91制片厂

My name is Charlotte, and I鈥檓 a sophomore currently studying abroad in Granada, Spain. Along with about 23 other 91制片厂 students, I am taking part in the 91制片厂-managed , offered through . I am sharing some of my experiences and observations of Spanish culture throughout the semester here on 91制片厂 Tales.听You can read all of my previous posts听here.

Today, I鈥檓 continuing my 鈥淓xploring Granada鈥� series in which I highlight historic sites and neighborhoods throughout the city of Granada鈥�

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Today I鈥檒l guide you through one of my favorite neighborhoods in Granada, the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 (alternatively spelled 础濒产补测锄铆苍). The 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 is the Arab quarter of Granada, founded by the Moors who听ruled Granada during Medieval times.

Between the whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and bright, geometric doorways, it鈥檚 easy to see the Arab influence in this eccentric neighborhood.

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It鈥檚 hard to turn a corner in the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 without happening upon an intricate doorway or pretty view. Because the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 is situated on a hill opposite the incredible , the scenic views are frequent.

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Along with the Alhambra, the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, bringing global attention (and subsequent tourists) to this area of the city.

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The 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 is always buzzing with people, whether they are shopping for unique goods and textiles at the Arab markets, drinking tea at the 迟别迟别谤铆补蝉, or taking in the incredible views from the many miradors (look-out spots). It is easy to get away from the crowds, however, in one of the many tiny, winding streets of the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍.

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One of the most incredible things about the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 is the feeling of authenticity. Although there are tourists, there are also locals bustling about their neighborhood, mopeds speeding by, overgrown gardens spilling over the walls, and paint peeling from the aging houses.

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One of the defining characteristics of the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 is the abundance of carmenes, homes that are separated from the street by a high wall and contain outdoor spaces with gardens, small fountains or ponds, and fruit trees. You can easily spot these beautiful carmenes by their tall walls covered in ivy or grapevines, and oftentimes there is a sign stating the name of the carmen. Many of them have been converted into restaurants or event spaces, so you are able to wander around and get a sense of the tranquility that these unique homes provide their residents.

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One of the larger streets of the 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 runs along the River Darro and has great views of the Alhambra, which sits atop the hill right across the river. After a few blocks, the Carrera del Darro turns into the Paseo del Padre Manj贸n, which was named in honor of a monk from Granada who founded a school for the marginalized gypsy children of the Sacromonte neighborhood.

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The 础濒产补颈肠铆苍 has served as an eccentric backdrop to centuries of fascinating history, making it an incredible cultural asset to Granada and an amazing place to explore.

Missed my post about the Alhambra? Catch up听here听and read my other posts from Spain听here. The next installment in 鈥淓xploring Granada鈥澨齱ill take you through the听fascinating听Sacromonte听neighborhood, so stay tuned!

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