Granada, City of the Alhambra
Granada has played an important role in the most spectacular chapters of Spain's history. The period of Arab
domain in the city constitutes the most outstanding historical element to which the world owes one of its most precious
monuments: The Alhambra and Generalife. The Renaissance left its mark with the Cathedral, the Capilla Real, where the
Catholic King and Queen are entombed, La Cartuja, the Monasterio de San Jerónimo, and numerous churches
and palaces.
The Albayzin, the oldest quarter of Granada, spreads over the hill opposite the Alhambra. Narrow cobblestone streets
rise and fall, leading to small squares, to cisterns or to privileged viewpoints of the Alhambra. White houses display
patios or gardens with fountains, decorated with an Arab or Mediterranean flavor.
Visit the caves of Sacromonte, inhabited by Gypsies and at the heart of Flamenco; the Jewish quarter, the Realejo;
and La Alcaicería, an Arab bazaar with its Moorish arches and marble columns. Enjoy the busy Plaza Nueva and the
terraces of El Paseo de los tristes, situated at the foot of the Alhambra hill.
With 270.000 inhabitants, Granada is the capital of the province with the same name and the seat of one of the
greatest universities in Spain, founded by Charles V in 1526. More than 60.000 university students make an exciting
contribution to the city, especially to its nightlife. Cafes, pubs, bars, restaurants, terraces and a huge variety of
tapas served with a glass of beer or wine can be found along every street.
Among Granada's many cultural activities are the International Theatre Festival, Tango Festival, International
Jazz Festival, the Manuel de Falla Auditorium's annual program, Flamenco Festivals and the International Music and Dance
Festival. The most famous celebrations are Easter Week, the Cross Day (May), Granada Fair (June) and the Zaidín
festival.
Granada has an ideal geographic location, where one may contemplate the snow-covered summits of Sierra Nevada (the sky
resort of Pradollano, open November until April, is just 33 km. from Granada) or the rich, green countryside of the
Vega. You can wander the footpaths of the Alpujarras or the cave-houses of Guadix, pay a visit to Sevilla or Málaga,
or enjoy Granada Costa Tropical.
Our Partner School is situated in the heart of Granada, very close to the Cathedral, beside Plaza
Nueva at the foot of the Albayzín.