Granada is Ancient and Mysterious

By:Douglas Scott

The name Granada is ancient and mysterious. It may mean great castle, for the Roman fortress which once stood on the Albaicin Hill. When the Moors came here, the town was largely inhabited by Jews, for which they called it Granada of the Jews. The Jews are said to have been one of the first peoples to settle in Spain, even before the Romans.

At the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, lies one of the most interesting cities in eastern Andalusia. An impressive Andalusian legacy meets architectural gems from the Renaissance and the most modern facilities, typical of the 21st century.

It was the last city reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Granada has an unmistakable Arab flavour. Its cuisine, crafts and urban layout are a consequence of the city's glorious history. Fountains, viewpoints and the villas surrounded by gardens typical of the city, add to Granadas unforgettable charm.

Not in vain was one of its oldest districts, the Albaicin, declared a World Heritage Site, together with the Alhambra. An important cultural centre for centuries, both during Muslim and Christian rule, nowadays the city boasts an enviable calendar of cultural and leisure events.

Music, cinema and theatre seasons and festivals are listed, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging over all fields of knowledge. Old Renaissance palaces are home to seminars, conferences and debates, while the most innovative infrastructures are ready for the bigger events.

Granadas excellent location and its mild climate make it possible to practice sports on pitches, tracks or courts as well as those in contact with nature.

The Municipal Sports Centre has facilities for playing basketball, handball, table tennis, volleyball, indoor football, martial arts and more. Granadas interest in sporting activities culminates in the holding of the long distance races that take place in different places throughout the province.

It has a large student community, and, for this reason, the city hosts a wide variety of leisure activities for young people. The calendars of cinemas, theatres, auditoriums and exhibition halls fill up with the many festivals that have chosen Granada to host their events.

Ceramics, silver and inlaid woodwork are just some of the most famous craft products from Granada. There is a wide range of shops in the streets of Granada, from workshops, franchises, traditional and prestigious shops to shopping centres and street markets, giving the visitor numerous different alternatives for a days shopping.

It has a vast network of accommodation, including historic buildings, such as the old convent of Santa Paula and the convent of San Francisco.

Due to its great communications, its marvellous climate, its beaches, and its snowy mountains, it is a unique destination for cultural, adventure and business travel.

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Article keywords: Music, cinema, theatre

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Granada Rental Site

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