The Sacromonte quarter in Granada

The Sacromonte quarter of Granada has a special mystery and a special charm, inspiring thousands of artists in their works and surprising its visitors because of its mountains, its cave houses, its viewpoints, its Abbey and its customs.

Would you like to discover why the Sacromonte neighbourhood is special? Stay and read our post, we show you everything you need to know below!

History of the Sacromonte

The Darro River flows through the Valparaíso valley in Granada, with the Alhambra on one bank and the Sacromonte quarter on the other.

During the 14th century there was a great cultural variety throughout the city of Granada, as Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisted on the same land. However, in 1492, Granada was taken by the Catholic Monarchs, who decreed the obligatory conversion to Christianity. Otherwise, they had to leave Granada, so Jews and Muslims left the city.

As a result, many of these people fled to the outskirts and settled in the Sacromonte quarter, where control was not so exhaustive.

In addition, as the population of Granada dwindled, nomadic gypsies from Europe and Africa were allowed to settle in this neighbourhood. This neighbourhood was filled with humble people, artists and bohemians who began to build houses in the rock.

Caves of Sacromonte

Without a doubt, the caves are the most identifiable element of the Sacromonte quarter, being one of the main tourist attractions of the place.

They were built by the Jews, Moors and gypsies to be used as dwellings. Initially, these houses had only a few rooms and resources, but over time, kitchens, bedrooms and fireplaces were added, thus creating a rural home.

These caves have the characteristic of maintaining a good temperature in both winter and summer, and those located in the highest part of the mountain belonged to the poorest and most humble families.

It is worth mentioning that there is a museum dedicated to these caves in Sacromonte where we can see what these constructions were like hundreds of years ago and learn about the experience of the people who lived in them. We can also discover the many legends that lie within their walls.

The Abbey of Sacromonte

Another of the most outstanding places in the Sacromonte quarter is its Abbey, which was built in the 17th and 18th century by the archbishop Don Pedro de Castro, when the remains of San Cecilio, the patron saint of the city, were discovered there.

In addition, other relics were found, such as the plombic books, and thousands of people began to make pilgrimages to the site.

Thus a monument was erected that stands out for its cultural, artistic and religious ensemble, which offers architecture, decoration and works of art in its interior that produce great admiration. It also offers magnificent views of the Alhambra and the city of Granada.

Flamenco in the Sacromonte quarter of Granada

Sacromonte became one of the most influential cradles of flamenco in Andalusia, being a hallmark of the city of Granada.

Its origin is to be found in the dances and celebrations that took place in this place in events such as weddings, highlighting the influence and combination of Jewish, Arab and gypsy culture.

Thus, the name Zambra was born, which refers to the festivities held in Sacromonte. Nowadays, there are also shows in which great musicians and dancers take part.

Viewpoints of Sacromonte

Finally, to know in depth the Sacromonte neighbourhood of Granada, we could not forget to mention its viewpoints, as they become a place of disconnection and relaxation from which to observe the beauty of the city at sunset.

For this reason, it is necessary to visit the Poniente viewpoint, the Vereda de Enmedio viewpoint or the Placeta de la Lomilla viewpoint, among others. This way, we can admire the Alhambra, the Albaicín, the city centre and even the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Why take a route through the Sacromonte quarter of Granada?

As you have seen throughout this article on the Sacromonte quarter of Granada, its geographical characteristics, the culture of its inhabitants and the richness of its heritage make it an enclave of great importance for the province of Granada. Thus, there are many tourists who decide to stroll through its streets and visit its beautiful sites.

Would you like to know more about the Sacromonte neighbourhood? Book a tour on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada and discover the most surprising corners of this beautiful place!