Realejo, Granada - A Neighborhood with Its Distinctive Flavor

Realejo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Granada. It is one of those magical places in the city where medieval, Renaissance, and Gothic houses and palaces coexist side by side.


In the Nasrid era, Realejo was the Jewish quarter of Granada and a large Jewish population lived here (at times, more than 20,000 people) for almost fifteen centuries.

Until 1492, everything changed when the Catholic Monarchs signed the Decree of their expulsion.

For some historians, Realejo is the origin of the name of the city of Granada, as this neighborhood was called Garnata Al-Yahud.

Its Streets, Cármenes and Whitewashed Houses

Today, Realejo is a very popular neighborhood, and within the network of its streets, we find its own unique flavor and a very active community life.



Some of the most iconic traditions of the city stem from its churches and convents. It is a neighborhood known for its strong sense of community.

We can descend to the Realejo de Granada from the Alhambra, strolling through the intricate alleys of the La Antequeruela neighborhood, among its beautiful carmenes and whitewashed houses.

This neighborhood above Realejo was founded in 1410 when the Muslims from Antequera came to live here after their expulsion by the Christians.

The views from its streets are exceptional, offering a beautiful collection of monumental towers such as those of the church of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral, or the Basilica Angustias, along with the mountains and a large part of the city extending to La Vega.

Campo del Príncipe

It was called Abulnest or Loma field in Muslim Granada, as it was an area of orchards and gardens.

After the Conquest in 1497, the area was levelled to celebrate the wedding of Prince John with Margaret of Flanders.

Later, the place was used for bullfights and other recreational games.

Even today the Campo del Príncipe is a meeting place par excellence for the people of Granada, especially on important dates like Holy Week.

On Good Friday, one of the most popular events in all of Andalusia takes place here: the prayer to the Lord of Favors.

In 1682, the most significant monument of the place was erected: the Christ of the Favors with great popular devotion. Made of stone from Sierra Elvira, this Christ was previously located in the small Plaza del Realejo.

Church of San Cecilio

Very close is the Church of San Cecilio, built in 1534 on the site of an old Mozarabic church.

Its beautiful Plateresque façade can still be seen; however, everything inside is the result of a necessary restoration following the serious fire that the church suffered in 1969.

The Church of San Cecilio is dedicated to the patron saint of Granada, the city's first bishop. Tribute is paid to him on February 2nd by taking him out in procession through the neighborhood.

Palace of the Admiral of Aragon

Among the beautiful palatial houses that were here, only the Palace of the Admiral of Aragón is preserved, which was the former residence of the admiral of Aragon: Francisco Mendoza.

This is evidenced by the family coat of arms that appears on the façade.

Over time, this building has had various uses: it was the Hospital de la Encarnación and Santa Ana in the 18th century, the School of Teaching.

In the 19th century, it served as a military hospital, and currently, it houses the School of Architecture of the University of Granada.

Unfortunately, its exterior has been remodeled many times due to changes in its use.

Other Palaces and Churches

A walk through the streets of Realejo will give us the opportunity to discover ancient palaces, such as The Casa de los Tiros or the Casa de los Girones (13th century); impressive temples, such as Church of Santo Domingo and Nasrid palaces, and historic sites like Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo.

In the Placeta de la Puerta del Sol you can find the only old laundry in the city, which also offers beautiful views.

Going down San Matías Street we can see other interesting buildings such as the Old Captaincy (former Convent of San Francisco the Great), the Convent of the Carmelites (formerly the house of Great Captain) and the Imperial Church of San Matías, from which the street takes its name.

We finally arrived at Plaza Mariana, in the heart of Granada.

Bars and Taverns

In Realejo, you will find a large number of bars and taverns that offer many of the typical Granada "tapas".

There is also a wide variety of restaurants with international and alternative cuisine.

In summer, the terraces of Campo del Príncipe are filled with people enjoying the cool and quiet nights.

More information at: Tapas Bars in Realejo.

Location and How to Get to Realejo

It is easy to get to the Realejo neighborhood on foot.

From the center you can start the walk at Plaza Isabel la Católica along Pavaneras Street or from Plaza Mariana Pineda along San Matías Street, Cuesta del Progreso or Varela Street.

If you come from the Alhambra, you can reach the Realejo along Carril de San Cecilio street, which will take you to Campo del Príncipe or down the Cuesta del Relejo next to the Alhambra Palace Hotel.

You can also take bus number C30, C32 and C35, more information at: Alhambra Buses.

---

Was this information helpful? Have you visited these sights? We'd love to

hear your thoughts.

© Copyright • LoveGranada.com • Any use of the content, including copying of it in whole or in part is prohibited.

Follow us on our social networks

If you find this information useful, please share it