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Granada is the home to the most visited attraction in Spain, the Alhambra. Basically it is a site that had several small military fortifications until the 12th century when it became a very ornate Moorish palace. 100 years or so after the palace was built, the Moorish lost their 7 century rule over the region. Then step in King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (think Columbus) and the christianification began. Fast forward to present time when they have about 7000 tour tickets available per day, 6800 of which are typically spoken for 3 months in advance. As of last night, we didn't have tickets. At the advice of several internet blogs, we woke up at 5:30 and got in line by 5:45 to try our hand at winning 2 of the few remaining tickets. All of that Black Friday training paid off. We were 2nd in the semi secret automated kiosk line, and were able to get tickets at 8am when it opened. While waiting in line we met some very nice people: a couple from Germany, a mother and daughter from Great Britain, and a college student from Valencia.
Visiting the Alhambra was a nice departure from the usual church
visits that, while spectacular, are typically variations of each other. Here we saw a different type of architecture characterized by honeycomb ceilings, courtyards with long pools and cascading water channels, and beautiful gardens. There was also the Alcazaba, the fort and the oldest part of Alhambra. We then walked down the mountain and into town for a wonderful pasta lunch from Cocho and Pepe. We did a walk around the old town of Granada seeing the squares with their statues, a market called alcacira that once was a thriving silk market and now houses locals selling goods/souvenirs. We toured The royal chapel where Ferdinand and Isabella's tomb is located. The sarcophagi are located in the main chapel area, you go down a set of stairs at their feet to see the caskets. To the right as you are facing the alter, there is a small area that contains several of Isabella's remaining painting from her art collection, her crown, septor, and Ferdinand's sword. There is also an ornate metal box that was supposedly given to Columbus filled with jewels for funding his expedition. Photographs were not allowed in the Royal chapel. Next, we walked over to the cemetery and it
was very different than anything in the US with the mausoleums and crypts. We then walked up to San Nicolas viewpoint to watch the sunset on the Alhambra. It is suppose to give off a beautiful orange glow. It was nice, but don't think I will do it again as it is a long walk up. To get to San Nicolas view point you walk through the Albayzin (old Moorish quarter). Glad we did this walk, saw a different view of the Alhambra. I have read in some other places that this area should be avoided or use caution after dark. Then back to the hotel 33,256 steps today but the equivalent of 74 flights of stairs.
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