| Granada
has played an important role in the most spectacular chapters of Spains
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 Albayzín, the oldest quarter, spreads over
the hill opposite the Alhambra. Narrow, paved streets rise and fall,
leading to small squares, to cisterns, or to a vantage viewpoint
of the Alhambra. White houses with patios or gardens, with fountains,
houses of Arab or Mediterranean flavour.
The caves of Sacromonte, inhabited by gypsies, are the centre of
Flamenco. The Jewish quarter, the Realejo. La Alcaicería,
an Arab bazaar with its Moorish arch and its columns of marble.
The busy Plaza Nueva. The terraces of El Paseo de los tristes which
are very close to touching the Alhambra.
With its 270.000 inhabitants Granada is the capital of the province
of the same name and the seat of one of the greatest universities
in Spain, founded by Charles V in 1526. More than 50.000 university
students make an exciting contribution to the city, especially to
its night-life. Cafés, pubs, bars, restaurants, terraces
and a huge variety of tapas served with a glass of beer or wine
can be found in every street. Featured among the citys many
cultural activities are the International Theatre Festival, Tango
Festival, International Jazz Festival, the Manuel de Falla Auditoriums
annual programme, Flamenco Festivals and the International Music
and Dance Festival. The most famous festivities are: Easter Week,
Granada Fair, the Cross Day and Zaidín festivities.
Granada has an ideal geographical location. One may contemplate
the snow-covered summits of Sierra Nevada (the sky resort of Pradollano
-November until April- is just 33 km. from Granada) or the rich,
green countryside of the vega, wander the footpaths of the Alpujarras
or the cave-houses of Guadix, pay a visit to Sevilla, Córdoba
or Málaga, or enjoy Granadas Costa Tropical.
The Escuela Delengua is situated in the heart of Granada, very
close to the Cathedral, beside Plaza Nueva, at the foot of the Albaicín.
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