Day 7

                                         Day 7

Started the day at 9:00 for a 2 hour-long drive to the city of Granada. This time we drove in the opposite direction from where we had been previously and we saw miles and miles of orchards with the beautiful, steep Sierra Nevada Mountains as a backdrop.

When we arrived in the city at 11, we parked at the ALHAMBRA, which strategically sits on a hill overlooking the city. This is a very large, magnificent complex – the most visited site in all of Spain! We had to secure tickets in advance, since they limit the number of people that are allowed to tour each day. Our entrance time for the palace was at 2:00, so we walked down the hill and toured the Albaicin – the old Arab quarter- an area with narrow, twisting cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes.

                                                           Albaicin views

We continued up the hill (a long, steep hill) to the Sacromonte, an area where there are cave-houses built into the rocks. This area was inhabited mainly by gypsies and artists back in the day. It may also be where Flamenco style of dance originated.

                                                Cave houses in Sacromonte

                                     View back toward Alhambra from Sacromonte

We then walked back down the hill to the Albaicin and ate an EARLY lunch (at 12:30).  Pat and Jeff had paella, a rice dish that is typical of Spain.  Both voted it as worst meal of the trip.  We shared our meal with a friendly gato (cat) who joined us for lunch.

                                                       Albaicin restaurant

Then we had to walk back UP the hill (another long, steep hill) to the Alhambra.

The Alhambra was the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. It was built and occupied by the Moors from the 1200 – 1400 until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella moved in during the Reconquista. Magnificent in size and beauty, words and pictures will be unable to describe it.  23 different Muslim rulers (Sultans)occupied the Alhambra during the Nazrid period and their goal was to create a heaven on earth. They represented their god primarily through nature, so their use of geometric symmetry in their intricate designs, extensive use of water features and incorporation of nature into the courtyards and surrounding gardens was the overwhelming theme ( the Koran repeatedly states the idea that heaven is a garden with running water). Their religion had only one god, but there was no relationship with the creation, with man. No mediator. No Jesus. No bridge for man to access the Creator God.   

                                                         Outer wall on the way up to Alhambra

The Alhambra is made up of several areas. 

The Alcazaba was the original fortress constructed by the Moors as their stronghold. 

                                                                View of the city from Alcazaba

The Palacios Nazaries was built as the dwelling place of the rulers, and was added to over centuries.  It was extraordinary in it’s intricate designs, carvings, and mosaic tile work.  It was later added to by Ferdinand and Isabella after Spain kicked out the Moors.

Courtyard in the Palacio

Just one example of the intricate design within the Palacio

Another courtyard; note the ever-present water features

The Generalife was a series of structures, gardens, and fountains built as a place of rest for the kings when they wanted to get away from the stressful affairs of the palace.

Beautiful, extensive gardens of the Generalife

 We spent over 4 hours touring the massive site and then walked back down into the city, where Jeff and I walked the streets of Granada. I enjoyed the city – the fountains and the various cobble-stoned streets. We saw a few very old churches and had the BEST gelato in Spain – a favorite of mine!

 Don Quixote statue

Plaza Nueva 

As evening came, we planned to make our way to the Plaza of San Nicolas, an area above the Sacromonte at an even HIGHER elevation.  At sunset, this was the place to be to view the Alhambra as the setting sun illuminates the structures on the hill.  Since we had already walked and climbed many, many steps and hills over 9 hours, we decided to ride the city bus to the plaza.  After waiting for a long time without seeing the bus, we secured a taxi for the ride up the hill (best decision of the trip, it cost only slightly more than the bus ride would have) to the Plaza of San Nicolas, where we rejoined Jenny and Pat to view the sunset.  As advertised, as the sun set behind us the Alhambra was bathed in vibrant light and lit up against the evening sky.

Iglesia de San Nicolas 

Alhambra at sunset 

Coming back down into the city

After watching the sun set on the Alhambra, we got a taxi down to the city and found a place to watch the USA/Belgium soccer game (which began at 10 PM here) and eat some great pizza. 

Watching the game

We only stayed for half the game since we had to drive two hours back to Estepona. Jeff found the game on the radio, but it was in Spanish! And he was unable to interpret any of it. We had no idea who scored the goals, only that someone got a goal! We only learned the USA lost when we got back to the villa and checked the Internet. Long day, another late night (in bed after 2 AM), but loved the city!

Buenas Noches!