The Allure of Granada

Terra-cotta tile roofs. Flamenco dancers in bright, flashy attire. Row upon row of small white houses contrasted by a huge palace on a hill. This is not a fantasy scene from a Shakespearean romance, but a real place, located in the sunny country of Spain. Since the era of the Renaissance, Granada has been a hotbed of mystery, timeless beauty, alluring stories, and hidden crevices.

Set against the amazing backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is ancient and filled with historical drama. From Roman and Celtic times, settlements of both contrasting cultures stood at the site of Granada, but soon sank into the earth as centuries passed. As time progressed to the Middle Ages, warriors and travelers of Arabic stock made a lasting impression on the history of Granada. They were known as Moors, possibly derived from the Latin word "mauritius" meaning dark-skinned. These Moors were Muslim, and set up a huge Islamic kingdom in the heart of Andalusian Spain. For hundreds of years the Arabic culture flourished in Granada, and in the 13th century, the impressive Alhambra palace was completed. Throughout this residence truly fit for a sultan, the vestiges of Moorish culture may still be seen today.

After King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella came into power, a decree was sent out that no Moors should be left in Spain, and those would not leave were forced at sword point to convert to Christianity. As Spain once again became a Catholic country, the Moors were forgotten, but their contributions to Granada are visible in every nook and crevice of this ancient city. For many, Granada sums up the aura of Spain, and once you walk among the sunny medieval streets and fortresses, you will easily see why.