"Granada... " a Granada Travel Page by MM212

Beautifully situated at the foothills of la Sierra Nevada mountain chain, Granada is one of the most scenic cities in Andalucía. Although inhabited since pre-Roman times under the name Elibyrge (later Illiberis in Latin, then Ilbira in Arabic), the city gained importance in the 13th - 15th centuries as Ghurnata, the capital of Nasrid al-Andalus, the last bastion of Islamic rule in Iberia. The Nasrid dynasty built the dazzling Alhambra, a fortified complex of palaces and military edifices, which has become one of Andalucía's most spectacular monuments and a testament to the period's architectural excellence. Granada's importance later continued through Christian rule when it developed into a centre of Renaissance in Spain, as evidenced by some magnificent Renaissance architecture.

Granada, the city that gave Western languages the word for pomegranate, was uncontestedly my favourite city during my tour of Andalucía in February 2005. The city's laid back, stuck-in-time, bohemian feeling - particularly in the Albaicín neighbourhood - adds to its exoticism. A visit to Andalucía must include a stop in Granada with a visit to Alhambra.

Andalucía itinerary in February 2005:

Sevilla - Granada - Málaga - Córdoba - Sevilla