Nestled in the foothills of Sierra Nevada mountain range in Andalucía lies the heart of Moorish and Islamic cultural capital of Spain- Granada. This Moorish jewel city dates back to early 13th century and was founded during the Nasrid dynasty rule.

Long-time capital of Moorish Andalusia, Granada is a grand example of the country’s glorious Islamic legacy

What to see:

Alhambra.

One of the most visited sites in Spain by tourists, the Alhambra, is a medieval style hilltop fortress complex comprising of the royal palace, peaceful gardens, cascading fountains and reflecting pools dating to the Moorish period. Alhambra was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984.

Generalife Gardens.

Generalife Gardens are located next to Alhambra. The gardens are an extension of Islamic belief that symbolise mystical paradise as the gardens are filled with abundant trees, flowers, plants and water.

The lush gardens are located high up the hills and promise one of the best views of Alhambra with Granada city in the backdrop. The Generalife is composed of a series of large gardens, cooling fountains, patios and walkways paved in traditional Granadian style with a mosaic of pebbles.

The Palacio de Generalife was built in the early 1300’s, as the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers of the Emirate of Granada in Al-Andalus (now Andalucia). Thought to be the best preserved the style of the medieval Persian garden in Andalucia, each corner of the Generalife garden holds a pleasant surprise awaiting to be discovered.

The Generalife is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, along with the Alhambra palace and gardens.

Granada Cathedral.

Built by Queen Isabella, Granada Cathedral is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance style. Originally built on the site of a mosque after the conquest of Granada, it is now the 4th largest Cathedral in the world.

Royal Chapel of Granada.

The Royal Chapel or Capilla Real de Granada is in the complex of the neighboring Granada Cathedral. The Royal Chapel is the Burial Place of the Catholic Monarchs Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand. Their tomb was made in 1517 by Domenico Fancelli.

The chapel is an Isabelline style building and the interior of the chapel follows the same model as the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes in Toledo.

Basilica of Angustias.

Basilica of Angustias is one of the Most Beautiful Baroque Churches in Spain. Since not much is written in travel blogs or websites about this gem of a place, you’ll hardly find any tourists or crowds here. And so, take your own sweet time to enjoy the sheer splendor of this ornate church. Moreover, entry to this church is absolutely free for visitors of all ages. Built in the 1600s, this church is home to the city’s venerated saint. This church located on Carrera de la Virgen street and a MUST-VISIT!