Granada has a long history. The Romans developed an early Iberian town but it was never a major. Jews and Christians followed until the Moors took the city in the early 8th century. It stayed in a variety of Muslim hands, even after the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. It remained the only Muslim town after 1273 and only survived through some shrewd dealing with the surrounding Christian Kingdoms. Eventually, in 1492 Granada fell to the Christians making the reconquest complete.

The biggest attraction in Granada is the Alhambra, but you mustn’t miss the other features of the town. The walk down from the Alhambra takes you through some nice gardens into the backstreets of Granada. You’ll soon find yourself at the Plaza Nueva – the main plaza of the town. Around here are some decent restaurants and bars.

Eastwards of the Plaza Nuevo runs the Rio Durro. Along it’s banks are reasonable views of the Alhambra, but better views of the little bridges across the river and the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo.

In the other direction are the main shops. These are of some interest, but it’s better to get lost in the tiny cobbled and marketed streets around the Cathedral. Everything is bustling and there are some great little buildings in amongst the maze-like streets.

The Cathedral is built on the site of the old main mosque, so its shape is square rather than a cross. Inside, it is tall and has large white columns that help to make it light.

Nearby there’s an interesting monument showing Queen Isabel signing the treaty to take the town from the Muslims and thus complete the reconquest.