Essential Granada And Royal Chapel

See Granada’s most important Moorish-influenced attractions, including Carlos V Palace and the Albaicin neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering drive inland to Granada, the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492. The capital of the Andalusia region, Granada boasts a wealth of extraordinary architecture, including the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex, your first stop. Construction on the palace began in the early 16th century, following a Renaissance ground plan with a circular courtyard within a square building—the only one of its kind in Spain. Amazingly, a monarch has never lived in the palace, nor did it even have a roof until 1957. Next, walk down the Albaicin quarter, an ancient Moorish neighborhood of winding streets and whitewashed houses. During Granada’s modernization, the Albaicin was almost destroyed, but preservationists prevailed. While wandering about, you may see the remains of an Arab bath complex, some original Moorish homes and plenty of unique stores selling handmade merchandise. Continue to browse a former Moorish-influenced gran Market, the only fully preserved in the Iberian Peninsula. Called “The Corral del Carbón” and built in the fourteenth century, served as a warehouse for merchandise to be sold there, as well as housing the merchants who passed through the city. Later, it was used as a hostel and as coal warehouse in their basement; that's where his current name comes from. After that, in the sixteenth century, Christians adapted it for theatrical performances. Lastly, you will also visit the Capilla Real or Royal Chapel, where the remains of Queen Isabella and her husband Ferdinand lie. Finally, enjoy free time to shop or have lunch on your own in one of the many atmospheric bars and restaurant in the surroundings