Falling in love with Granada

Oh Granada how I do love you! You are the city in my dreams; ethereal, beautiful and brimming with historical significance. I feel like I might be cheating on Sevilla by this admission (since it was actually the city I lived in) but in all honesty it can not triumph the wonder of Granada.

Granada itself is located the Andalusian province of Spain nestled in the Sierra Nevada's. Over the centuries this location became vital for the kingdom, to ensure the fortified military complex could see any approaching armies. Sitting on top of the highest hill is the famed Alhambra, which can be seen from most parts of the city. The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica which by starlight is silver but by sunlight is transformed into gold. Within its palace walls have lived some of the most influential historical figures, such as Fernando and Isabella, Emperor Carlos V and much later in history, the author Washington Irving.

Within the city, an intricate grid of alleyways decorated with Moorish arches, still exists from Middle Ages where it was the site of the Great Bazaar of Granada. Now most of this portion of the city is filled with tourist shops, but there are still a good amount of old Moorish inspired tea shops. While sitting on cushions on the floor, you can order up infused teas or if you are bold enough try smoking from a hookah pipe.

The wonders of Granada are endless and I definitely recommend making a stop there when in Spain. It is so very worth it!