Learn Spanish in Granada
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To book a Spanish Course in Granada It is not possible to speak of Granada without a feeling of beauty and mystery. Its setting, with the backdrop of the often snow-clad Sierra Nevada, is magnificent. Wander around the narrow cobbled streets amid the white-washed walls of the city, and visit the celebrated Alhambra. A city of universal historic importance thanks to its archaeological remains, it has a large university population and an animated social and cultural life. History Granada was ruled from Cordoba until 1031, and later from Seville by the Almoravids and then the Almohads. The Islamic city was called Karnattah, from which 'Granada' is derived (granada also happens to be the Spanish for pomegranate, which has been adopted as part of the city's coat of arms). After the fall of Cordoba in 1236 and Seville in 1248, Muslims sought refuge in the city, where the founder of the famous Nasrid dynasty, Mahammed al-Ahmar, had recently established an independent emirate. Granada became one of the richest and most populous cities in 13th century Europe, flourishing on the talents of its swelled population of traders and artisans. But by the end of the 15th century the Nasrid dynasty was in decline.
Its economy had stagnated, the rulers had retreated into a pleasure loving
existence inside the Alhambra, and violent rivalry had developed over
the succession. The scene had been set for war by the unification of Castilla
and Aragon throught the marriage of Isabel and Fernando. On the 1st of
January 1492, Castilian troops entered the city and next day Isabel and
Fernando entered the city ceremonially in Muslim dress. They set up court
in the Alhambra for several years. Under them, Granada became a dynamic
Castilian city but religious persecution was rife. In 1502, Muslims were
given the ultimatum to convert or leave Spain. Most stayed and were baptised,
to be known as Moriscos. But after another revolt in the 1560s, many were
deported to other parts of Spain, and the city, having lost much of its
talented populace, went into decline. Climate In general you can rely on pleasant or hot temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November. The temperatures normally range from 15°C to 35°C. In Andalucia there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through winter. However, in July and August, temperature inland can get unpleasant, even unbearable, unless you are high enough in the mountains. Andalucia is very hot in high summer, with temperatures rising to 35°C. The Mediterranean provides Spain's warmest waters. They reach 27°C or so in August, and you can swim as early as April or even late March in the southeast. City Sights La Alhambra & El Generalife Catedral Albaicin Day Trips The Sierra Nevada mountain range Las Alpujarras Trevelez Nights out To discover listings for the upcoming months try and get a copy of Guia del Ocio, available from Kiosks. There are a number of good restaurants around the Alhambra and Albaicin areas.The Campo del Principe area, south of Alhambra is very lively at night. If you want to dance into the early hours then the Bar El Eshavira has some good jazz, blues and Flamenco music, and is situated down a dark alley at Placeta de la Cuna. Otherwise the El Corral del Principe has some great Flamenco on a Friday and Saturday nights. Activities A distinctive local craft is marquetry (taracea) which is used on boxes, tables, chess sets and more. The best has shell, silver or mother-of-pearl inlays. Other granadino crafts include embossed leather, guitars, wrought iron, brass and copperware, basket-weaving, textiles and, of course, pottery. Places to look include the Alhambra, and in two shops on Cuesta de Gomérez. There's also a guitar-maker on Cuesta de Gomérez. The government-run Artespaña in the Corral del Carbon has a good range of granadino handicrafts. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 1.30pm. There are a number of good bookshops on Libreria Urbano at Calle Tablas 6, south-west off Plaza de la Trinidad, and Libreria Atlantida at Gran Via de Colon, 9, both have a good range of books in English. Special Events
Where Can I Find The……? Tourist Office Post and Communications Foreign Consulates Banks Medical and Emergency Services Airport Transfers To book a Spanish Course in Granada
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Customer Service - Tel: 01273 687697 inside the UK (normal call charges apply) or +44 1273 687697 from outside the UK (normal call charges apply) |