Door in the Albaicín District

Monday, August 14

In 711, Spain was conquered by the Moors from North Africa and ruled the area for the next 800 years. This Arab influence can still be seen particularly well today in the Andalusia region of southern Spain. There are still many impressive houses and magnificent buildings in Granada in which the Arab rulers lived. You can marvel at the Arabic architecture, especially in the Muslim district of “Albaicín”. In the many small streets there are also markets where colorful patterned clothes, all kinds of spices and souvenirs are sold.

Arab rule left its mark not only here in the district, but also in other places in the city of Granada. There are various Arabic restaurants and cafés throughout the city, often with menus written in Arabic. The detailed, patterned tiles that can be found throughout the city are also quite impressive and show once again how Moroccan art spread throughout the city of Granada and was appreciated even after the end of Arab rule.

The best way to understand the influence of Muslim rule over Spain is to spend a few hours strolling through the colorful streets of the Albaicín district, admiring the architecture and having dinner in one of the many restaurants.