Granada is a vibrant young university town with free tapas, plenty of nightlife and it bustles with tourists hoping to conjure history and romance. This is a place where gypsies can and do take full advantage of their well-known mystique, which clearly glitters in the eyes of tourists, and quickly part them from their euros in return for palm readings and a sprig of rosemary. In the narrow labyrinth streets on Christmas night we also saw a witch in a filthy dress and matted hair cursing and spitting on an upside down framed picture of Christ on the cross. Such are the passions and mysteries of this city which enflame the imagination.
With its the old Arab quarter of Albaicín and Gypsy caves, Sacromonte (Holy Mountain) is an enchanting place to spend the day wandering and getting lost.
Wandering up the hill:
A gypsy cave house on Sacromonte.
On Summer nights this area comes alive with castanets, strumming guitars and strutting dancers. This tourist trap is called a Zambra. Fortunately, since we were here in winter, it was quiet and no gypsies emerged to sell us their wares.
A gypsy cave with two chimneys near the old wall.
A gypsy cave, campfire, and assortment of furniture.
A spectacular view of the Alhambra and mountains from the top of sacromonte.
At the gate to the Museo de Sacromonte... a dog skull with a gypsy cave in the background.
Along Camino del Sacromonte.
Wandering around Albaicín:
Staircase leading to a school in Albaicín
A garden in Albaicín with a collection of charming ceramic plates typical of the area.
Near the Mirador de San Nicolás in Albaicín.
Wandering west of Albaicín:
The bazaar near calle Elvira
Strolling along the Darro river:
Carrera del Darro, known as the most romantic street in Granada, at sunset.
Back to the hostel:
A view of the cathedral from our hostel's rooftop at sunset.
A gypsy cave with two chimneys near the old wall.
A gypsy cave, campfire, and assortment of furniture.
A spectacular view of the Alhambra and mountains from the top of sacromonte.
At the gate to the Museo de Sacromonte... a dog skull with a gypsy cave in the background.
Along Camino del Sacromonte.
Wandering around Albaicín:
Staircase leading to a school in Albaicín
A garden in Albaicín with a collection of charming ceramic plates typical of the area.
Near the Mirador de San Nicolás in Albaicín.
Wandering west of Albaicín:
The bazaar near calle Elvira
Strolling along the Darro river:
Carrera del Darro, known as the most romantic street in Granada, at sunset.
Back to the hostel:
A view of the cathedral from our hostel's rooftop at sunset.
All photos by me, taken around Christmas time 2007.
For the next post in this series on Granada, I'm posting a photo essay on the amazing urban art that covers the stairway to Mirador S. Cristobol. So stay tuned.
2 comments:
I went to Granada after two nights of all night drinking and a total of 2 hours sleep. It wasn't a good decision. I miss out on everything, ate a delicious paella and was sick the rest of the trip. However, even in the daze-like, hung over stated I was in, I was still amazed at how much I loved Granada, the whole laid back vibe- it's like the Spanish vibe taken to the next level.
I wasn't so impressed by the dogs which could pass as horses, the were bigger than me.
I was really intrigued by stories of the caves but didn't get a chance to see them, next time!
Beautiful photos. Your post has made me want to go back, now!
Thanks Te! Granada is definitely a special place that deserves a somber and energetic visit. As for the laid back vibe, well my current roomie's from Granada so I know all about laid back taken to the next level.... especially when it comes to our cleaning chores...
Post a Comment