The Albaicín is the oldest part of Granada, in Andalusia, rising on a hill across the Darro valley from the Alhambra. The site was an Iberian settlement and the Roman town of Iliberri, and it became the centre of the Zirid kingdom of Granada after 1013, when Zawi ibn Ziri moved the capital from Elvira. The Zirid Alcazaba Qadima, parts of the city wall and the Puerta de Elvira still stand. When Muhammad I founded the Nasrid dynasty in 1238, the court moved to the Alhambra, but the Albaicín stayed the main residential and commercial quarter, with more than 30 mosques. After 1492 the Moriscos were forced to convert. In 1568–1571 the Morisco revolt broke out nearby in the Alpujarras. The quarter kept its narrow street plan and its cármenes, houses with walled gardens. It was added to the UNESCO list in 1994.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open air, 24 hours |
| Address | Plaza Larga, 18010 Granada, Spain |
Why it matters
The medieval Muslim quarter of Granada and the earliest settlement of the city, listed by UNESCO in 1994.
Location
Plaza Larga, 18010 Granada, Spain
37.1814, -3.5946 View on map
Highlights
- Zirid walls and the Puerta de Elvira
- Cármenes with walled gardens
- Plaza Larga and the Mirador de San Nicolás
- Moorish street plan
Tips for visiting
- Walk in the morning to avoid heat
- Use minibuses C31 and C34 to climb
- Keep to lit streets at night
- Look for ceramic plaques naming old mosques
- Carry water
When to visit
Morning or sunset.
Accessibility
Steep cobbled streets; minibuses help.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Albaicín important?
It preserves the medieval street plan of Muslim Granada.
Is it safe?
Yes, with the usual precautions at night.
Can it be seen on foot?
Yes, in 2–3 hours.