Granada’s Albaycin (Albaicín) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Granada’s Albaycin (Albaicín) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Declared a UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1984, the Albayzín (or Albaicín) is the old Moorish quarter of Granada. It is built up on a hillside facing the Alhambra and is characterized by steep steps, white-washed alleys and buildings, churches, quaint plazas, and dramatic viewpoints.

The quarter was established when Moors (driven out by the Christians) fled the town of Baeza, near Jaen, in the 13th century. Granada – under the control of the Nasrid dynasty – was soon to be the last stronghold of a Muslim empire that had at one point included all of Spain and Portugal. During the next two hundred years the Albaycin grew: more than 30 mosques were built and the population expanded to over 40,000 inhabitants. Villas with lush gardens were built and Arab baths multiplied.

Moorish rule ended in 1492 when the sultan of Granada surrendered the city and handed over the keys of the Alhambra to the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. Initially Muslims were allowed to continue practicing their religion but by 1501 the new rulers mandated that Granada’s Muslims convert or emigrate. Many of the elite Muslim class emigrated to North Africa but most of the population converted.

The Albaycin is a bit of a labyrinth and it is easy to get lost. We stayed in the quarter for a week and even then would sometimes go down a wrong street when trying to head home. There are several pretty churches worth seeing (all built on top of old mosques) and there are some great viewpoints: you can’t miss Mirador de San Nicolas or, further up, the Mirador de San Cristobal. The quarter is also great for tapa-hopping – our favorite little square was Placeta de San Miguel Bajo where there are a few tapas bars in front of a church.

views of the Alhambra from the Albaycin, Granada

But the best thing is to just explore. There’s lots to see in the neighborhood and lots of different views of the Alhambra and the city of Granada. If on limited time, I recommend a tour – this tour includes the best of the Albaycin (including the most scenic viewpoints).

Where to Stay in Granada

As much as we like the Albaycin, we don’t recommend staying in the neighborhood. You’re best off in the city center where you’re close to everything and it’s easier to find you way around.

See this post: The Best Hotels in Granada (for all budgets). I give you a whole bunch of options in all price ranges.