Granada

Granada was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. It's Moorish quarter is a nightmare tangle to drive through but an absolute delight to stroll through. There is an old saying, "Give the man a coin, for there is nothing worse in this life than to be blind in Granada." From a visual perspective, the main event is the Alhambra. But once you've experienced it, the rest of the city's delights begin to impress themselves on you. Of all the cities in Spain, this is my personal favorite. These pictures were taken in May 1999, a wonderful time to visit because everything is in bloom.

Do Not Adjust Your Set: These pictures were taken in between 1997 and 1999 with a first generation digital camera. They are as big and as good as they'll ever get.

The streets of Granada viewed from the Alhambra. We are looking at the Albaicin Moorish Quarter.
The streets of Granada viewed from the Alhambra. We are looking at the Albaicin Moorish Quarter.
View of the Alhambra from the Mirador across the valley.
The Generalife, loosely translated from the Moorish phrase, "the garden of lofty paradise" was originally built in the 1300's. Visit in the late Spring because the flowers are in bloom and they are spectacular.
Modest materials were used to build the Alhambra but they were worked superbly. In recent times, it has undergone extensive restoration and its delicate craftsmanship dazzles the eye.

Modest materials were used to build the Alhambra but they were worked superbly. In recent times, it has undergone extensive restoration and its delicate craftsmanship dazzles the eye.
While Europe slept through the dark ages, Moorish culture flourished ... busy stucco, improbable stalactites, scalloped windows framing views of the city. Exuberant gardens. And water everywhere, the purest symbol of life to Moors.
While Europe slept through the dark ages, Moorish culture flourished ... busy stucco, improbable stalactites, scalloped windows framing views of the city. Exuberant gardens. And water everywhere, the purest symbol of life to Moors.
Lest you conclude there is nothing in Granada but the Alhambra, here's a close-up of a vellum hymnal in the Granada Cathedral.