoyed the view of the Alhambra and Granada from the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter.

A beautiful view of the complete fortress! The first historical documents about the Alhambra date from the 9th century. The glorious period started in the 13th century when the royal residence was situated in the Alhambra. Because of its red walls the fortress is called Alhambra which means 'red'.

Finally we entered. We booked a daytime visit from 13:30 to 18:00. (We recommend purchasing tickets in advance. You can get them at any BBVA bank in Spain as well as at their offices in Paris, London, Milan and New York City.) The ticket price is 10 Euro per person. We liked the Nasrid architecture with its typical horseshoe arches and decorative ceramic and plaster work.

Look at our serious faces: the audio guide was explaining how Boabdil el Chico lost the Alhambra against the Spanish kings, or Reyes Católicos.

The Palace of Charles V was built in 1527 and completely finished in 1957. Charles V destroyed the closest Arab houses to extend his building, which is perhaps the most important Renaissance style building in Spain.

The Generalife gardens where the califas relaxed in the middle ages. Unfortunately the gardens are very dry in the winter. Beginning in March it is filled with a beautiful and diverse number of flowers and trees in full bloom.

Tired but happy after the visit. We highly recommend the visit to the Alhambra and the Generalife. We also recommend renting an audio guide which explains interesting details about the history different cultures which make up the Alhambra.

A view on the Sierra Nevada. What a breath-taking good-bye from Granada!

Request further information at Granada tourism board:

Concejalía de Cultura, Turismo y Pymes
C/ Almona del Campillo, nº 2 - 1º 18001
Teléfono: 34 958 225 217
Fax: 34 958 223 174
E-Mail: informacion@granadatur.com
Web: www.granadatur.com

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