What to see in the Albaicín

On many occasions we have talked about what you should not miss on your visit to Granada, but today we are going to focus on what to see in the Albaicin. This neighborhood is one of the most characteristic of the whole city, along with the Realejo and Sacromonte neighborhoods.

This is thanks to the charm of its streets where you can find from incredible views of the Alhambra to the remains of what still remains of the Muslim culture.

There are many places to see in the Albaicin and if you do not have time to walk around it quietly, remember that you can take a free tour of Granada. And so, in a short time you will discover the most relevant.

 

 

ALBAICIN GRANADA WHAT TO SEE

In this article, in addition to highlighting the most typical places in this neighborhood, we are going to show you some that only locals know. This way we will make sure that your experience in the city will be so positive that you will need to come back again and again to stroll through its streets.

The reason why in the Albaicin neighborhood we find so many Muslim buildings and corners, is because during the Nasrid period came to live in it around 40,000 people. This led to the construction of around 30 mosques and the famous Arab buildings known as “Carmenes”. Both buildings can still be visited today. This is one of the best things to see in the Albaicin neighborhood. However, these were not the only relevant buildings that can be seen. It is also worth mentioning the cisterns, which made it possible for drinking water to reach the entire neighborhood.

The route of the sites to see in the Albaicin is not excessively long, although it is true that the cobbled streets and slopes can make the walk longer.

This path should start at the Paseo de los Tristes because, although it does not strictly belong to this neighborhood, in it you can find important buildings such as the Casa de Zafra and the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Granada. In addition, it has a great variety of bars and views of the Nasrid wall, which make it even more interesting.

Precisely the place where you must make a mandatory stop is the Casa de Zafra. Which was built by a very important Nasrid family to accommodate all Muslims who were banished from the Albaicin.

Following the route along the Paseo de los Tristes, another of the places to see in the Albaicin is the Parroquia de San Pedro y San Pablo. It is of special tourist interest for its mixture of Mudejar and Renaissance style. And it is an ideal place to enjoy the Holy Week of Granada, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 2009.

 

THE ALBAICIN WHAT TO SEE

Before starting the climb up the Cuesta del Chapiz to go deeper into the neighborhood, a place worth visiting is the Palacio de los Córdova. This building combines elements of Gothic and Mudejar architecture. This makes it one of the most impressive buildings. In addition to the incredible gardens around it, which are still used today for the celebration of major events, at the foot of the Alhambra.

Nearby is also the Carmen de la Victoria, perfect to see first hand these typical houses of the Albaicin. Which share the limelight with the famous cave houses, located in Sacromonte.

One of the biggest secrets to see in Albaicin and not to be missed is the Great Mosque of Granada. Located next to the famous Mirador de San Nicolas, it offers amazing views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. It is even more advisable to visit it than the Mirador de San Nicolas, if you want to get away from the crowds. This mosque has a tower called “alminar”. But it is not the only place where you can find these towers, since many houses also include its construction. This shows the presence of Arab culture.

 

THINGS TO SEE IN ALBAICIN

Two squares that you should include in your tour of the places to see in the Albaicin, is the Placeta de San Miguel Bajo and Plaza Larga. The first one is very characteristic for having some bars, where you can make a perfect stop to regain strength. In addition, you can also find the Church of María Santísima de la Aurora and San Miguel Bajo, which is built over a mosque.

On the other hand, in Plaza Larga you will see the essence and the atmosphere of this neighborhood that is so charming. Here you will discover one of the first gates to be built, the well-known Arco de las Pesas. As in the previous square, you will find many bars and cafes. But here we can not forget the famous Casa Pasteles cafeteria, where it is almost a must to make a stop.

Finally, to finish your visit another place to see in the Albaicin is the Caldereria. Better known as the “street of the tea shops”. Here you will be transported directly to the souks so characteristic of countries like Morocco. Thanks to the Arab handicraft stores and tea shops. Where you can taste the typical sweets.