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One of the Finest City - By: Douglas Scott, Posted on: 2007-05-02

The city of Granada is located at the foot of the sierra Nevada mountains at the confluences of the Genil and Darro rivers. Granada is one of the pearls of Spain, most visited by tourists from all the world. During the period of Muslim domination, Granada was the finest city on the peninsula.

Granadas first new mosque for 500 years was opened in the summer of 2003 to a backdrop of anxiety following the post September 11 focus on radical extremism. Despite fears the leaders of the mosque, built in Granadas old town district of Albayzin, went out of their way to welcome all people into the house of worship and the controversy soon died down.

The greatest Muslim legacy in Europe, is in Granada and one of the most inspiring attractions on the Continent the 11th century Alhambra. From outside, its red fortress towers and walls appear plain, if imposing, rising from woods of elm and cypress with the Sierra Nevada forming a magnificent backdrop. Inside the marvellously decorated emirs palace, are the Generalife gardens and Palacio Nazaries. Water is an art form here and its sounds take you far from the bustle of the city. The spell can be shattered by the average 6000 visitors who traipse through this Unesco World Heritage site each day. The Alhambra has two outstanding sets of buildings, the Palacio Nazaries and the Alcazaba Citadel. Also within its walls are the Palacio de Carlos V, the Iglesia de Santa Alhambra, two hotels, several book and souvenir shops and lots of lovely gardens.

At the Paseo de los Tristes, you will find many bars offering Tapas for the hungry especially popular are snails and fried fish and beer, wine and refreshments for the thirsty. This is especially true during the warm season, when all the summer terraces are open. This is exactly the right place to begin a long granadinian night or to put yourself in the right mood to visit one of the many concerts in the magic the gardens of the Generalife.

Granada is a busy university city with a lively street life which goes on through the night until breakfast time some discos do not even open their doors until midnight. The hustle and bustle created by student night life and traffic offers an interesting contrast to the generally laid back atmosphere.

The city offers a variety of shopping experiences, from lively, modern streets to quiet alleys with workshops selling local handicrafts. The Calle de los Mesones, with its designer shops and buskers, is a real treat to wander down in the evening, a good selection of handicrafts can be found in and around Plaza Nueva, including hand made guitars, weaving, basketry, leather goods, ornate Moorish style lamps and ceramics. Plaza Bib-Rambla has a selection of market stalls selling mainly flowers.

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Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Granada Rental Site