History Of Granada

Founded near a Roman settlement by the Moors back in the 8th century, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Granada was incorporated into Moorish Spain (1036 to 1234). Granada became most prominent at the end this period due to the Moors losing much of their Spanish territory, including Córdoba, and the remaining Arab territory was subsequently named the kingdom of Granada.

The Golden Age

Not long after, Granada entered its ‘Golden Age’, with this period in the city’s history being well known for its art and literature. This was also the time that work began on the Alhambra (1248), Granada’s biggest attraction and one of the finest Arab buildings ever constructed. After the Spanish conquest of the kingdom of Granada (1492), much of Alhambra was altered by the Christians and later it was almost destroyed by Napoleon and an earthquake.

Many other important buildings came onto the Granada skyline during these periods, which are still major attractions today. These include: Granada University; the Granada Cathedral, which was 180 years in the making; and the adjoining Royal Chapel. La Alhambra was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1984, as was the Albaicín (Arab Quarter) 10 years later.

As with much of Spain, Granada was in economic decline in the 19th and early 20th centuries, while in the 1920s, there was somewhat of an artistic movement in the city, with many famed artists and composers settling here including the likes of Federico García Lorca and composer Manuel de Falla.

Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939) was another significant event in Granada’s history, which ended in turmoil with the capturing of Granada by the nationalists, while the loyalists held onto Granada province during the uprising. The dictator General Franco took the reins at the end of the conflict and remained in power until his death in 1975.

Like much of Spain, Granada prospered after the death of Franco and the city plays host to many international conventions and celebrations, while the Alhambra continues to draw in the crowds from all four corners of the globe.

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