Granada
28 May 2016 | La Linea, Spain
David and Andrea
With forecast westerlies for some days we opted for land tours. Rather naively we thought to just roll up at the Alhambra in Grenada, buy a ticket and go in. So, after the brisk 250km drive, the ticket office informed us that perhaps in five days time we might have a chance. The situation is shocking insofar as the tickets are block-booked by local hotels, tour agencies and bus groups, so that mug-punters like us have little chance of getting a guernsey. Not to be deterred we found that much of the amazing Moorish/Christian fortress is actually open for free so a self-guided walk including a wonderful museum proved very interesting. The history of the Alhambra (Lit. The Red One) is well documented and I won’t dwell on it. For us one important part was to see the palace of Charles V in which Canadian celtic singer Loreena McKennit did her outstanding performances. (Get the DVD “Nights at the Alhambra” -highly recommended). If you are planning a trip to this monument, stay at the Parador hotel within the grounds of the Alhambra. A beautiful adaptation of very historic structures.
The city of Granada (from Arabic “Garnata” possibly “Hill of Strangers” NOT granata as in pomegranate even though this fruit is the heraldic device of the city. Confusing isn’t it.) is a short stroll down through magnificent gardens and one could easily spend several days exploring this well-preserved centre of Moorish and Catholic power. In the old town area of Albayzin, we found a stunning example of internal Moorish decorations in an old madrassar. Its preservation over the centuries was a fluke. When the Christians took over the palace, the Arabic decor was covered over with panelling, rather than being destroyed. It is said to be in better condition than its equivalent in the Alhambra. The souk is now overrun by tourist shops selling junk. Excellent late lunch at El Trillo restaurant then a final city tour by bus to get us back up the hill. Only a 250km to drive back to La Linea. Got in by nightfall, about 9.30pm. Knackered.