Sometimes we seek out distant, remote and exotic destinations to fall in love with, and we don’t appreciate what we have right on our doorstep. It may come as a surprise, but yes, one of the destinations of my life is undoubtedly Granada.
We began our visit at the Alcazaba, the Plaza de Armas, and the Adarves garden. I was fascinated by the light it gives off, the stone and its golden sparkles, and the feeling of peace.
What can I say about the Nasrid Palaces? The Mozarabic works, the courtyard of the lions, with the sound of water, the coolness, the colour, and the art. It gave me goosebumps. With goosebumps already, we arrived at the Court of the Myrtles, with its lights and shadows, the great tower in front of it, the smell of jasmine and orange blossom… It is so imposing that silence falls outside, because people hold their breath. It is magical, but the best was yet to come.
At one of the viewpoints of the Palace of the Lions, with one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen, the city and its imposing cathedral at our feet, with Sacromonte and Albaicín in front of us, our emotions running high, the guide explained: “The Mexican writer Francisco de Icaza, married to a woman from Granada, on his first visit to the city, stumbled upon a blind beggar asking for alms, and said to his wife: ‘Give him alms, woman, for there is nothing in life like the sorrow of being blind in Granada’”. This phrase struck me, and I realised what a misfortune it must be not to see Granada.
I fell in love and I continue to
fall in love every time I
go to Granada.
Stroll through the Albaicín, the oldest neighbourhood in the city, with its narrow streets and beautiful light. Its history is evident on every corner, and its viewpoints and terraces are a luxury and a haven of peace. Top it all off with a night in Sacromonte, stroll through the gypsy quarter with its caves and lively taverns, listen to gypsy singing or hear the stomping of a flamenco dancer’s feet echoing through the streets. It’s like something out of a Disney film.
When you return to reality, the city remains special, even its most modern neighbourhoods, surrounded by mountains, with pure air, healthy freshness, a pleasant smell and the centre with its cathedral, the cradle of Spanish history with the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs inside. And if you have time, don’t miss the Alpujarras, the mountains with the most beautiful white villages and the most lush springs in Andalusia. What more could you ask for in a city? I fell in love and continue to fall in love every time I visit Granada. I always thank God for giving me the sight to see it.
