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Granada History

The Granada area has been populated for thousands of years. From around 1500BC, the region began to experience Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Visigothic influences. The 5th century settlement known as Elibyrge would later evolve into the Roman city of Illiberis.

In 711, Moorish groups conquered large parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The actual founding of present-day Granada occurred in the 11th century, after the end of a civil war, when a Berber general decided to establish an independent kingdom.

The small village of the time was transformed into one of the most important cities of Moorish Spain, with the fairytale palace-fortress Alhambra symbolising its peak of elegance and splendour in the 14th and 15th centuries. The most famous Moorish rule was that of the Nasrid dynasty from 13th century.

The Nasrids’ reign came to an end in 1492, when the Reconquista reached Granada, which was the final emirate to fall to the Catholic Monarchs. The Moors (and Jews) of the city were forced to convert or emigrate, resulting in the Morisco class of Arab converts.

Eventually the city’s mosques were converted to churches or destroyed, and the mighty cathedral and other buildings sprang up in their place. One of the most notable buildings was the beautiful Capilla Real which was erected as a mausoleum for the Catholic Monarchs. Streets were also widened and large squares created.

The expulsion of many Jews and Muslims caused economic decline and Granada and the Alhambra slipped into centuries of neglect. The first tourists interested in the city’s Islamic heritage started to arrive in 19th century, but Granada was then decimated in 1884 by an earthquake. The city saw resurgence in 1920s, as Granada became a centre of Spanish art, but then came the Spanish Civil War in 1930s, which resulted in Franco’s repressive dictatorship until 1975.

After Franco’s death, Granada witnessed a university boom, which helped transform the city’s economic fortunes. Massive modernisation followed, including the creation of the magnificent Science Park in 1995. Apart from being a tourist hub, today’s Granada is a thriving city with a vibrant student population.

Did you know?
• Although the Reconquista is heralded as the end of Moorish rule in Spain, Granada is in fact thought to have been a tributary state of the Spanish Kingdom of Castile as far back as 1238.
• The Alhambra, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, has its roots in an earlier 9th century fortress and was altered substantially by Charles V in 16th century.
• The year of the Reconquista was a big one for the most famous Catholic Monarch, Isabella I, as Christopher Colombus reached the New World, funded by Spain.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Fonda Sanchez Hotel

One of Granada's best value hotels, Fonda Sanchez boasts a central location close to the cathedral in the university district. No frills, but perfectly clean and comfortable with helpful English speaking staff. Following a recent renovation, the rooms are modern and all have balconies, air conditioning and a TV.

Hotel Molinos

It might only have a single star to its name, but this surprisingly chic city centre hotel is a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. To add interest, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the narrowest hotel in the world. The roof terrace, with its spectacular views, is an added bonus.

Pension Suecia

Set in a former house in a quiet residential area, the rooms here are small and simple but attractively furnished in traditional style, and the owners are welcoming. Breakfast is served for a small surcharge on a terrace with lovely city views. There's also a sitting room and small garden.

Hotel Anacapri

This cosy and comfortable 3-star hotel is located just off Plaza Nueva in the heart of the historic centre. The staff are welcoming and palm trees enhance its 18th-century patio, while highlights inside include the still lifes in the reception and cafeteria, plus several silk screen prints from well-known modern painters throughout.

Hotel Plaza Nueva

It's all about location at the Plaza Nueva, which overlooks Granada's oldest and most central square. This is a 3-star boutique hotel with 25 rooms spread over three floors, which has built up a reputation over the years for sterling service. The Alhambra is just a 10 minute walk away.

Hospes Palacio de los Patos

This 42-room boutique hotel combines 19th-century palatial surroundings with strikingly modern interiors of stone, glass and metal. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, combining old and new such as wooden floors and free Wi-Fi. The UNESCO-protected buildings feature a garden with Arabian-style water fountains as well as a spa, sauna, indoor pool and Turkish bath.