Albaycin in Granada – Spectacular Old District in the Shadow of the Alhambra

The Albaycin is the old Arab Quarter. It comprises approximately the area between the hill of the Alhambra, the hill of San Cristobal, the Sacromonte and Elvira.

The Albaycin is like a different world within Granada. This is due to the strong Muslim influence in this area. It was the place where the first Siri court was built in the eleventh century.

The city descended from Saint Nicholas to the banks of the River Darro. The Albaycin featured luxurious carmenes and public baths, like the Banuelo

At the height of splendour the Albaycin enjoyed in the last years of Nazarid dominance, the quarter comprised a population of more than forty thousand inhabitants and thirty mosques.

The streets were very narrow and small with clean houses, plus numerous wells, some of which are still in the Albaycin.

With the reconquest, the Albaycin was left for Muslims as their own place of residence. But soon the population dwindled.

The constant revolts forced the monarchs to expel the Arabs who were practising Muslim. The mosques were demolished and on the same sites churches were raised.

The Moors left behind their homes, which were used by wealthy Christians to build their carmenes.

This is a district to explore. Walk through all its narrow streets and discover things that you cannot find in a guide book. No visit to the Albaycin can be complete without seeing the district from the Alhambra.

The Albaycin is a neighbourhood where you can experience the atmosphere of its bars and terraces, and watch a red sunset over the Alhambra.

How to Get to the Albaicin

You can reach the Albayzin by taking bus number C31, C32 and C34. More information at Albaicin buses.

The last bus to the Albaycin departure from Plaza Nueva at about 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday at 01:00 at night.

Last departure from Albaycin to Plaza Nueva from Sunday to Thursday at 23:30, and on Friday and Saturday at 01:30 at night.

Flamenco shows in the Albaicin

There are many places and caves that offer flamenco shows in Albaicin. The ones that stand out, less commercial, are Flamenco Show at La Soleá and Flamenco Tablao Jardines de Zoraya.

 

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