Albayzin, the Moorish settlement in Granada, Spain
Also known as Albaicin, and together with the infamous Alhambra, the district sits on top of a hill in Granada and is a UNESCO world heritage site. For those who don’t know, the Andalusian region, basically the south of Spain was for a time under the Islamic empire (7th century to the 12th century) resulting in Spain inheriting many beautiful structures with Mudejar-Moorish architectural influences.
When I am visiting a place for the first time, I usually let my sensory glands rule my first impressions, and it always have something to do with seeing beautiful pieces of architecture (the older and complicated they are, the better), feeling that lively ‘gezellig’ ambience in the air (oftentimes this translates to seeing happy-looking people on well-maintained streets) and of course the advantage of the place having a compact center with liberal sprawling of squares here and there (hint: culinary delights) would seal it for me. Now, this is my impression of Granada, a hip place that I have great vibes with.
Here is a little story: After visiting the Alhambra I went down to Plaza Nueva in search of the Dutchman and found him grinning from ear to ear telling me that he just witnessed a grand cultural event much better than the Alhambra—a local wedding entourage at the Church of Sta. Ana, the highlight, the passionate groom wailing as if his bride just died, tears flowing generously down his flushed cheeks while traditional Spanish music accompanied the background. What a perfect wedding setting! The bride though, he said, was very poised and all smiles. So much for gender stereotypes eh? Haha.
Hopefully I get to come back here, explore the meandering alleys of the old historical Arabic district, visit the Sacromonte Caves and watch the gypsies dance the traditional flamenco. We were actually parked near the caves but we didn’t have much time on our hands.
We were however able to go around Albayzin a little bit with the car. It was a beautiful short journey, albeit exhilarating. I can still clearly remember us maneuvering our way, up and down, left and right, through narrow, winding and steep cobblestone streets, Dutchman on the wheel while I was happily savoring away the lovely sights of Albayzin. Just too bad, I wasn’t able to take fotos of the short ride.
Travel Period: August 2010
Destination: Granada (Andalucia), Spain
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
I took this foto of Albayzin from the Alhambra, from a vantage point facing the San Nicholas Church where a lot of tourists go to view the Alhambra.
When I am visiting a place for the first time, I usually let my sensory glands rule my first impressions, and it always have something to do with seeing beautiful pieces of architecture (the older and complicated they are, the better), feeling that lively ‘gezellig’ ambience in the air (oftentimes this translates to seeing happy-looking people on well-maintained streets) and of course the advantage of the place having a compact center with liberal sprawling of squares here and there (hint: culinary delights) would seal it for me. Now, this is my impression of Granada, a hip place that I have great vibes with.
Here is a little story: After visiting the Alhambra I went down to Plaza Nueva in search of the Dutchman and found him grinning from ear to ear telling me that he just witnessed a grand cultural event much better than the Alhambra—a local wedding entourage at the Church of Sta. Ana, the highlight, the passionate groom wailing as if his bride just died, tears flowing generously down his flushed cheeks while traditional Spanish music accompanied the background. What a perfect wedding setting! The bride though, he said, was very poised and all smiles. So much for gender stereotypes eh? Haha.
Hopefully I get to come back here, explore the meandering alleys of the old historical Arabic district, visit the Sacromonte Caves and watch the gypsies dance the traditional flamenco. We were actually parked near the caves but we didn’t have much time on our hands.
We were however able to go around Albayzin a little bit with the car. It was a beautiful short journey, albeit exhilarating. I can still clearly remember us maneuvering our way, up and down, left and right, through narrow, winding and steep cobblestone streets, Dutchman on the wheel while I was happily savoring away the lovely sights of Albayzin. Just too bad, I wasn’t able to take fotos of the short ride.
Views to the white-washed Albayzin from the Alhambra.
Another view of Albayzin from the Alhambra. Basically, the Alhambra is part of the Albayzin district.
The Church of Sta. Ana at the foot of the Alhambra, and some Albayzin scenes.
The Alhambra on top of the hill.
Street scenes in Albayzin.
Store in Albayzin selling moorish inspired lamps. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit the Flamenco Museum.
Travel Period: August 2010
Destination: Granada (Andalucia), Spain
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
