The Albaicín is the oldest part of Granada, founded by the Arabs in the 11th century. The Albaicín is famous for its white houses, most of them with red roofs and decorated with flowers and plants. It is an area where you can feel the flavour of Moorish Spain.
Did you know that the word albaicin means "white" in Arabic? It was given this name because of all the white limestone houses that are still preserved today. These are the kind of things that will make you remember your visit to this popular and famous neighbourhood of Granada with a smile on your face, so there is nothing better than hiring a free tour with professional guides like the ones we offer you at GuruWalk to make sure you don't miss any detail and get to know all these aspects.
Granada's Albaicín was the original Muslim settlement of the city and its layout, narrow streets and whitewashed houses create a picturesque place that has been put on maps as one worth visiting for tourists.
In the Albaicín you can find beautiful architecture from the Muslim era, including many mosques with white minarets. You will also see many narrow streets that have been preserved with traditional white buildings over the years.
Streets such as Caldereria. This street is lined with arches and houses painted in a variety of colours, and is also home to many small shops. It is one of the city's main tourist attractions, as it has been preserved from its origins.
This street is one of the few places where you can see how old Granada was before it became a tourist attraction. The various souvenir shops located in the Calle Calderería del Albaicín display some of Granada's most popular items, such as ceramics, woollen jumpers, olive oil and other traditional foods.
After strolling along this famous street you can enjoy the best panoramic views of the Alhambra from the neighbourhood's viewpoint and then stroll along the Paseo de los Tristes.
The most recognisable point of interest here is the old Muslim cemetery converted into a garden where you can enjoy the peace and serenity of a place from the past.
Along the Carrera del Darro you can enjoy a stroll along the river to finally end up at the Casa Castrill.
The Casa Castrill is a historic building that has been converted into a tourist attraction.
In 1438, the house was inhabited by Don Fernán Pérez de Guzmán. Fernán was a member of one of the most important families in Spain. He gave the house to his son, Luis Pérez de Guzmán. Luis became Marquis of Comares and Governor General and President of Jaén, Almería, Murcia and Valencia in 1523. He also resided in Casa Castrill during his rule as governor general and president from 1523-1527 until his death on 16 July 1527.
The façade of this palace is very famous and there is a legend related to it. Don't forget to ask the guide about it.