Alhambra Palace
Listed under the World Heritage Sites list of the UNESCO is indisputably the most well-known monument of the city and one of the most visited in Spain. It has a defensive area, the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, named after the Dinasty of the Kingdom of Granada, and the Gardens of the Generalife. It was originally constructed as a fortress in 889, and was converted into a royal palace in 1333 byYusuf I, Sultan of Granada.
The Alhambra's Islamic palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain and its court, of the Nasrid dynasty. After theReconquista (reconquest) by the Reyes Católicos ("Catholic Monarchs") in 1492, some portions were used by the Christian rulers. The Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1527, was inserted in the Alhambra within the Nasrid fortifications. After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing.
Albaicín and Sacromonte
The Albaicín (World Heritage Site) and the Sacromonte are two of the districts with more colour, enchantment and history of the city of Granada. To wonder around the Albaicín is to make a trip to its moriscs roots in as well as an enjoyment for the senses. To cross its labyrinth of narrow streets perfumed of blossom smell, to contemplate the gardens of cármenes (its typical houses) or to accompany an aromatic tea with delicious Arab sweets, are experiences that the visitor does not have to miss.
The Sacromonte neighbourhood is famous by its caves, in which the gypsies continue celebrating every night their flamenco songs and dance celebrations. It was here where the gypsies who came with the Catholic Kings troops when they conquered the city settled.
Plaza Nueva
Christians called it "new" because it was the first place that created, in the sixteenth century. Plaza Nueva is the core of the old city: from here, you can climb to the Alhambra by the Cuesta de Gomérez, to Albaicin by the narrow streets surrounding the Chancery and by Carrera del Darro.
La Carrera del Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes are one of the most beautiful places in Granada, next to the river Darro. It offers stunning views of the Alhambra.
The Cathedral
Unlike most cathedrals in Spain, construction of this cathedral had to await the acquisition of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada from its Muslim rulers in 1492; while its very early plans had Gothic designs, such as are evident in the Royal Chapel of Granada by Enrique Egas, the construction of the church in the main occurred at a time when Spanish Renaissance designs were supplanting the Gothic regnant in Spanish architecture of prior centuries.
The Cathedral had been intended to become the royal mausoleum by Charles I of Spain of Spain, but Philip II of Spain moved the site for his father and subsequent kings to El Escorial outside of Madrid.