What to visit in the Realejo neighborhood

If you have to think of one of the most iconic neighborhoods in all of Granada, names probably come to mind. One is Sacromonte and another is the Barrio del Realejo. But, if you are thinking about visiting the Nasrid city, we are going to focus on getting to know this Jewish quarter in more depth. Just strolling through its streets and discovering ancient squares and churches makes visiting the Realejo, without a doubt, one of the best things to do to enjoy Granada.

VISIT GRANADA REALEJO NEIGHBORHOOD

The Realejo neighborhood of Granada is located practically in the historic center. So, if you are strolling through this area, you should not take any extra means of transport to get around. You will be able to walk and practically without realizing it, you will arrive to this unique neighborhood. Geographically, this neighborhood is located right at the foot of the Alhambra and includes areas such as the Plaza Isabel la Católica, the Barranco del abogado or the Paseo de la Bomba and the Carrera de la Virgen. This shows that, with its extension and its location on the map, it becomes a neighborhood worth knowing, for the many places of cultural interest that can be found.

Before knowing in depth some of these places, it is worth mentioning that it is known as the Jewish quarter, because during the time of the Muslims it was a Jewish suburb. But at that time it was known as Garnata al-Yahud (Granada of the Jews). It was later, with the conquest of the Christians, when it became known as the Realejo neighborhood.

Very little remains of the oldest part of this neighborhood, but then it was divided into the upper area and the flat area. In the latter, you can see the Campo del Príncipe, of which, as we have said, there is practically nothing left of what it was like in the Muslim era. For its part, the upper area highlights the Bermejas Towers, one of the few places that is preserved as it was then and that helps to imagine what life was like in those years. A curious fact is that in this high area the inhabitants of Antequera were given asylum when it was conquered by Prince Ferdinand. And it was precisely they who built the famous Cármenes that we find today.

WHAT TO VISIT IN EL REALEJO GRANADA

However, although now we are going to know some of the essential places to see, we recommend you to take a Free Tour of the Barrio del Realejo. Since, this is the best way for you not to miss anything and not have to waste time looking and walking around.

To start the route through the Jewish quarter of Granada, there is no better place than the Fountain of Isabel la Católica. It is located right in front of Gran Vía and is a meeting place for many locals. Following the path just behind this fountain, on San Matías street, you will see the Convent of San José de Carmelitas Descalzas. From where a brotherhood leaves on Holy Wednesday and that will draw your attention to its large facade.

Just in front of it is the Capitanía General building, which was created after the Christian conquest to protect the territory from possible threats coming from Africa.

Afterwards, going further into the neighborhood, you should make a stop at the Museo de la Casa de los Tiros. In addition, you will see first hand the city’s newspaper library.

Another of the most beautiful churches to visit in the Barrio del Realejo is the church of Santo Domingo. It began to be built in a Gothic style, but over the years elements of other styles such as Renaissance and Baroque were included.

Previously, we have talked about another place that you can not miss on your visit and that is the Campo del Principe. It is said that underneath there is an ancient Muslim cemetery, called Puerta de los Alfareros. Although at present, you can see the Monument to the Cristo de los Favores, very venerated by the people of Granada.

A very curious and much less famous place is the Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, which was built during the reign of Muhammad II. This palace was used by the kings during Ramadan and is even older than the Alhambra. Although only a tower remains from the construction of that time.

Finally, focusing on the upper area, you can not miss the Carmen de los Mártires, the Manuel de Falla House Museum and the Rodriguez Acosta Foundation.