| Leisure in Granada |
| THE ALHAMBRA |
| I would advise seeing the Alhambra anytime of the year expect from June to September when it is absolutely packed and sometimes impossible to get tickets. I tried to go in September with my mum, but the queue was so long in the morning that they were only selling tickets for the afternoon while I was working! You can’t take good photos during this time of year either because you can’t take a photo without at least 10 brightly coloured tourists being in the shot too (this kind of ruins the atmosphere). There are plenty sunny days at other times of the year when you can get some good photos and unobscured views. The Alhambra is open from 8:30 in the morning until 8:00 everyday during the summer and to six pm from October to March. The Palacio Nazaries doesn’t open until 10am but closes as late as 11:30 pm Tuesdays o Saturdays. Fridays to Sundays it is open 8-9:30. As there are only 8000 tickets available per day it is advised to book well in advance during peak times of the year. You can buy tickets at the ticket office, by phoning the ticket office and paying by credit card, on the internet or in a BBVA bank. You can make telephone bookingsthrough the BBVA bank on: 902 224 460 from Spain or through web site. To get there take the number 32 bus from the Albaicin, Gran Via, Plaza Nueva or Cuesta de Gomerez. The different parts of the Alhambra to see are: The Alcazaba (the old Muslim fortress), Palacio Nazaries,Palacio de Carlos V and the Generalife (gardens). You also get a great view of the Albaicin. It really is worth the time and effort as well as the money. A must See activity in Spain, but remember: don’t neglect the rest of Granada. It I a VERY interesting town! |
| THE CATHEDRAL |
| Building of the Cathedral began in 1523 on the orders of Queen Isabella no doubt to show the world that her conquest of Granada was complete, it is a truly impressive building designed to be Gothic but changed 5 years later into Renassance style Im afraid that Isabella didnt really get to enjoy her Cathedral as building wasnt completed and consecrated untill the beginning of the 18th century Inside the Cathedral is amazingly light and airy, the light reflects off the white walls and columns, the two 18th century organs are stupendous and for us were the main focal point of the Cathedral, as the famous Capilla Mayor is undergoing restoration and was covered in plastic sheeting, there are several interesting and beautiful side chapels, some of which would benefit from a thorough dusting, no doubt due to the ongoing restoration work, we noticed that several areas had been re-gilded obviouslt there is a major face lift underway here the small museum was interesting but incomprehensible if you dont have an audio guide as the labelling is totally inadequate entrance fee is 3 euro, photography is permitted in the Cathedral but not in the museum |
| CARLOS V PALACE |
| The Palace of Carlos V is inside the Alhambra complex, and you can enter with your ticket that you purchased for the Alhambra. It doesn't really fit in with the beauty of the Moorish built Alhambra, and I think most tourists don't bother to see inside. The central courtyard (shown here) was used for bullfighting once upon a time. |
| SACROMONTE |
| When people see the main road to Sacromonte they think the cave houses look nice, but if you look up the hill you will see the real gypsy caves. They really are just holes in the side of the hill. Many don't have proper doors and windows. It is like a 3rd world country. Check out the photo. See what I mean? If you are in the area and want to walk past these cave houses, walk up the hill to the Abby that sits on top by the old city wall. |
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