Mirador de San Nicolas

When you visit the unmissable Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada to see the breath-taking views of the Alhambra palace. Expect to see the Snow capped Sierra Nevada and the city of Granada below.

Follow on by continuing to explore further into the neighbourhood. In fact a few steps away is the centre of the Albaicin. Enjoy wandering the narrow streets, lined with quaint whitewashed homes and coloured ceramic tiles. This quarter was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 due to it´s unique character and history. The neighbourhood was founded around mid 8th century. At the time Asap ben Abderrahman had a fortress built on the site of the Mirador in the Albaicin.

Insider Tip: If the Mirador de San Nicolas is really busy, pop into the garden of the Mosque next door for the same view and no crowds

Don´t miss the unique Aljibes or water deposits in this part of Granada. These unique architectural features were the lifeline to homes, like wells, they supplied water to the local families centuries ago. On Plaza San Nicolas there is one of the largest ones. 

 

As you leave the view behind you, walk to the foot of the Church tower at the Mirador San Nicolas. Now open so you can climb the tower (you need to pay a small fee to scale the steps). Beyond the church a few restaurants with tables outside on the square, Kiki San Nicolas for example. Walk along past these terraces across to reach he narrow street Callejon de San Cecilio.  

San Cecilio

This cobbled street has the Chapel of Saint Cecil on the right hand side. built in 1752, Saint Cecil is the Patron of the city of Granada. You can see that part of the hermitage building formed by an old, almost ruined wall this dates from the 10th century.

As we continue down the street at the bottom on the right we come to the Arco de las Pesas (Arch of the weights) or Calle Puerta Nueva (New Gate street). Walk through this gate onto Plaza Larga. 

 

Albaicin´s main square

This huge 11th century archway leads into the Plaza Larga. (Long Square) Its traditionally a marketplace. The heart of the Albaicin. The archway used to make up a part of the city wall. In Plaza Larga on the third Sunday of each month they hold a market similar to a Farmer´s market. Selling local produce and some crafts.  From 11am.

 

The name of the archway takes it´s name from the weights which were confiscated from dodgy traders conning their customers selling lighter items. The weights were nailed up high on the archway after the culprits were caught. As a warning to other traders. Although they are high up out of reach you can see the metal pieces clearly on the wall.

Arco de las Pesas

A little further along is the Casa Pasteles. A great spot to have an ice cream or coffee with a cake too. They have a large variety of local cakes and pastries, including the local Piononos too. 

If you choose to walk back down to the city from here. Walk up the Calle Agua just beside the Casa Pasteles door. Then wander down the Calle Pages (more or less the main street in this area) You will find several shops and businesses along Calle Agua and Calle Pages as this is the main commercial area of the Albaicin district. 

If you keep going down this street and in a downwards directions you will come back into the city. Coming our close to Plaza Nueva or along the Paseo de los Tristes. I hope you enjoyed this virtual walk around a little corner of Granada with me!

Travel Resources to Plan Your Visit

Here are a few resources to help you plan your visit to the Albaicin, Granada:

• Book a tour of the Albaicin
• Find the perfect hotel or apartment with Alhambra Views on Booking.com
• Plan your trip to with these Guide Books
• Find out more from Local guides and Experiences.
• Don´t forget to arrange your Travel Insurance cover
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