Granada - Información de conjunto
Granada is the capital of the province with, the same name, situated in the eastern part of the region of Andalusia. Geographical and scenic diversity characterizes the land. There is the coastal area with its warm climate; the extensive. fertile Genil plain; and the mountainous regions with a colder climate. where we .find the 3,481 meter Mulhacén, the highest peak on the peninsula. The city of Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains at the confluence of the Darro and Genil riven'. Its unique history has bestowed it with, an artistic grandeur embracing Moorish palaces and Christian Renaissance treasures. As the last Moorish capital on the Iberian peninsula, it also holds great symbolic value.
The city of Granada has been shaped by the bills, where the old districts in the Albaicín and the Alhambra were founded, brimming with steep, narrow streets. beautiful nooks and corners, and marvelous landscapes. The new part of the city is situated on the plain, crisscrossed by the large arteries of Gran Vía de Colón and Calle de los Reyes Católicos and where the busy streets around the Cathedral are found
The Moors crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in 711 and settled in what was then a small Visigoth town perched atop the Alhambra hill. Here they settled, erected walls, and laid the foundation for the prosperous civilization that would follow. It was in the 9th century when Granada rose to importance after the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Its splendor was reached in 1238, when Mohammed ben Nasar founded the Nazari dynasty and the kingdom of Granada stretched from Gibraltar to Murcia. This dynasty bore twenty kings until King Boabdil was forced to surrender Granada to the Catholic monarchs, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, in 1492. During three centuries, a magnificent and rich Islamic culture flourished, leaving Granada with architectural marvels of the caliber of the Alhambra.
After the Reconquest, the city continued to thrive, stimulated by the Catholic monarchs who ordered the construction of new civil and religious structures.
Granada is a city made for strolling and daydreaming. Both the artistic splendor of its monuments, as well as the beauty of the water of its parks, fountains, and pools, are a delight to the eye. Its narrow streets contrast with spacious gardens. Religious during Holy Week and festive at the coves of Sacromonte, Granada never ceases to amaze. Everything that should be said about Granada can be summarized with the verse by Francisco A. de lcaza displayed at the Tower of La Polvorosa at the Alhambra.
Dale limosna, mujer / que no hay en la vida nada / como la pena de ser / ciego en Granada.
Give him alms, woman, / as there is no greater / tribulation in life / than being blind in Granada.
The Armilla airport is located some 17 kilometers from the city in the direction of Málaga There are scheduled flights available to Madrid, Barcelona, Mallorca, Valencia, Las Palmas, and Tenerife.
Airport information: (958) 24 52 37 and (958) 24 52 38.
Iberia Airlines of Spain. Plaza de Isabel la Católica, 2. (958) 22 75 92 and (958) 22 14 52.
Reservations: (901) 333 222.
Bus service to the airport departs from Plaza de Isabel la Católica Monday through Saturday at 8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Sundays at 5:30 and 7 p.m. (958) 27 86 77 and (958) 13 13 09.
By Train
The Madrid-Granada Express train departs at 11:15 p.m. daily. The Madrid-Granada Talgo train departs at 3:45 p.m. daily (Saturdays at 9:45 a.m.). The Granada-Madrid Express train departs at 11:25 p.m. daily. The Granada-Madrid Talgo train departs at 3-10 p.m. daily. RENFE Station, Avenida de los Andaluces. Information: RENFE Office, Calle de los Reyes Católicos, 45. (958) 27 12 72.
By Road
The N-323 highway connects Granada to the north with the cities of Jaén Bailén and Madrid, and to the South with Motril and the coast.
The N432 highway goes to Córdoba and Badajoz
The A-2 motorway west connects Granada with Málaga and Seville, and east with Murcia and Almería.
Bus service is also available to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as a good number of Andalusian cities and some European capitals. Bus Station. Camino de Ronda, 97. (958) 25 13 58.
Housed in the Palace of Carlos V, within the Alhambra, this museum contains outstanding Hispano-Moorish works of art from the 9th to the 16th centuries, including ceramics, wood, plaster, and metals. In addition, there is a section of Oriental Moorish art.
Palace of Carlos V. Alhambra. Bus no. 2. Open: Tuesday to Friday 9AM to 8PM Sundays 9AM to 6PM
(958) 22 91 05
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
This museum preserves important works of art starting from the 16th century, including pieces by Alonso Cano and Machuca. Especially noteworthy is the sculpture El Entierro de Cristo (The Burial of Christ), by Jacobo Florentino. Part of the choir stalls from the Convent of Santa Cruz is on display, as well as other items from ancient convents and churches of Granada. (Presently closed due to remodeling).
Palace of Carlos V. Alhambra. Bus no. 2. Open: Monday to Friday 10AM to 2PM
(958) 22 48 43
ROYAL CHAPEL MUSEUM
This museum houses important works of great historical and artistic value, including the crown and scepter of Queen Isabella and a priceless collection of panels from the Flemish School, a gift from the Queen to Granada.
Cathedral. Buses 3, 4, 5 & 8. Open: 10AM to 1PM and 3:30 to 6PM. From April to September afternoon hours are 4 to 7PM.
(958) 22 92 39
CASA DE LOS TIROS MUSEUM
Its collections are devoted to the history of the city of Granada, including blueprints, drawings, and photographs of urban modifications. The library contains books and periodicals on subjects connected with Granada.
Plaza Padre Suárez, 19. Bus no. 4. Open: Monday to Friday 11AM to 1:30PM and 4 to 9PM
(958) 22 10 72
RODRIGUEZ-ACOSTA FOUNDATION
A collection of decorative arts, important archeological artifacts, and some works by the Granada-born painter Jose María Rodríguez-Acosta are on display.
Callejón del Niño del Royo, Bus no. 2. Open: 10AM to 1:30PM
(958) 22 74 97
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
A collection of artifacts from prehistoric to Tartessian, Phoenician and Iberian cultures.
Carrera del Darro, 41. Bus no. 12. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10AM to 2PM Closed Mondays and holidays
(958) 22 56 40
CASA DE LOS PISA MUSEUM
The twelve rooms house interesting works of art, including painting, sculpture, gold and silverwork.
Calle Convalescencia, 1. Bus no. 12. Open: Monday to Saturday 9AM to 1PM Afternoon and holiday visits by appointment only
(958) 22 21 44
HOUSE-MUSEUM OF MANUEL DE FALLA
The villa, surrounded by gardens, contains furniture and personal objects of the celebrated composer.
Calle Antequeruela Alta. Bus no. 2. Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10:15AM to 2:45PM
(958) 22 94 21
HOUSE-MUSEUM OF FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA
Granada residence of the famous poet, located in the Huerta de San Vicente within the Garcia Lorca Park.
Calle Virgen Blanca. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10AM to 1PM and 5 to 8PM
(958) 25 84 66
Caja Granada Foundation. Calle Acero del Casino, 3. Open: 6 to 9 p.m. (958) 22 00 43 and (958) 22 77 91.
La General, Mariana Pineda Hall
Plaza Mariana Pineda, 7. Assembly hall and Exhibition hall. Open: 6 to 9 p.m. (958) 22 00 43 and (958) 22 77 91.
La General, Triunfo Hall
Calle Divina Pastora. Open: 6 to 9 p.m. (958) 29 36 50.
Palace of La Madraza
Exhibitions and other activities connected with the University of Granada. Calle Oficios, 2. Buses: 3, 4, 5 & 8. (958) 24 84 34.
Royal Hospital, University Rectorate
Cuesta M Hospicio. Buses: 7, 16 & 17. (958) 24 30 04.
Casa de Porras
Exhibition halls and workshops connected with the University of Granada. Plaza de Porras, Albaicin. Open: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 10 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays. Bus no. 12. (958) 22 44 25
Manuel de Falla Cultural Center
Includes a concert hall, archives with documents on the composer, library and exhibition hall. Paseo de los Martires. Alhambra. Open: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Bus no. 2. (958) 22 83 18.
Estación Sol y Nieve in the Sierra Nevada mountains is one of the best equipped in all of Spain and the southernmost ski resort in Europe. It is equipped with numerous modern hotels. Its 38 marked runs add up to a total of 54 kilometers and are classified according to difficulty. There are 19 ski lifts, 118 artificial snow machines, and also a long-distance trail. Minimum altitude is 2,100 m. and maximum is 3,300 m.
Tourism Office. (958) 24 9100.
Information on skiing conditions in Sierra Nevada. (958) 24 91 19.
Cuisine in Granada reveals definite Arab influences in many of its dishes, in the use of certain spices, and especially with regards to desserts.
An ample supply of fresh garden vegetables makes it possible to create excellent dishes, where the main ingredients are vegetables. Lima beans, artichokes and eggplant are the basis for recipes, such as habas con jamón (lima beans with ham), cazuela de habas (lima bean casserole) or albornia (a mixture of vegetables, spices and olive oil).
Among the most famous dishes are papas a lo pobre, and the tortilla Sacromonte an omelet with a mixture of vegetables.
Stews are a good example of popular cuisine; Olla de San Anton is a hearty dish which mixes lima beans, pig's ear or head, bacon and blood sausage; olla podrida is a stew of lamb, pork, veal, chicken, pigeon, sausage and ham with vegetables, such as cabbage, leeks, turnips, carrots and artichokes, as well as prunes and dried apricots.
On the coast, numerous recipes with fish are common. Typical dishes are fritura de pescado (fish fry), boquerones adobados (fresh marinated anchovies), cazuela de pescado frito (fried fish casserole) and moraga de sardinas, sardines prepared with white wine, garlic, olive oil, parsley and lemon juice.
Alpujarreña cuisine, from the southern Andalusian mountain region, has special ways to prepare the calf, rabbit, partridge and game which abound in the area. Also from the Alpujarra are the recipes for trout, as the best rivers for trout fishing are between Trevelez and Berchules We must not forget the delicious migas, a type of fried bread crumbs seasoned with garlic and paprika.
As to cold meats, Montefrío is noted for its chorizos and Soportujar for its longaniza (sausage). Cured hams from Trevelez are widely renowned.
Among the dishes of Moorish origin, are lamb meatballs and lamb with pomegranate seeds.
Desserts confected by nuns star among sweets from Granada: pastelón de perdiz (partridge pie) by the Encarnación nuns; la hoja (the leaf) from the Jerónimas and also sweetened pumpkin, apples with wild blackberries, chestnut soup, thick French toast with honey; and from Santa Fe, the piononos, delicate cream-filled cakes soaked in a light syrup.
Granada is a city made for strolling, and long distances are not a problem. It is advisable to either walk or use public transportation when possible.
Parking lots are located at Puerta Real, Carrera de Genil, Paseo de Ronda, Calle Recogidas, Plaza de los Campos, and next to the Generalife.
Bus service covers most of the city, and bus stops may be found at most of the points of interest in the city, Line number 2 goes to the Alhambra. Line number 12 takes you to the Albaicín.
Taxi Service
(958) 15 14 61
(958) 28 06 54
(958) 40 0199.
POST OFFICE AND TELEPHONES
Puerta Real, 1 .
Open: from 8:00 a.m. to 9 P.M.
(958) 22 48 35.
Telegrams by phone:
(958) 22 20 00.
Emergency medical assistance.
(958) 28 20 00.
Red Cross.
(958) 22 22 22.
Ambulances.
(958) 28 44 50
Police
City Police. 092.
National Police. 091.
Civil Guard. 062.
Automobile services
Highway Assistance.
(91) 742 12 13.
TeleRuta (Information on highway conditions).
(91) 535 22 22.
RACE (Royal Automobile Club of Spain).
(958) 262 150.
Lost and Found.
(958) 248 103.
(958) 294 701.
The park has an area of 136,800 hectares and includes 60 towns in the provinces of Granada and Almeria. The highest peak is the 3,481 meter Mulhacén also the highest peak in the peninsula. The park has been classified as a National Hunting Reserve since 1966, as well as a Biosphere Reserve. More than 66 plants are native to the area. The Alpujarra region is found on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Excursions through the park can be enjoyed on foot, horseback, mountain bike or with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Access from Granada is by the road to the "Sol y Nieve" ski resort and goes up to the Veleta peak. A dirt trail descends to Capileira on the Alpujarrena slope. Visitor's Center and Information. Province Delegation of the A.M.A. of Granada (Pinos Genii). (958) 24 83 00. Reception Center and Information, Sierra Nevada National Park. Plazo de la Libertad. Pamponeira. -zr (958) 76 33 27 In Granada: Gran Vía Colón, 36. ir (958) 29 30 63. Inciativas Lider Alpujarra. Calle Lora Tamayo, 17 Orgiva. (958) 78 43 40 and (958) 78 43 26.
La Alpujarra
The Moors inhabited these towns and villages up to the beginning of the 1 7th century and left their imprint on their traditions and culture. To reach the Alpujarro region from Granada, take the N-323 highway to the turnoff for Lanjaron site of the most famous spa in Spain, some 45 kilometers from Granada. Then continue along through some picturesque villages, such as Orgiva, and farther on you come to Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira located in the spectacular setting of the Poqueira ravine. The museum in Capileira has a display on the Alpujarra dwellings which are unique examples of popular architecture related to North African constructions. They are generally two-story cubic structures covered with a flat roof. The road also passes by the villages of Pitres and Portugos and then to the highest village in Spain, Trevelez famous for the quality of cured ham produced here. The descent takes you by the towns of Juviles, Berchules Yegen and Valor and reaches the coast after having passed through Murtas, Albondón and Albuñol.
The Alpujarra can be easily reached by taking the N-323 highway from Granada, then the C-332 road in the direction of Lanjaron and Orgiva Information available at places and telephones listed for Sierra Nevada National Park. In Bubion a Tourist Center provides information and reservations for itineraries rental of horses, beds, etc. (958) 76 30 54.
The Tropical Coast
The coastal town of Almuñecar is a pleasant stopover. Of interest is the Archeological Museum, located in the basement of a Roman structure, the Arab castle, the Church of La Encarnacion and the port of Horseshoe Bay (Bahia de la Herradura).
Salobreña is another coastal town with a Moorish heritage of narrow, winding streets, and whitewashed houses. Near the ruins of the Phoenician castle is the Mozarab Church of La Virgen del Rosario.
Motril is a town with a significant artistic heritage, combined with coastal and tourist attractions. Its old quarter is a typical example of Hispano-Arab town planning. The 16th century mudejar Church oí la Encarnacion was erected over a mosque. The Baroque Town Hall, built in 163 1, and the Baroque Church of Nuestra Senora de la Cabeza, patron saint of Motril, are also noteworthy. The N-323 highway connects Granada with the coast. Almunecar Tourist Center. Avda, de Europea. (958) 63 1125. Motril Tourist Center. Avenida de Salobrena 5. (958) 82 35 91. Salobrena Tourist Center. Plaza de Goya. (958) 6103 14. Castel de Ferro Information. 1958) 65 32 67.
Western Granada
The western part of the province of Granada includes the townships of Loja Alhama de Granada, and Montefrio. The whitewashed towns nestled between rolling hills and rivers preserve a rich and varied historical heritage.
The Autovia A-92 (motorway) connects Granada with the town of Santa Fe, founded by the Catholic monarchs in the 1 15th century as a military camp base for the invasions of Granada. The most outstanding monuments are the neoclassical parish church and the gateways to the city.
Loja is located 45 kilometers west of Granada on the A-92 motorway. Of interest are the Alcazaba fortress, the neoclassical Mausoleum of Narvaez the Hermitage of Jesús Nazareno, the 16th century Gothic-mudejar Church of La Encarnacion, the neoclassical Town Hall, and the Church of San Gabriel by Diego de Siloe. Loja is known as the city of water. It boosts numerous springs, many of them channeled into to fountains and pillars of great artistic value.
Alhama de Granada is around 52 kilometers from the capital on the C-340 road. Alhama in Arab means "hot baths". Among its monuments, we should highlight the Arab fortress, the Church of La Encarnación, the Gothic-Isabelline style House of the Inquisition, the Renaissance structure of Posito, the old synagogue, and the Renaissance Hospital of La Reina. A spa opens its doors during the summer months.
Montefrío is located 55 km. from Granada departing by the A-92 motorway. Its Arab fortress and neoclassical Church of La Encornacion warrant a visit. Four kilometers beyond Montefrío is Hipo-Nova, where we find numerous megalithic dolmens, ruins of an Iberian acropolis, and interesting Visigoth tombs.
Loja Tourist Center. Calle Duque de Valencia, 1. (958) 32 39 49.
Alhama de Granada Tourist Center. Plaza de los Presos, 10. (958) 36
02 71.
Montefrio Tourist Center. Plaza de Espana 7. (958) 33 63 35.
The information office of Riofrío can provide fishing permits.
Calle Ribero de Riofrío (958) 32 3177.
Guadix, Baza and Castril
Guadix is 57 km. northeast of Granada and Baza 99 km. on the N- 342 highway. This high plateau region is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters between two mountain ranges. The cold, dry climate is home to the natural parks of Sierra de Baza and Sierra de Castril.
Guadix is one of the oldest settlements in Spain. The landscape is marked by cave dwellings carved out of the hills. Its outstanding monuments include the 11 th century Alcazaba fortress, the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque cathedral, built between the 16th and 18th centuries, and numerous mudejar buildings, such as the Church of Santiago.
Baza preserves from its Arab post the Alcazaba fortress, the walls, and baths. There are also remains of the old Jewish quarter. The "Dama de Baza" sculpture discovered here is an excellent example of Iberian culture during the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C. Of special interest are the Gothic church of the Anunciacion with its Plateresque facade by Diego de Siloe the 16th century former Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), and the Fountain of Caños Dorados Guadix Information Office. Avenida de Granada. (958) 66 26 65.
Corral del Carbón, Calle de Mariana Pineda, 40
(958) 22 10 22
and (958) 22 59 90.
Wine Gate (Puerta del Vino). Alhambra.
(958) 22 99 36.
Reservation Center
Requena, 3. 28013-Madrid.
(91) 516 66 66.
Fax (91) 516 66 57.
Site Contact: sleith@ups.edu