Grenada

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This article is about the island country in the Caribbean. For the city and province in Spain,
see Granada. For New Granada (a Spanish colonial province), see Viceroyalty of New
Granada. For the Grenadine Islands, see Grenadines.
For other uses, see Grenada (disambiguation).

Coordinates: 12°07′N 61°40′W

Grenada

Flag

Coat of arms

Motto: "Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, Build and

Advance as One People"[1]
Anthem: Hail Grenada

Menu

0:00

Royal anthem: God Save the Queen

Map indicating the location of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles

Capital St. George's
and largest city 12°03′N 61°45′W
Official languages  English
Recognised Grenadian Creole English
regional languages Grenadian Creole French

Ethnic groups  82% African

(2011[2])  13% Mixed
  2% East Indian
 1% Other

 1% Unspecified (includes
indigenous)
Demonym(s) Grenadian[3]
Unitary two-party parliamentary
Government system under a constitutional
monarchy

• Monarch Elizabeth II
• Governor-General Cécile La Grenade
• Prime Minister Keith Mitchell
Legislature Parliament
• Upper house Senate
• Lower house House of Representatives
Formation

• Associated State 3 March 1967

• Independence from the
7 February 1974
United Kingdom
• Grenadian Revolution 13 March 1979
• Constitution Restoration 4 December 1984
Area
• Total 348.5 km2 (134.6 sq mi) (185th)
• Water (%) 1.6
Population
• 2016 estimate 107,317[4] (185th)
• Density 318.58/km2 (825.1/sq mi) (45th)
GDP (PPP) 2019 estimate
• Total $1.801 billion[5]
• Per capita $16,604[5]
GDP (nominal) 2019 estimate
• Total $1.249 billion[5]
• Per capita $11,518[5]
0.772[6]
HDI (2017)
high · 75th
Currency East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Time zone UTC−4
Driving side left
Calling code +1-473
ISO 3166 code GD
Internet TLD .gd
a. Plus trace of Arawak / Carib.

Grenada (/ɡrɪˈneɪdə/ ( listen) grih-NAY-də) is a country in the West Indies in the Caribbean
Sea at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain. Grenada consists of the island of
Grenada itself plus six smaller islands which lie to the north of the main island. It is located
northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, northeast of Venezuela and southwest of Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines. Its size is 348.5 square kilometres (134.6 sq mi), and it had an estimated
population of 107,317[4] in 2016. Its capital is St. George's. Grenada is also known as the
"Island of Spice" due to its production of nutmeg and mace crops, of which it is one of the
world's largest exporters. The national bird of Grenada is the critically endangered Grenada
dove.

Before the arrival of Europeans in the Americas, Grenada was inhabited by the indigenous
Arawaks and later by the Island Caribs. Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada in 1498
during his third voyage to the Americas. Although it was deemed the property of the King of
Spain, there are no records to suggest the Spanish ever landed or settled on the island.
Following several unsuccessful attempts by Europeans to colonise the island due to resistance
from the Island Caribs, French settlement and colonisation began in 1650 and continued for
the next century. On 10 February 1763, Grenada was ceded to the British under the Treaty of
Paris. British rule continued, except for a period of French rule between 1779 and 1783, until
1974. From 1958 to 1962, Grenada was part of the Federation of the West Indies, a short-lived
federation of British West Indian colonies. On 3 March 1967, Grenada was granted full
autonomy over its internal affairs as an Associated State. Herbert Blaize was the first Premier
of the Associated State of Grenada from March to August 1967. Eric Gairy served as Premier
from August 1967 until February 1974.

Independence was granted on 7 February 1974, without breaking formal ties with the
Commonwealth, under the leadership of Eric Gairy, who became the first Prime Minister of
Grenada, with Queen Elizabeth as Head of State. In March 1979, the Marxist–Leninist New
Jewel Movement overthrew Gairy's government in a coup d'état and established the People's
Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed by Maurice Bishop as Prime Minister. On 19
October 1983, hard-line Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard and his wife Phyllis, backed
by the Grenadian Army, led a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop and placed
Bishop under house arrest. Bishop was later freed by popular demonstration and attempted to
resume power, but he was captured and executed by soldiers, and replaced with a military
council chaired by Hudson Austin. On 25 October 1983, forces from the United States and the
Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) invaded Grenada in a U.S.-led operation
code-named Operation Urgent Fury. The invasion was highly criticised by the governments
of Britain, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada, along with the United Nations General
Assembly. Elections were held in December 1984 and were won by the Grenada National
Party under Herbert Blaize, who served as Prime Minister until his death in December 1989.

Contents
 1 Etymology
 2 History
o 2.1 French colony (1649–1763)
o 2.2 British colony (1763–1974)
o 2.3 Toward independence (1950–1974)
o 2.4 Post-independence coups (1974–1983)
o 2.5 Invasion by the United States (1983)
 2.5.1 Coup and execution of Maurice Bishop
 2.5.2 United States and allied response and reaction
 2.5.3 Post-invasion arrests
o 2.6 Grenada since 1983
 3 Geography
 o 3.1 Climate
 4 Politics
 5 Political parties
o 5.1 Foreign relations
 5.1.1 The Commonwealth
 5.1.2 Organisation of American States (OAS)
 5.1.3 Summits of the Americas
 5.1.4 Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty
 5.1.5 FATCA
o 5.2 Military
o 5.3 Administrative divisions
 6 Economy
o 6.1 Agriculture and exports
o 6.2 Tourism
 6.2.1 Natural and historical places
o 6.3 Education
o 6.4 Transport
 7 Demographics
o 7.1 Religion
 8 Language
 9 Culture
 10 Sports
o 10.1 Olympics
o 10.2 Cricket
 11 See also
 12 Notes
 13 References
 14 External links

Etymology
The origin of the name "Grenada" is obscure, but it is likely that Spanish sailors renamed the
island for the city of Granada.[7] By the beginning of the 18th century, the name "Grenada", or
"la Grenade" in French, was in common use.[8]

On his third voyage to the region in 1498, Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada and named
it "La Concepción" in honour of the Virgin Mary. It is said that he may have actually named it
"Assumpción", but it is uncertain, as he is said to have sighted what are now Grenada and
Tobago from a distance and named them both at the same time. However, history has accepted
that it was Tobago he named "Assumpción" and Grenada he named "La Concepción".[7]

In 1499, the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci travelled through the region with the Spanish
explorer Alonso de Ojeda and mapmaker Juan de la Cosa. Vespucci is reported to have
renamed the island "Mayo", which is how it appeared on maps for around the next 20 years.

In the 1520s, the Spanish named the islands to the north of Mayo as Los Granadillos (Little
Granadas), presumably after the mainland Spanish town. Shortly after this, Mayo disappeared
from Spanish maps and an island called "Granada" took its place. Although it was deemed the
property of the King of Spain, there are no records to suggest the Spanish ever landed or
settled on the island.[9]

After French settlement and colonisation in 1652, the French named their colony "La
Grenade". On 10 February 1763, the island of La Grenade was ceded to the British under the
Treaty of Paris. The British renamed it "Grenada", one of many place name anglicisations
they carried out on the island during this time.[10]

History
Main article: History of Grenada

About 2 million years ago, Grenada was formed as an underwater volcano. Grenada was
inhabited by Arawaks and, subsequently, Island Caribs before it was invaded and colonized
by Europeans. Christopher Columbus sighted Grenada in 1498 during his third voyage to the
new world.

French colony (1649–1763)

Main article: French West Indies

In 1649 a French expedition of 203 men from Martinique led by Jacques du Parquet founded
a permanent settlement on Grenada. Within months this led to conflict with the local islanders
which lasted until 1654 when the island was completely subjugated by the French.[11] The
indigenous islanders who survived either left for neighbouring islands or retreated to remoter
parts of Grenada where they were marginalised—the last distinct communities disappeared
during the 1700s.

Warfare continued during the 1600s between the French on Grenada and the Caribs of
present-day Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The French named their new
colony La Grenade, and the economy was initially based on sugar cane and indigo. The
French established a capital known as Fort Royal (later St. George). To shelter from
hurricanes the French navy would often take refuge in the capital's natural harbour, as no
nearby French islands had a natural harbour to compare with that of Fort Royal. The British
captured Grenada during the Seven Years' War in 1762.

British colony (1763–1974)

Main articles: British West Indies, British Windward Islands, and West Indies Federation

Grenada was formally ceded to Britain by the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The French re-captured
the island during the American Revolutionary War, after Comte d'Estaing won the bloody
land and naval Battle of Grenada in July 1779. However the island was restored to Britain
with the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. Britain was hard pressed to overcome a pro-French
revolt in 1795–96 led by Julien Fedon.

Nutmeg was introduced to Grenada in 1843 when a merchant ship called in on its way to
England from the East Indies. The ship had a small quantity of nutmeg trees on board which
they left in Grenada, and this was the beginning of Grenada's nutmeg industry that now
supplies nearly 40% of the world's annual crop.[12]

In 1877 Grenada was made a Crown colony. Theophilus A. Marryshow founded the
Representative Government Association (RGA) in 1917 to agitate for a new and participative
constitutional dispensation for the Grenadian people. Partly as a result of Marryshow's
lobbying, the Wood Commission of 1921–22 concluded that Grenada was ready for
constitutional reform in the form of a modified Crown colony government. This modification
granted Grenadians the right to elect five of the 15 members of the Legislative Council, on a
restricted property franchise enabling the wealthiest 4% of adult Grenadians to vote.[13]
Marryshow was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1943.

Toward independence (1950–1974)

In 1950 Eric Gairy founded the Grenada United Labour Party, initially as a trades union,
which led the 1951 general strike for better working conditions. This sparked great unrest—so
many buildings were set ablaze that the disturbances became known as the "red sky" days—
and the British authorities had to call in military reinforcements to help regain control of the
situation. On October 10, 1951, Grenada held its first general elections on the basis of
universal adult suffrage,[14] with Gairy's party winning six of the eight seats contested.[14] From
1958 to 1962 Grenada was part of the Federation of the West Indies.

On March 3, 1967, Grenada was granted full autonomy over its internal affairs as an
Associated State. Herbert Blaize was the first Premier of the Associated State of Grenada
from March to August 1967. Eric Gairy served as Premier from August 1967 until February
1974.

Post-independence coups (1974–1983)

Maurice Bishop visiting East Germany, 1982

Independence was granted on February 7, 1974, under the leadership of Eric Gairy, who
became the first Prime Minister of Grenada.

Civil conflict gradually broke out between Eric Gairy's government and some opposition
parties including the Marxist New Jewel Movement (NJM). Gairy's party won elections in
1976. The opposition did not accept the result, accusing it of fraud.

In March 1979, the New Jewel Movement launched a coup which removed Gairy, suspended
the constitution, and established a People's Revolutionary Government (PRG), headed by
Maurice Bishop who declared himself prime minister. His Marxist–Leninist government
established close ties with Cuba, Nicaragua, and other communist bloc countries. All political
parties except for the New Jewel Movement were banned and no elections were held during
the four years of PRG rule.

Invasion by the United States (1983)

Main article: Invasion of Grenada

Members of the Eastern Caribbean Defence Force during the 1983 invasion of Grenada

Coup and execution of Maurice Bishop

Some years later a dispute developed between Bishop and certain high-ranking members of
the NJM. Though Bishop cooperated with Cuba and the USSR on various trade and foreign
policy issues, he sought to maintain a "non-aligned" status. Bishop had been taking his time
making Grenada wholly socialist, encouraging private-sector development in an attempt to
make the island a popular tourist destination. Hardline Marxist party members, including
communist Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard, deemed Bishop insufficiently
revolutionary and demanded that he either step down or enter into a power-sharing
arrangement.

On October 19, 1983, Bernard Coard and his wife Phyllis, backed by the Grenadian Army, led
a coup against the government of Maurice Bishop and placed Bishop under house arrest.
These actions led to street demonstrations in various parts of the island. Bishop had enough
support from the population that he was eventually freed after a demonstration in the capital.
When Bishop attempted to resume power, he was captured and executed by soldiers along
with seven others, including government cabinet ministers.[clarification needed] The Coard regime
then put the island under martial law.

After the execution of Bishop, the People's Revolutionary Army (PRA) formed a Military-
Marxist government with General Hudson Austin as chairman. The army declared a four-day
total curfew, during which anyone leaving their home without approval would be shot on
sight.[15]

United States and allied response and reaction

M102 howitzers of 320th Field Artillery Regiment firing during the 1983 invasion of Grenada

The overthrow of a moderate government by one which was strongly pro-communist worried
the administration of US President Ronald Reagan. Particularly worrying was the presence of
Cuban construction workers and military personnel who were building a 10,000-foot
(3,000 m) airstrip on Grenada.[16]
Bishop had stated the purpose of the airstrip was to allow commercial jets to land, but US
military analysts argued that the only reason for constructing such a long and reinforced
runway was so that it could be used by heavy military transport planes. The contractors,
American and European companies, and the EEC, which provided partial funding, all claimed
the airstrip did not have military capabilities.[16] Reagan was worried that Cuba – under the
direction of the Soviet Union – would use Grenada as a refuelling stop for Cuban and Soviet
aeroplanes loaded with weapons destined for Central American communist insurgents.[17]

On October 25, 1983, combined forces from the United States and from the Regional Security
System (RSS) based in Barbados invaded Grenada in an operation codenamed Operation
Urgent Fury. The US stated this was done at the behest of Prime Minister Eugenia Charles of
Dominica. While the Governor-General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, later stated that he had
also requested the invasion,[18] it was highly criticised by the governments of Britain, Trinidad
and Tobago, and Canada. The United Nations General Assembly condemned it as "a flagrant
violation of international law" by a vote of 108 in favour to 9, with 27 abstentions.[19][20] The
United Nations Security Council considered a similar resolution, which was supported by 11
nations and opposed by only one — the United States, which vetoed the motion.[21]

Post-invasion arrests

After the invasion of the island nation, the pre-revolutionary Grenadian constitution came into
operation once again. Eighteen members of the PRG and the PRA (army) were arrested after
the invasion on charges related to the murder of Maurice Bishop and seven others. The
eighteen included the top political leadership of Grenada at the time of the execution as well
as the entire military chain of command directly responsible for the operation that led to the
executions. Fourteen were sentenced to death, one was found not guilty and three were
sentenced to 45 years in prison. The death sentences were eventually commuted to terms of
imprisonment. Those in prison have become known as the Grenada 17.

Grenada since 1983

When US troops withdrew from Grenada in December 1983, Nicholas Brathwaite of the
National Democratic Congress was appointed prime minister of an interim administration by
Scoon until elections could be organised. The first democratic elections since 1976 were held
in December 1984, and were won by the Grenada National Party under Herbert Blaize who
served as prime minister until his death in December 1989.

Ben Jones succeeded Blaize as prime minister and served until the March 1990 election,
which was won by the National Democratic Congress under Nicholas Brathwaite who
returned as prime minister for a second time until he resigned in February 1995. He was
succeeded by George Brizan who served until the June 1995 election which was won by the
New National Party under Keith Mitchell who went on to win the 1999 and 2003 elections
and served for a record 13 years until 2008.

In 2000–02, much of the controversy of the late 1970s and early 1980s was once again
brought into the public consciousness with the opening of the truth and reconciliation
commission. The commission was chaired by a Roman Catholic priest, Father Mark Haynes,
and was tasked with uncovering injustices arising from the PRA, Bishop's regime, and before.
It held a number of hearings around the country. Brother Robert Fanovich, head of
Presentation Brothers' College (PBC) in St. George's tasked some of his senior students with
conducting a research project into the era and specifically into the fact that Maurice Bishop's
body was never discovered.[22] Paterson also uncovered that there was still a lot of resentment
in Grenadian society resulting from the era and a feeling that there were many injustices still
unaddressed.

On September 7, 2004, after being hurricane-free for 49 years, the island was directly hit by
Hurricane Ivan. Ivan struck as a Category 3 hurricane and damaged or destroyed 90% of the
island's homes. On July 14, 2005, Hurricane Emily, a Category 1 hurricane at the time, struck
the northern part of the island with 80-knot (150 km/h; 92 mph) winds, causing an estimated
USD $110 million (EC$297 million) worth of damage. By December 2005, 96% of all hotel
rooms were open for business and to have been upgraded in facilities and strengthened to an
improved building code.[citation needed] The agricultural industry and in particular the nutmeg
industry suffered serious losses, but that event has begun changes in crop management and it
is hoped that as new nutmeg trees gradually mature, the industry will return to its pre-Ivan
position as a major supplier in the Western world.[citation needed]

In April 2007, Grenada jointly hosted (along with several other Caribbean nations) the 2007
Cricket World Cup. The Island's Prime Minister was the CARICOM representative on cricket
and was instrumental in having the World Cup games brought to the region. After Hurricane
Ivan, the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) paid for the new $40 million
national stadium and provided the aid of over 300 labourers to build and repair it.[23] During
the opening ceremony, the anthem of the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) was accidentally
played instead of the PRC's anthem, leading to the firing of top officials.[24][25]

The 2008 election was won by the National Democratic Congress under Tillman Thomas.

The 2013 election was won by the New National Party under Keith Mitchell winning all 15
seats.

The 2018 election held on March 13, 2018, was won by the New National Party under Keith
Mitchell winning all 15 seats.

Geography
Main article: Geography of Grenada
A map of Grenada

An aerial photo of the capital St George's

The island of Carriacou is the largest island in the Grenadines. It is located between the
Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. Smaller islands are Petite
Martinique, Ronde Island, Caille Island, Diamond Island, Large Island, Saline Island, and
Frigate Island. Most of the population lives on Grenada, and major towns there include the
capital, St. George's, Grenville and Gouyave. The largest settlement on the other islands is
Hillsborough on Carriacou.

The islands are of volcanic origin with extremely rich soil. Grenada's interior is very
mountainous with Mount St. Catherine being the highest at 840 m (2,760 ft). Several small
rivers with beautiful waterfalls flow into the sea from these mountains.

Climate
The climate is tropical: hot and humid in the rainy season and cooled by the trade winds in the
dry season. Grenada, being on the southern edge of the hurricane belt, has suffered only three
hurricanes in fifty years.

Hurricane Janet passed over Grenada on September 23, 1955, with winds of 185 km/h
(115 mph), causing severe damage. The most recent storms to hit have been Hurricane Ivan
on September 7, 2004, causing severe damage and thirty-nine deaths and Hurricane Emily on
July 14, 2005, causing serious damage in Carriacou and in the north of Grenada which had
been relatively lightly affected by Hurricane Ivan.

Politics
Main article: Politics of Grenada

Grenada is a Commonwealth realm. As Queen of Grenada, Elizabeth II is head of state. The

Crown is represented by a governor-general, currently Cécile La Grenade. Day-to-day
executive power lies with the head of government, the prime minister. Although appointed by
the governor-general, the prime minister is usually the leader of the largest party in the
Parliament.

The Parliament consists of a Senate (thirteen members) and a House of Representatives

(fifteen members). The senators are appointed by the government and the opposition, while
the representatives are elected by the population for five-year terms.

On February 19, 2013, Prime Minister Keith Claudius Mitchell, 65, led the New National
Party (NNP) to victory with a clean sweep of 15 seats. Mitchell is Grenada's ninth prime
minister since it attained political independence from the United Kingdom in 1974.

On March 13th, 2018, Prime Minister Keith C. Mitchell, led the New National Party (NNP) to
victory again. Securing all 15 seats.

Political parties
 National Democratic Congress (Grenada)
 New National Party
 Grenada United Labour Party

Foreign relations

Further information: Foreign relations of Grenada

Grenada is a full and participating member of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The Commonwealth

Grenada is, along with much of the Caribbean region, a member of the Commonwealth of
Nations. The organisation, which is primarily the old British colonies, focuses on fostering
international relations between its members.
Organisation of American States (OAS)

Grenada is one of the thirty five (35) states which has ratified the OAS charter and is a
member of the Organisation.[26] The Charter of the Organisation of American States was
signed in Bogota in 1948 and was amended by several protocols which were agreed to in
different countries. The naming convention which is used with respect to the naming of the
protocols is name of the city and the year in which the Protocol was signed, being included in
the Protocol, such as Cartagena de Indias in 1985, Managua 1993, according to the website of
the OAS.[27]

Grenada entered into the Inter-American system in 1975 according to the OAS's website.[28]

Summits of the Americas

The last Summit of the Americas, the seventh, was held in Panama City, Panama in 2015 with
the eight summit being held in Lima, Peru in 2018 according to the website of the Summits of
Americas.[29] Since Grenada is a member of the OAS, in light of changes in the global
economy, discoveries in the Oil and Gas sector in Guyana, possible exploration for Oil and
Gas which is in the discussion stage in Grenada, representations on behalf of Grenada are
likely to be made at that Summit.

Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty

On July 6, 1994 at Sherbourne Conference Centre, St. Michael, Barbados, George Brizan
signed the Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty on behalf of the Government of
Grenada.[30]

Seven other countries signed the Double Taxation Relief (CARICOM) Treaty on that day.
These countries were: Antigua & Barbuda, Belize, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St.
Vincent & The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, with another country Guyana signing the
agreement on August 18, 1994. This treaty covered concepts such as taxes, residence, tax
jurisdictions, capital gains, business profits, interest, dividends, royalties and other areas.[citation
needed]

FATCA

On June 30, 2014, Grenada signed a Model 1 agreement with the United States of America in
relation to Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).[31]

Military

Grenada's military has two branches:

 Royal Grenada Police Force, which includes a Special Service Unit.

 Coast Guard of Grenada.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Parishes of Grenada

Grenada is divided into six parishes:

Carriacou and Petite Martinique, two of the Grenadines, have the status of dependency.

Economy
Main article: Economy of Grenada
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Grenada's economic picture is soured by a heavy external debt problem. With government
debt service payments running at about 25% of total revenues in 2017, Grenada was listed 9th
worst in a study of 126 developing countries.[32] Tourist facilities are being expanded; tourism
is the leading foreign exchange earner. Major short-term concerns are the rising fiscal deficit
and the deterioration in the external account balance. Grenada shares a common central bank
and a common currency (the East Caribbean dollar) with seven other members of the
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).[33]

Agriculture and exports

Opened nutmeg fruit, showing the seed and the aril used for mace

Grenada is a globally important producer of several different spices. Most notably nutmeg and
mace, of which Grenada is the world's second largest producer (after Indonesia), providing
20% of the world supply. Nutmeg is depicted on the Grenadian flag.

Further important exports include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice and orange/citrus peels.

Coffee is also present on Grenada, but generally as wild plants and used locally.

The Grenada Chocolate Company has pioneered the cultivation of organic cocoa, which is
also processed into finished chocolate bars.

In 2014, an annual Pure Chocolate Festival was created.[34][35] Some of the activities which
have taken place according to the website "Grenada Chocolate Festival" are visits to the cocoa
farms which have been in existence since around 1920 and which are located in rainforests
which are ecologically sensitive; "dance the cocoa" which is a traditional way to separate the
skins from the seed of the cocoa; and sampling of cocoa infused cuisine which may have
developed as part of the country's culture.

Tourism

Skyline of St. George's

Tourism is Grenada's main economic force. Conventional beach and water-sports tourism is
largely focused in the southwest region around St George, the airport and the coastal strip.
Ecotourism is growing in significance. Most small ecofriendly guesthouses are located in the
Saint David and Saint John parishes. The tourism industry is increasing dramatically with the
construction of a large cruise ship pier and esplanade. Up to four cruise ships per day were
visiting St. Georges in 2007–2008 during the cruise ship season.
Tourism is concentrated in the southwest of the island, around St. George, Grand Anse, Lance
Aux Epines, and Point Salines. Grenada has many idyllic beaches around its coastline
including the 3 km (1.9 mi) long Grand Anse Beach in St George which is considered to be
one of the finest beaches in the world and often appears in countdowns of the world's top ten
beaches.[36] Besides these excellent beaches, tourists' favourite points of interest yet in
Grenada are the waterfalls. The nearest to St. George's is the Annandale Waterfalls, but other
notable ones like Mt. Carmel, Concord, Seven Sisters and Tufton Hall are also within easy
reach.[37]

Natural and historical places

Grand Anse Beach, St. George

In 2017 the Carriacou Maroon & String Band Music Festival enters its seventh year.[38] In
2017, occurring in April, the event lasts for three days, occurs in three venues, however it is
classified as one festival according to the pure Grenada website.[39] The concept of String
Bands is historical in nature.

In 2017 the Annual Budget Marine Spice Island BillFish Tournament (48) will be entering its
48th year of existence. The Tournament lasts for four days and in 2017 it starts on Jan 21.[40]

Island Water World Sailing Week, as its name suggests,[41] is an event which lasts for a week
and in 2017 will be held towards the end of January into February. This event is similar to the
America Cup which is hosted upon agreement or calling out.

Many of these events stimulate the economy as they attract boats and persons who may need
repairs to their boats or who may need to learn new routes to shelter their boats during
hurricanes or Inter Tropical Convergence Zones (ITCZs) which are weather systems which
affect this part of the world for almost half of the year every year.[citation needed]

The Grenada Sailing Festival Work Boat Regatta starts in January and lasts for a few days.
From the photos on the website Grenada Sailing Festival, it appears that the style of the race
is similar is similar to that event in which CARICOM national, Andrew Lewis raced at the
2016 Summer Olympics.[citation needed]

Education

St. George's University has rapidly expanded in recent years, and has a major economic
impact, particularly in southern portions of the island. While some of its approximately 5,000
students are from Grenada, including many undergraduates, and many medical students serve
rotations off of the island, the majority of students are from other countries and bring
substantial revenue to the island while studying there. St. George's University is among the
island's largest employers, and students patronise many off-campus landlords and other
businesses.[citation needed]

St. George's University is one of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Consortium of
Universities according to the OAS webpage.[42]

Transport

Flights at the Maurice Bishop International Airport connect with other Caribbean islands, the
United States, Canada, and Europe. There is a daily fast ferry service between St. George and
Hillsborough.[citation needed]

Demographics
Main article: Demographics of Grenada
Further information: Afro-Grenadians and Indo-Grenadians
See also: List of cities in Grenada

A view of Carriacou, with other Grenadine islands visible in the distance

A majority of Grenadine citizens (82%[2]) are descendants of the African slaves who were
captured and forced against their will to the island by the English and French; few of the
indigenous Carib and Arawak population survived the French purge at Sauteurs. A small
percentage of descendants of indentured workers from India were brought to Grenada mainly
from the North Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh between May 1, 1857 – January 10,
1885. Today, Grenadians of Indian descent comprise the second largest ethnic group. There is
also a small community of French and English descendants. The rest of the population is of
mixed descent (13%[2]).

Grenada, like many of the Caribbean islands is subject to a large amount of migration, with a
large number of young people wanting to leave the island to seek life elsewhere. With
estimated 107,317 people living in Grenada, estimates and census data suggest that there are
at least that number of Grenadian-born people in other parts of the Caribbean (such as
Barbados and Trinidad) and at least that number again in First World countries. Popular
migration points for Grenadians further north include New York City, Toronto, the United
Kingdom (in particular, London and Yorkshire; see Grenadians in the UK) and sometimes
Montreal, or as far south as Australia. This means that probably around a third of those born
in Grenada still live there. With a possibility of 220,000 Grenadians or Half Grenadians live
outside the country which brings the Grenadian population to 327,000 people.

Religion
Religion in Grenada (2015)[43]

Roman Catholic (44.6%)

Protestant (43.5%)
other (6.2%)
no religion (atheism, agnosticism, etc) (3.6%)
Jehovah's Witness (1.1%)
Rastafarian (1.1%)

The following statistics are from The World Factbook [43]

 Roman Catholic 44.6%

 Protestant 43.5%
o Anglican 11.5%
o Pentecostal 11.3%
o Seventh Day Adventist 10.5%
o Baptist 2.9%
o Church of God 2.6%
o Methodist 1.8%
o Evangelical 1.6%
 Other 6.2%
 Jehovah's Witness 1.1%
 Rastafarian 1.1%
 None 3.6%

Language
This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding
citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
(March 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

English is the country's official language, but the main spoken language is either of two creole
languages (Grenadian Creole English and Grenadian Creole French) which reflect the
African, European, and native Indian heritage of the nation. The creoles contain elements
from a variety of African languages; Grenadian Creole, however, is also influenced by French.

Grenadian Creole French is mainly spoken in smaller rural areas, but today it can only be
heard in a few small pockets of the society. Grenadian Creole French is mainly known as
Patois or Creole.

Some Hindi/Bhojpuri terms are still spoken amongst the Indian descendants, mostly those
pertaining to the kitchen; such as aloo, geera, karela, seim, chownkay, and baylay. The term
bhai, which means "brother" in Urdu and Hindi, is a common form of greeting amongst Indo-
Grenadians males of equal status.

The indigenous languages were Iñeri and Karina (Carib).

Culture
 This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding
citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
(March 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Main articles: Culture of Grenada and Music of Grenada

1965 carnival

Although French influence on Grenadian culture is much less visible than on some other
Caribbean islands, surnames and place names in French remain, and the everyday language is
laced with French words and the local dialect, or Patois. Stronger French influence is found in
the well seasoned spicy food and styles of cooking similar to those found in New Orleans, and
some French architecture has survived from the 1700s. Island culture is heavily influenced by
the African roots of most of the Grenadians, but Indian and Carib Amerindian influence is
also seen with dhal puri, rotis, Indian sweets, cassava and curries in the cuisine.

The "oildown" is considered to be the national dish. The name refers to a dish cooked in
coconut milk until all the milk is absorbed, leaving a bit of coconut oil in the bottom of the
pot. Early recipes call for a mixture of salted pigtail, pig's feet (trotters), salt beef and chicken,
dumplings made from flour, and provision like breadfruit, green banana, yam and potatoes.
Callaloo leaves are sometimes used to retain the steam and add extra flavour.[44]

Soca, calypso, and reggae set the mood for Grenada's annual Carnival activities. Over the
years rap music became famous among Grenadian youths, and there have been numerous
young rappers emerging in the island's underground rap scene. Zouk is also being slowly
introduced onto the island. The islanders' African and Carib Amerindian heritage plays an
influential role in many aspects of Grenada's culture.

An important aspect of the Grenadian culture is the tradition of story telling, with folk tales
bearing both African and French influences. The character, Anancy, a spider who is a trickster,
originated in West Africa and is prevalent on other islands as well. French influence can be
seen in La Diablesse, a well-dressed she-devil, and Ligaroo (from "loup-garou"), a werewolf.

Sports
Olympics

Main article: Grenada at the Olympics

Grenada has competed in every Summer Olympics since the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los
Angeles.[citation needed] Kirani James won the first Olympic gold medal for Grenada in the men's
400 meters in 2012 in london and silver in 2016.[citation needed]

Cricket

See also: Cricket in the West Indies and Windward Islands cricket team

As with other islands from the Caribbean, cricket is the national and most popular sport and is
an intrinsic part of Grenadian culture. The Grenada national cricket team forms a part of the
Windward Islands cricket team in regional domestic cricket, however it plays as a separate
entity in minor regional matches,[45] as well as having previously played Twenty20 cricket in
the Stanford 20/20.[46]

Grenada National Cricket Stadium of St. George's hosts domestic and international cricket
matches. Devon Smith, West Indies record holder to win the List-A West Indian domestic
competition for the second time, was born in the small town of Hermitage.

See also

 Caribbean portal
 Grenada portal

 Outline of Grenada
 Index of Grenada-related articles

Notes
1. "Government of Grenada Website". Retrieved 2007-11-01.
2. "Grenada". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Retrieved
2012-03-19.
3. "About Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique | GOV.gd". www.gov.gd.
Retrieved 2017-07-31.
4. "World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision". ESA.UN.org (custom data
acquired via website). United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs,
Population Division. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
5. "Grenada". International Monetary Fund. 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
6. "2017 Human Development Report". United Nations Development
Programme. 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
7. Crask, Paul (2009-01-01). Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Bradt
Travel Guides. p. 5. ISBN 9781841622743.
8. Viechweg, Raymond D. (2017-04-05). Grenada Uncovered: An Uncommon
View of the Island's Geocultural Beauty. Trafford Publishing. p. 11.
ISBN 9781426926051.
9. Crask, Paul (2009-01-01). Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Bradt
Travel Guides. p. 6. ISBN 9781841622743.
10. Crask, Paul (2009-01-01). Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Bradt
Travel Guides. p. 7. ISBN 9781841622743.
11. Grenada. A History of its People. Steele, Beverley A. 2003. Macmillan
Publishers Limited. ISBN 0-333-93053-3, pp. 35–44.
12. "Grenada Nutmeg – GCNA – Organic Nutmeg Producers, Nutmeg Oil –
Nutmeg trees – Nutmeg farming in Grenada". Travelgrenada.com. Archived from the
original on 2012-03-23. Retrieved 2012-03-19.
13. "From Old Representative System to Crown Colony". Bigdrumnation.org.
2008-07-01. Retrieved 2012-03-19.
14. "1951 and Coming of General Elections". BigDrumNation. Retrieved 2012-
03-19.
15. Anthony Payne, Paul Sutton and Tony Thorndike (1984). "Grenada:
Revolution and Invasion". Croom Helm. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
16. Gailey, Phil; Warren Weaver Jr. (March 26, 1983). "Grenada". New York
Times. Retrieved 2010-07-11.
17. Julie Wolf (1999–2000). "The Invasion of Grenada". PBS: The American
Experience (Reagan). Retrieved 2009-09-10.
18. Autobiography: Sir Paul Scoon 'Survival for Service' (Macmillan Caribbean,
2003)(pp. 135–136).
19. "United Nations General Assembly resolution 38/7". United Nations.
November 2, 1983. Archived from the original on March 16, 2008.
20. "Assembly calls for cessation of "armed intervention" in Grenada". UN
Chronicle. 1984. Archived from the original on 2007-06-27.
21. Richard Bernstein (October 29, 1983). "U.S. VETOES U.N. RESOLUTION
'DEPLORING' GRENADA INVASION". The New York Times. Retrieved July 8, 2012.
22. See Maurice Paterson's book, published before this event, called Big Sky Little
Bullet
23. "Grenada: Bandleader Loses Job in Chinese Anthem Gaffe". New York Times.
Associated Press. February 8, 2007. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
24. "BBCCaribbean.com | Grenada goofs: anthem mix up". BBC. 2007-02-05.
Retrieved 2010-06-28.
25. Scott Conroy (2007-02-03). "Taiwan Anthem Played For China Officials".
CBS News. Retrieved 2010-06-28.
26. "Member States". OAS. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
27. "SLA :: Department of International Law (DIL) :: Inter-American Treaties".
OAS. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
28. "Member State :: Grenada". OAS. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
29. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-11-29. Retrieved 2014-
11-24.
30. http://www.ird.gov.tt/Media/Default/IRDTreaties/DTT-Caricom--1994.pdf
31. "Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)". Treasury.gov. Retrieved
2017-05-18.
32. Elliott, Larry (18 March 2018). "Developing countries at risk from US rate
rise, debt charity warns". Retrieved 19 March 2018. Jubilee Debt Campaign study
33. "Welcome to the OECS". Oecs.org. Retrieved 2010-06-28.
34. Grenada Chocolate http://www.grenadachocolatefest.com/
35. Chocolate Festival. http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/plan/events/grenada-
chocolate-festival/
36. "The 10 Best Beaches in the World". The Daily Telegraph. London.
37. Cruisemanic. "Top 10 Things to Do in Grenada". Cruise Panorama.
 38. Maroon String Band Music Festival
http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/plan/events/carriacou-maroon-string-band-music-
festival/
39. Carriacou Maroon String Band Music Festival
http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/plan/events/carriacou-maroon-string-band-music-
festival/
40. Spice Island Billfish Tournament
http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/plan/events/spice-island-billfish-tournament/
41. Grenada Sailing Week http://grenadasailingweek.com/event-schedule/
42. "Scholarships". OAS. Retrieved 2017-05-18.
43. "Central America and Caribbean :: GRENADA". CIA The World Factbook.
44. "Oil down – National Dish of Grenada". Gov.gd. 2010-03-05. Retrieved 2012-
03-19.
45. "Other Matches played by Grenada". CricketArchive. Retrieved 9 August
2014.
46. "Twenty20 Matches played by Grenada". CricketArchive. Retrieved 9 August
2014.

References
 Adkin, Mark. 1989. Urgent Fury: The Battle for Grenada: The Truth Behind the
Largest US Military Operation Since Vietnam. Trans-Atlantic Publications. ISBN 0-
85052-023-1
 Beck, Robert J. 1993. The Grenada Invasion: Politics, Law, and Foreign Policy
Decisionmaking. Boulder: Westview Press. ISBN 0-8133-8709-4
 Brizan, George 1984. Grenada Island of Conflict: From Amerindians to People's
Revolution 1498–1979. London, Zed Books Ltd., publisher; Copyright, George
Brizan, 1984.
 Martin, John Angus. 2007. A–Z of Grenada Heritage. Macmillan Caribbean.
 "Grenada Heritage". Grenadaheritage.com. Archived from the original on 2011-05-
10. Retrieved 2010-06-28.
 Sinclair, Norma. 2003. Grenada: Isle of Spice (Caribbean Guides). Interlink
Publishing Group; 3rd edition. ISBN 0-333-96806-9
 Stark, James H. 1897. Stark's Guide-Book and History of Trinidad including Tobago,
Grenada, and St. Vincent; also a trip up the Orinoco and a description of the great
Venezuelan Pitch Lake. Boston, James H. Stark, publisher; London, Sampson Low,
Marston & Company.
 Steele, Beverley A. 2003. Grenada: A History of Its People (Island Histories).
MacMillan Caribbean. ISBN 0-333-93053-3

External links
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 Official Website of the Government of Grenada
 Chief of State and Cabinet Members
 "Grenada". The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency.
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Granada
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Not to be confused with Grenada. For other uses, see Granada (disambiguation).
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insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more
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Granada
 Municipality

From top left: The Alhambra, Generalife, Patio de los

Leones in Alhambra, Royal Hall in Alhambra, Albayzín
and Sacromonte, Huerto del Carlos, in Albayzín, Plaza
Nueva, house in Albayzín, façade of the cathedral, bell
tower of the cathedral, Royal Chapel

Flag
 Coat of arms

Granada
Location of Granada in Spain
Coordinates: 37°10′41″N 3°36′03″WCoordinates:
37°10′41″N 3°36′03″W
Country Spain
Autonomous
Andalusia
Community
Province Granada
Comarca Vega de Granada
Government
• Type Mayor-council
• Body Ayuntamiento de Granada
• Mayor Francisco Cuenca (PSOE)
Area
• Total 88.02 km2 (33.98 sq mi)
Elevation
738 m (2,421 ft)
(AMSL)
Population
(2016)
• Total 234,758
• Density 2,700/km2 (6,900/sq mi)
granadino (m), granadina (f)
Demonyms iliberitano (m), iliberitana (f)
granadí, garnatí
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal codes 18001–18019
Area code(s) +34 (Spain) + (Granada)
Website Official website

Granada (/ɡrəˈnɑːdə/, Spanish: [ɡɾaˈnaða])[1] is the capital city of the province of Granada, in
the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra
Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the
Beiro. It sits at an average elevation of 738 m (2,421 ft) above sea level, yet is only one hour
by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical. Nearby is the Sierra Nevada Ski
Station, where the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1996 were held.

In the 2005 national census, the population of the city of Granada proper was 236,982, and the
population of the entire urban area was estimated to be 472,638, ranking as the 13th-largest
urban area of Spain. About 3.3% of the population did not hold Spanish citizenship, the
largest number of these people (31%; or 1% of the total population) coming from South
America. Its nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport.

The Alhambra, an Arab citadel and palace, is located in Granada. It is the most renowned
building of the Islamic historical legacy with its many cultural attractions that make Granada
a popular destination among the tourist cities of Spain. The Almohad influence on
architecture is also preserved in the Granada neighborhood called the Albaicín with its fine
examples of Moorish and Morisco construction. Granada is also well-known within Spain for
the University of Granada which has an estimated 82,000 students spread over five different
campuses in the city. The pomegranate (in Spanish, granada) is the heraldic device of
Granada.

Contents
 1 History
o 1.1 Pre-Umayyad history
o 1.2 Founding and early history
o 1.3 Nasrid dynasty—Emirate of Granada
o 1.4 Reconquista and the 16th century
 1.4.1 Legacy
 2 Heritage and monuments
o 2.1 The Alhambra
o 2.2 Generalife
o 2.3 Cathedral
o 2.4 Royal Chapel
o 2.5 Albayzín
o 2.6 Sacromonte
o 2.7 Charterhouse
o 2.8 Palace of the Marqués de Salar
o 2.9 Other buildings
 3 Districts
o 3.1 Realejo
o 3.2 Cartuja
o 3.3 Bib-Rambla
o 3.4 Sacromonte
o 3.5 Albayzín
o 3.6 Zaidín
 4 Parks and gardens in Granada
 5 Climate
 6 Notable people
  7 Transport
o 7.1 Bus
o 7.2 Train
o 7.3 Taxi
o 7.4 Airport
o 7.5 Granada Public Transportation Statistics
 8 Sports
 9 Twin towns and sister cities
 10 See also
 11 References
o 11.1 Sources
 12 External links

History
See also: Granada chronology

Arco/Puerta de Elvira in Granada

Historic map of Granada by Piri Reis

Pre-Umayyad history

Main article: Hispania

The region surrounding what today is Granada has been populated since at least 5500 BC and
experienced Roman and Visigothic influences. The most ancient ruins found in the city belong
to an Iberian oppidum called Ilturir, in the region known as Bastetania. This oppidum
eventually changed its name to Iliberri, and after the Roman conquest of Iberia, to
Municipium Florentinum Iliberitanum.[2]

Founding and early history

Main article: Al-Andalus

The Umayyad conquest of Hispania, starting in AD 711, brought large parts of the Iberian
Peninsula under Moorish control and established al-Andalus. Granada's historical name in the
Arabic language was ‫( غرناطة‬Ġarnāṭah).[2][3][4][5] The word Gárnata (or Karnatah) possibly
means "hill of strangers". Because the city was situated on a low plain and, as a result,
difficult to protect from attacks, the ruler decided to transfer his residence to the higher
situated area of Gárnata. In a short time this town was transformed into one of the most
important cities of al-Andalus.[2][4]

In the early 11th century, after the collapse of the Umayyad Caliphate, the Berber Zawi ben
Ziri established an independent kingdom for himself, the Taifa of Granada. His surviving
memoirs — the only ones for the Spanish "Middle Ages"[6] — provide considerable detail for
this brief period. The Zirid Taifa of Granada was a Jewish state in all but name; the Muslim
ruler was a powerless figurehead. It is the only time between Biblical times and the twentieth
century that a Jewish ruler commanded an army. It was also the center of Jewish culture and
scholarship.

Early Arabic writers repeatedly called it "Garnata al-Yahud" (Granada of the Jews).... Granada
was in the eleventh century the center of Sephardic civilization at its peak, and from 1027
until 1066 Granada was a powerful Jewish state. Jews did not hold the foreigner (dhimmi)
status typical of Islamic rule. Samuel ibn Nagrilla, recognized by Sephardic Jews everywhere
as the quasi-political ha-Nagid ('The Prince'), was king in all but name. As vizier he made
policy and—much more unusual—led the army.... It is said that Samuel’s strengthening and
fortification of Granada was what permitted it, later, to survive as the last Islamic state in the
Iberian peninsula.

All of the greatest figures of eleventh-century Hispano-Jewish culture are associated with
Granada. Moses Ibn Ezra was from Granada; on his invitation Judah ha-Levi spent several
years there as his guest. Ibn Gabirol’s patrons and hosts were the Jewish viziers of Granada,
Samuel ha-Nagid and his son Joseph.[7]

When Joseph took over after his father's death, he proved to lack his father's diplomacy,
bringing on the 1066 Granada massacre, which ended the Golden Age of Jewish Culture in
Spain.

By the end of the 11th century, the city had spread across the Darro to reach the hill of the
future Alhambra, and included the Albaicín neighborhood (now a World Heritage site).[8] The
Almoravids ruled Granada from 1090 and the Almohad dynasty from 1166.[9]

Nasrid dynasty—Emirate of Granada

Main articles: Nasrid dynasty and Emirate of Granada

Coat of arms of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada in the Palacio de Comares room in the
Alhambra.
In 1228, with the departure of the Almohad prince Idris al-Ma'mun, who left Iberia to take the
Almohad leadership, the ambitious Ibn al-Ahmar established the last and longest reigning
Muslim dynasty in the Iberian peninsula, the Nasrids. With the Reconquista in full swing after
the conquest of Córdoba in 1236, the Nasrids aligned themselves with Fernando III of Castile,
officially becoming the Emirate of Granada in 1238.[9] According to some historians,[who?]
Granada was a tributary state to the Kingdom of Castile since that year. It provided
connections with Muslim and Arab trade centers, particularly for gold from sub-Saharan
Africa and the Maghreb, and exported silk and dried fruits produced in the area.[10] The
Nasrids also supplied troops from the Emirate and mercenaries from North Africa for service
to Castile.

Ibn Battuta, a famous traveller and an authentic historian, visited the Kingdom of Granada in
1350. He described it as a powerful and self-sufficient kingdom in its own right, although
frequently embroiled in skirmishes with the Kingdom of Castile. In his journal, Ibn Battuta
called Granada the “metropolis of Andalusia and the bride of its cities.”[11]

During the Moor rule, Granada was a city with adherents to many religions and ethnicities
(Arabs, Berbers, Christians and Jews) who lived in separate quarters. During this Nasrid
period there were 137 Muslim mosques in the Medina (city) of Granada.[12]

Reconquista and the 16th century

The Capitulation of Granada by F. Padilla: Muhammad XII before Ferdinand and Isabella
(circa 1882).

On January 2, 1492, the last Muslim ruler in Iberia, Emir Muhammad XII of Granada, known
as "Boabdil" to the Spanish, surrendered complete control of the Emirate of Granada to
Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, Los Reyes Católicos ("the Catholic
Monarchs"), after the last battle of the Granada War.

The 1492 surrender of the Kingdom of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs is one of the most
significant events in Granada's history as it marks the completion of the Reconquista. The
terms of the surrender, expressed in the Alhambra Decree treaty, explicitly allowed the city's
Muslim inhabitants, known as Mudéjars, to continue unmolested in the practice of their faith
and customs. By 1499, however, Cardinal Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros grew frustrated with
the slow pace of the efforts of the first archbishop of Granada, Hernando de Talavera, to
convert non-Christians to Christianity and undertook a program of forced Christian baptisms,
creating the Converso (convert) class for Muslims and Jews. Cisneros's new tactics, which
were a direct violation of the terms of the treaty, provoked the Rebellion of the Alpujarras
(1568–71) centered in the rural Alpujarras region southwest of the city.
Responding to the rebellion of 1501, the Castilian Crown rescinded the Alhambra Decree
treaty, and mandated that Granada's Muslims must convert or emigrate. Under the 1492
Alhambra Decree, Spain's Jewish population, unlike the Muslims, had already been forced to
convert under threat of expulsion or even execution, becoming Marranos (meaning "pigs" in
Spanish), or Catholics of Jewish descent. Many of the elite Muslim class subsequently
emigrated to North Africa. The majority of the Granada's Mudéjar Muslims stayed to convert,
however, becoming Moriscos, or Catholics of Moorish descent ("Moor" being equivalent to
Muslim). Both populations of conversos were subject to persecution, execution, or exile, and
each had cells that practiced their original religion in secrecy.

Over the course of the 16th century, Granada took on an ever more Catholic and Castilian
character, as immigrants came to the city from other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The city's
mosques were converted to Christian churches or completely destroyed. New structures, such
as the cathedral and the Chancillería, or Royal Court of Appeals, transformed the urban
landscape. After the 1492 Alhambra decree, which resulted in the majority of Granada's
Jewish population being expelled, the Jewish quarter (ghetto) was demolished to make way
for new Catholic and Castilian institutions and uses.

Legacy

Main article: Spanish Empire

The fall of Granada has a significant place among the important events that mark the latter
half of the Spanish 15th century. It completed the so-called "Reconquista" (or Christian
reconquest) of the almost 800-year-long Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Spain, now
without any major internal territorial conflict, embarked on a great phase of exploration and
colonization around the globe. In the same year, the sailing expedition of Christopher
Columbus resulted in what is usually claimed to be the first European sighting of the New
World, although Leif Erikson is often regarded as the first European to land in the New
World, 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The resources of the Americas enriched the
crown and the country, allowing Queen Isabella King Ferdinand to consolidate their rule as
Catholic Monarchs of the united kingdoms. Subsequent conquests, and the Spanish
colonization of the Americas by the maritime expeditions they commissioned, created the vast
Spanish Empire: for a time, the largest in the world.

Heritage and monuments

The greatest artistic wealth of Granada is its Spanish-Islamic art — in particular, the
compound of the Alhambra and the Generalife. The Generalife is a pleasure palace with
attached romantic gardens, remarkable both for its location and layout, as well as for the
diversity of its flowers, plants and fountains. The Alhambra is the architectural culmination of
the works of Nasrid art that were undertaken in the 13th and 14th centuries, with most of the
Alhambra having been built at the time of Yusuf I and Mohammed V, between 1333 and
1354.

At present, the buildings of Granada are typically bourgeois in appearance, with much of the
architecture dating from the 19th Century, together with numerous Renaissance and Baroque
buildings.
The Alhambra

Main article: Alhambra

The Alhambra

Albaicín

The Alhambra is a Nasrid "palace city". It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in
1984. It is certainly Granada's most emblematic monument and one of the most visited in
Spain. It consists of a defensive zone, the Alcazaba, together with others of a residential and
formal state character, the Nasrid Palaces and, lastly, the palace, gardens and orchards of the
Generalife.

The Alhambra occupies a small plateau on the southeastern border of the city in the foothills
of the Sierra Nevada above the Assabica valley. Some of the buildings may have existed
before the arrival of the Moors. The Alhambra as a whole is completely walled, bordered to
the north by the valley of the Darro, to the south by the al-Sabika, and to the east of the
Cuesta del Rey Chico, which in turn is separated from the Albaicín and Generalife, located in
the Cerro del Sol.

In the 11th century the Castle of the Alhambra was developed as a walled town which became
a military stronghold that dominated the whole city. But it was in the 13th century, with the
arrival of the first monarch of the Nasrid dynasty, Muhammad I of Granada (Mohammed I,
1238–1273), that the royal residence was established in the Alhambra. This marked the
beginning of its heyday. The Alhambra became palace, citadel and fortress, and was the
residence of the Nasrid sultans and their senior officials, including servants of the court and
elite soldiers (13th–14th centuries).

In 1492 the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabela, expelled the final Moors from the city
of Granada. They established permanent residency in the Alhambra, and it was here that
Christopher Columbus requested royal endorsement for his westward expedition that year.

In 1527 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor demolished part of the architectural complex to
build the Palace which bears his name. Although the Catholic Monarchs had already altered
some rooms of the Alhambra after the conquest of the city in 1492, Charles V wanted to
construct a permanent residence befitting an emperor. Around 1537 he ordered the
construction of the Peinador de la Reina, or Queen's dressing room, where his wife Isabel
lived, over the Tower of Abu l-Hayyay.

Nasrid Palaces, Alhambra complex

There was a pause in the ongoing maintenance of the Alhambra from the 18th century for
almost a hundred years, and during control by the First French Empire, substantial portions of
the fortress were blown apart. The repair, restoration and conservation that continues to this
day did not begin until the 19th century. The complex currently includes the Museum of the
Alhambra, with objects mainly from the site of the monument itself and the Museum of Fine
Arts.[13]

Panoramic view of the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada in the background.

Generalife

Main article: Generalife

Generalife Fountains

The Generalife is a garden area attached to the Alhambra which became a place of recreation
and rest for the Granadan Muslim kings when they wanted to flee the tedium of official life in
the Palace. It occupies the slopes of the hill Cerro del Sol above the ravines of the Genil and
the Darro and is visible from vantage points throughout the city. It was conceived as a rural
village, consisting of landscaping, gardens and architecture. The palace and gardens were
built during the reign of Muhammed III (1302–1309) and redecorated shortly after by Abu l-
Walid Isma'il (1313–1324). It is of the Islamic Nasrid style, and is today one of the biggest
attractions in the city of Granada. The Generalife was declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1984.

It is difficult to know the original appearance of the Generalife, as it has been subject to
modifications and reconstructions throughout the Christian period which disfigured many of
its former aspects. All buildings of the Generalife are of solid construction, and the overall
decor is austere and simple. There is little variety to the Alhambra's decorative plaster, but the
aesthetic is tasteful and extremely delicate. In the last third of the 20th century, a part of the
garden was destroyed to build an auditorium.[14]

Cathedral

Main article: Cathedral of Granada

Cathedral of Granada, south portal

The cathedral of Granada is built over the Nasrid Great Mosque of Granada, in the centre of
the city. Its construction began during the Spanish Renaissance in the early 16th century,
shortly after the conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs, who commissioned the
works to Juan Gil de Hontañón and Enrique Egas. Numerous grand buildings were built in the
reign of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, so that the cathedral is contemporary to the
Christian palace of the Alhambra, the University and the Real Chancillería (Supreme Court).

The church was conceived on the model of the Cathedral of Toledo, for what initially was a
Gothic architectural project, as was customary in Spain in the early decades of the 16th
century. However, Egas was relieved by the Catholic hierarchy in 1529, and the continuation
of the work was assigned to Diego Siloe, who built upon the example of his predecessor, but
changed the approach towards a fully Renaissance aesthetic.[15]

The architect drew new Renaissance lines for the whole building over the gothic foundations,
with an ambulatory and five naves instead of the usual three. Over time, the bishopric
continued to commission new architectural projects of importance, such as the redesign of the
main façade, undertaken in 1664 by Alonso Cano (1601–1667) to introduce Baroque
elements. In 1706 Francisco de Hurtado Izquierdo and later his collaborator José Bada built
the current tabernacle of the cathedral.

Highlights of the church's components include the main chapel, where may be found the
praying statues of the Catholic Monarchs, which consists of a series of Corinthian columns
with the entablature resting on their capitals, and the vault over all. The spaces of the walls
between the columns are perforated by a series of windows. The design of the tabernacle of
1706 preserves the classic proportions of the church, with its multiple columns crossing the
forms of Diego de Siloé.[16]

Royal Chapel

Main article: Royal Chapel of Granada

Royal Chapel of Granada

The Catholic Monarchs chose the city of Granada as their burial site by a royal decree dated
September 13, 1504. The Royal Chapel of Granada, built over the former terrace of the Great
Mosque, ranks with other important Granadan buildings such as the Lonja and the Catedral e
Iglesia del Sagrario. In it are buried the Catholic Monarchs, their daughter Joanna of Castile
(Juana la Loca) and her husband Felipe I (Felipe el Hermoso). Construction of the Chapel
started in 1505, directed by its designer, Enrique Egas. Built in several stages, the continuing
evolution of its design joined Gothic construction and decoration with Renaissance ideals, as
seen in the tombs and the 17th and 18th century Granadan art in the Chapel of Santa Cruz.
Over the years the church acquired a treasury of works of art, liturgical objects and relics.

The Royal Chapel was declared a Historic Artistic Monument on May 19, 1884, taking
consideration of BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) status in the current legislation of Spanish
Historical Heritage (Law 16/1985 of 25 June). The most important parts of the chapel are its
main retable, grid and vault. In the Sacristy-Museum is the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs.
Its art gallery is highlighted by works of the Flemish, Italian and Spanish schools.[17]

Hans Memling - Diptych of Granada, left wing:Acceptance of the Cross, h. 1475

Juan de Flandes - Birth of Christ, 1435-1438

Sandro Botticelli - Prayer of the Garden, 1498-1500

Albayzín

Main article: Albayzín

The Albayzín (or Albaicín) is a neighborhood of Al-Andalus origin, much visited by tourists
who flock to the city because of its historical associations, architecture, and landscape.
The archeological findings in the area show that it has been inhabited since ancient times. It
became more relevant with the arrival of the Zirid dynasty, in 1013, when it was surrounded
by defensive walls. It is one of the ancient centres of Granada, like the Alhambra, the Realejo
and the Arrabal de Bib-Rambla, in the flat part of the city. Its current extension runs from the
walls of the Alcazaba to the cerro of San Miguel and on the other hand, from the Puerta de
Guadix to the Alcazaba.

This neighborhood had its greatest development in the Nasrid era, and therefore largely
maintains the urban fabric of this period, with narrow streets arranged in an intricate network
that extends from the upper area, called San Nicolás, to the river Darro and Calle Elvira,
located in the Plaza Nueva. The traditional type of housing is the Carmen granadino,
consisting of a free house surrounded by a high wall that separates it from the street and
includes a small orchard or garden.

In the Muslim era the Albayzín was characterized as the locus of many revolts against the
caliphate. At that time it was the residence of craftsmen, industrialists and aristocrats. With the
Christian reconquest, it would progressively lose its splendor. The Christians built churches
and settled there the Real Chancillería. During the rule of Felipe II of Spain, after the
rebellion and subsequent expulsion of the Moors, the district was depopulated. In 1994 it was
declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.[18] Of its architectural wealth among others include the
Ziri walls of the Alcazaba Cadima, the Nasrid walls, the towers of the Alcazaba, the churches
of Salvador (former main mosque), San Cristóbal, San Miguel Alto and the Real Chancillería.
[19]

Sacromonte

Main article: Sacromonte

The Sacromonte neighbourhood is located on the Valparaíso hill, one of several hills that
make up Granada. This neighborhood is known as the old neighbourhood of the Romani, who
settled in Granada after the conquest of the city. It is one of the most picturesque
neighborhoods, full of whitewashed caves cut into the rock and used as residences. The sound
of strumming guitars may still be heard there in the performance of flamenco cantes and
quejíos, so that over time it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Granada.

At the top of this hill is the Abbey of Sacromonte and the College of Sacromonte, founded in
the 17th century by the then Archbishop of Granada Pedro de Castro. The Abbey of
Sacromonte was built to monitor and guard the alleged relics of the evangelists of Baetica.
Those are of questionable authenticity, but since their finding the area has been a religious
pilgrimage destination.[20]

The abbey complex consists of the catacombs, the abbey (17th–18th centuries), the Colegio
Viejo de San Dionisio Areopagita (17th century) and the Colegio Nuevo (19th century). The
interior of the church is simple and small but has numerous excellent works of art, which
accentuate the size and rich carving of the Crucificado de Risueño, an object of devotion for
the Romani people, who sing and dance in the procession of Holy Week. The facilities also
include a museum, which houses the works acquired by the Foundation.[21]

Charterhouse
Main article: Granada Charterhouse

Tabernacle Dome, Granada Charterhouse.

The Charterhouse of Granada is a monastery of cloistered monks, located in what was a farm
or Muslim almunia called Aynadamar ("fountain of tears") that had an abundance of water
and fruit trees. The initiative to build the monastery in that place was begun by Gonzalo
Fernández de Córdoba, known as El Gran Capitán. The charterhouse was founded in 1506;
construction started ten years later, and continued for the following 300 years.

The Monastery suffered heavy damage during the Peninsular War and lost considerable
property in 1837 as a result of the confiscations of Mendizábal. Currently, the monastery
belongs to the Carthusians, reporting directly to the Archdiocese of Granada.[22]

The street entrance to the complex is an ornate arch of Plateresque style. Through it one
reaches a large courtyard, at the end which is a wide staircase leading to the entrance of the
church. The church, of early 16th century style and plan, has three entrances, one for the
faithful and the other two for monks and clergy. Its plan has a single nave divided into four
sections, highlighting the retables of Juan Sánchez Cotán and the chancel's glass doors,
adorned with mother-of-pearl, silver, rare woods and ivory. The presbytery is covered by
elliptical vaulting. The main altar, between the chancel arch and the church tabernacle, is
gilded wood.

The church's tabernacle and sancta sanctorum are considered a masterpiece of Baroque
Spanish art in its blend of architecture, painting and sculpture. The dome that covers this area
is decorated with frescoes by the Córdoba artist Antonio Palomino (18th century) representing
the triumph of the Church Militant, faith, and religious life.

The courtyard, with galleries of arches on Doric order columns opening on it, is centered by a
fountain. The Chapter House of Legos is the oldest building of the monastery (1517). It is
rectangular and covered with groin vaulting.[23]

Mosque of Granada

The Mosque of Granada was inaugurated in 2003 on the summit of the neighborhood of
Albayzin. The mosque was built near the Church of San Salvador and the Church of San
Nicolás. The Church of San Salvador was built on the site of the Great Mosque of Albayzin.
The Society for the Return of Islam in Spain purchased the site in 1981, but it took many
years for the plans to be approved. The mosque's initial funding was supplied by Shaykh
'Abdalqadir as-Sufi al-Murabit who envisioned providing Granada's new Spanish Muslim
community with a mosque. Additional funding came from Malaysia, Morocco and the United
Arab Emirates. In 1991 the CIE (Comunidad Islámica en España) hired the architect Renato
Ramirez Sanchez to design the mosque. In the 1990s, there was a heated debate pertaining to
the design of the minaret. Construction eventually began in 2001. The mosque now serves
about 500 people.[24]

Palace of the Marqués de Salar

The Palace of the Marqués de Salar was built in one of the most emblematic streets of
Granada, the Carrera del Darro, at number 5. This place is an architectural example of the
classical Granada during the Renaissance transformation of the XVIth century. It was built by
the Marqués de Salar, great-grandson of both Hernán Pérez del Pulgar (known by the name of
El de la Hazañas [The One of the Valiant Deeds]) and Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (El
Gran Capitán [The Great Captain]), Captain-General of the Castilian-Aragonese forces that
concluded the Reconquest of the peninsula. The palace is now the museum of perfumes El
Patio de los Perfumes, with 1,500 square metres (16,000 sq ft) of floor space on two floors
and 130 square metres (1,400 sq ft) of patio to relax surrounded by flowers and perfumes.

Other buildings

 Monasterio de San Jerónimo: monastery

 San Juan de Dios Hospital
 Castril Palace
 Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada
 Madrasah of Granada

Districts

Royal Gate (Puerta Real)

Albayzín neighborhood

Granada City Hall

Realejo

Realejo was the Jewish district in the time of the Nasrid Granada.[citation needed] (This is centuries
since the Jewish population was so important that Granada was known in Al-Andalus under
the name of "Granada of the Jews", Arabic: ‫ غرناطة اليهود‬Gharnāṭah al-Yahūd.) It is today a
district made up of many Granadinian villas, with gardens opening onto the streets, called Los
Cármenes.

Cartuja

This district contains the Carthusian monastery of the same name: Cartuja. This is an old
monastery started in a late Gothic style with Baroque exuberant interior decorations. In this
district also, many buildings were created with the extension of the University of Granada.

Bib-Rambla

The toponym derives from a gate (Bab al-Ramla) that existed at the time of the Arabs.
Nowadays, Bib-Rambla is a high point for gastronomy, especially in its terraces of
restaurants, open on beautiful days. The Arab bazaar (Alcaicería) is made up of several
narrow streets, which start from this place and continue as far as the cathedral
Sacromonte

Main article: Sacromonte

The Sacromonte neighborhood is located on the extension of the hill of Albaicín, along the
Darro River. This area, which became famous by the nineteenth century for its predominantly
Gitano inhabitants, is characterized by cave houses, which are dug into the hillside. The area
has a reputation as a major center of flamenco song and dance, including the Zambra Gitana,
an Andalusian dance originating in the Middle East. The zone is a protected cultural
environment under the auspices of the Centro de Interpretación del Sacromonte, a cultural
center dedicated to the preservation of Gitano cultural forms.

Albayzín

Main article: Albayzín

Albayzín (also written as Albaicín), located on a hill on the right bank of the river Darro, is
the ancient Moorish quarter of the city and transports the visitor to a unique world: the site of
the ancient city of Elvira, so-called before the Zirid Moors renamed it Granada. It housed the
artists who went up to build the palaces of Alhambra on the hill facing it. Time allowed its
embellishment. Of particular note is the Plaza de San Nicolas (Plaza of St Nicholas) from
where a stunning view of the Alhambra can be seen. The artist George Owen Wynne Apperley
RA RI (1884–1960) owned houses on both sides of the Placeta de San Nicolás, also known as
El Mirador.

Zaidín

Main article: Zaidín (Granada)

This formerly blue collar but now upmarket neighborhood houses 100,000 residents of
Granada, making it the largest neighborhood or 'barrio'. Traditionally populated by Romani
people, now many residents are from North and West Africa, China, and many South
American countries. Every Saturday morning it hosts a large outdoor market or "mercadillo",
where many people come and sell their wares of fruits and vegetables, clothes and shoes, and
other odds and ends.

A panoramic view from Alhambra

Parks and gardens in Granada

The city of Granada has a significant number of parks and gardens, including:[25]

The Granada Science Park.

 The gardens of Alhambra and
Generalife
 Campo del Príncipe Gardens
 Gardens of the Royal Hospital
 Gardens of Paseo del Salón and of La
Bomba (BIC)
 Gardens of the Triumph
 Gardens of Violón
 Zaidín Park
 Plaza de la Trinidad
 28 de Febrero Park
 Almunia de Aynadamar Park
 Federico García Lorca Park
 Fuente Nueva University Park

 Córdoba Gardens Palace

Climate
Granada has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) close to a cold semi-arid climate
(BSk) Summers are hot and dry with daily temperatures averaging 34 °C (93 °F) in the hottest
month (July); however, temperatures reaching over 40 °C (104 °F) are not uncommon in the
summer months. Winters are cool and damp, with most of the rainfall concentrated from
November through to January. The coldest month is January with daytime temperatures
hovering at 13 °C (55 °F) and dropping to around 1 °C (34 °F) during the night. Frost is quite
common as temperatures usually reach below-freezing in the early morning. Spring and
autumn are unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm. Early summer in
2017 confronted the city with two massive heat waves that broke long-standing record
temperatures starting on June 13, 2017, with a new maximum high for the month at 40.6 °C
(old record 40.0), which was topped three times within the span of four days at 40.9 °C on
June 14, 41.3 (June 15) and, eventually, 41.5 (June 17). The first two days of this heat wave
ranked Granada first in both Spain and Europe, making it the hottest place on the given days.
The second extreme surge in temperatures followed roughly a month later when readings
soared to 45.7 and 45.3 °C on July 12 and 13, respectively, surpassing the old July record by
almost 3 degrees.

Climate data for Granada (Granada Base Aérea, altitude 687 m, 2,254 ft)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high 23.4 27.6 29.1 31.9 38.6 40.2 43.5 42.0 40.6 35.2 27.6 24.8 43.5
°C (°F) (74.1) (81.7) (84.4) (89.4) (101.5) (104.4) (110.3) (107.6) (105.1) (95.4) (81.7) (76.6) (110.3)
Average high 12.6 14.6 18.0 19.5 24.0 30.2 34.2 33.5 28.7 22.6 16.5 13.1 22.3
°C (°F) (54.7) (58.3) (64.4) (67.1) (75.2) (86.4) (93.6) (92.3) (83.7) (72.7) (61.7) (55.6) (72.1)
Daily mean 6.9 8.5 11.4 13.1 17.1 22.5 26.0 25.5 21.6 16.3 10.9 7.9 15.7
 °C (°F) (44.4) (47.3) (52.5) (55.6) (62.8) (72.5) (78.8) (77.9) (70.9) (61.3) (51.6) (46.2) (60.3)
Average low 1.2 2.4 4.8 6.8 10.2 14.7 17.7 17.6 14.4 10.1 5.3 2.7 9.0
°C (°F) (34.2) (36.3) (40.6) (44.2) (50.4) (58.5) (63.9) (63.7) (57.9) (50.2) (41.5) (36.9) (48.2)
Record low −12.6 −13.4 −6.4 −1.9 0.6 5.6 9.0 8.2 1.2 −0.5 −4.5 −8.6 −13.4
°C (°F) (9.3) (7.9) (20.5) (28.6) (33.1) (42.1) (48.2) (46.8) (34.2) (31.1) (23.9) (16.5) (7.9)
Average
41 33 35 37 30 11 2 3 23 38 50 50 353
precipitation
(1.6) (1.3) (1.4) (1.5) (1.2) (0.4) (0.1) (0.1) (0.9) (1.5) (2.0) (2.0) (14)
mm (inches)
Average
precipitation 5.8 5.6 5.1 6.3 4.7 1.7 0.3 0.6 2.7 5.1 6.7 7.2 51.8
days
Average
0.7 0.5 0.2 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.3 2
snowy days
Average
relative
72 68 60 57 51 43 37 41 51 62 71 75 57
humidity
(%)
Mean
monthly
170 172 219 234 280 331 362 330 254 211 164 148 2,881
sunshine
hours
Source: Agencia Estatal de Meteorología[26][27]
Climate data for Granada (Granada Airport, altitude 567 m, 1,860 ft)

A panoramic view of Granada city, 2013

Notable people
 Judah ben Saul ibn Tibbon (1120–1190), translator and physician
 Al-Zuhri (fl. 1130s–1150s), geographer
 Ibn Sa'id al-Maghribi (1213–1286), geographer, historian and poet
  Álvaro de Bazán (1526–1588), admiral
 Alonso Cano (1601–1667), painter, sculptor and architect
 Pedro de Mena (1628–1688), baroque sculptor
 José de Mora (1642–1724), baroque sculptor
 Francisco Martínez de la Rosa (1787–1862), statesman, politician, dramatist and poet
 Ángel Ganivet (1865–1898), writer and dramatist
 Mariana Pineda (1804–1831), liberalist heroine
 Eugenia de Montijo (1826–1920), last Empress consort of France
 Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo (1871–1949), painter, photographer, designer and
scenographer
 Pablo de Loyzaga (1872–1951), sculptor and professor of fine arts
 Emilio Herrera Linares (1879–1967), military engineer and physicist
 Melchor Fernández Almagro (1893–1966), literary critic, historian and journalist
 Federico García Lorca (1898–1936), poet and dramatist
 Francisco Ayala (1906–2009), writer and critic
 Luis Rosales Camacho (1910–1992), poet and essayist from the Generation of '36
 José Tamayo (1920–2003), theatre director
 Manuel Jiménez de Parga (b. 1929), lawyer, politician, diplomat and jurist
 Miguel Ríos (born 1944) rock singer and composer
 Carlos Cano [es] (1946–2000), singer-songwriter
 Manuel Orantes (born 1949), tennis player
 Javier Egea (1952–1999), considered one of the most important Spanish poets of the
1980s
 Luis García Montero (born 1958), poet and literary critic
 Chus Gutiérrez (born 1962), film director, actress and journalist
 María José Rienda Contreras (born 1975), ski racer
 Pablo Aguilar Bermúdez (born 1989), basketball player
 Lidia Redondo (born 1992), gymnast
 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (born 1993), Scotland international rugby union player (born in
Granada, but moved to Scotland at age 3)

It is the subject of the 1967 song "Vuelvo a Granada" by Miguel Ríos.[30]

Transport
Construction of a light rail network, the Granada metro, began in 2007. It was greatly delayed
by the Spanish economic crisis; service finally started on 21 September 2017.[31] It crosses
Granada and covers the towns of Albolote, Maracena and Armilla. Other transportation
options in the city of Granada are trains, taxis or buses.

Bus

The main company operating bus transport in Granada is Transportes Rober. There is also bus
transportation to and from the airport with the company Alsa.

Train

Granada has rail connections with many cities in Spain. There are several types of train
service to and from Granada[32]
  Short distance trains
 Medium distance trains
 Long distance trains
 AVE (high speed long distance). The closest AVE connection is in Antequera.

Taxi

Granada has a wide network of taxis to help travellers reach their destinations. Official
Granada taxis are white with a green stripe.

Airport

The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Airport, about 15 km (9 mi) west of Granada.

Granada Public Transportation Statistics

The average amount of time people spend commuting with public transit in Granada, for
example to and from work, on a weekday is 42 min. 9% of public transit riders, ride for more
than 2 hours every day. The average amount of time people wait at a stop or station for public
transit is 10 min, while 8% of riders wait for over 20 minutes on average every day. The
average distance people usually ride in a single trip with public transit is 2.7 km, while 0%
travel for over 12 km in a single direction.[33]

Sports
Granada has a football team:

 Granada CF, in the Segunda División

Granada has a basketball team:

 Fundación CB Granada, in LEB Oro

Skiing:

 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 1996

Twin towns and sister cities

Granada has the following twin cities:[34]

 Aix-en-Provence, France, 1979[34]

 Tetuán, Morocco, 1988[34]
 Tlemcen, Algeria, 1989[34]
 Coral Gables, Florida, United States, 1989[34][35]
 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, 1991[34]
 Marrakech, Morocco, 1994[34]
 Belo Horizonte, Brazil, 2002[34]
 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 2009[36]
See also
 Gate of the Ears
 Rafael Guillén
 El Fandi
 History of the Jews in Spain
 Synod of Elvira
 Memories of the Alhambra

References
1. Former names: Arabic: ‫غرناطة‬, DIN: Ġarnāṭah; Ancient Greek: Ἐλιβύργη
Elibýrge (Stephanus of Byzantium), Latin: Illiberis (Ptolemy ii. 4. § 11) or Illiberi
Liberini (Pliny iii. 1. s. 3
2. RingSalkinLa Boda 1995, p. 296.
3. Room 2006, p. 149.
4. Dale 1882.
5. El Hareir 2011, p. 454.
6. Eisenberg, Daniel (2003). "No hubo una Edad 'Media' española". In von der
Walde Moheno, Lillian. Propuestas teorico-metodológicas para el estudio de la
literatura hispanica medieval. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. pp. 511–520. ISBN 9789703207770.
7. Eisenberg, Daniel (1990). "Judaism, Sephardic". In Dynes, Wayne R.
Encyclopedia of Homosexuality. Garland. pp. 644–648. ISBN 0824065441.
8. "Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada". unesco.org. UNESCO World
Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008.
9. Colum Hourihane 2012.
10. Hugh Kennedy; Professor of Arabic Hugh Kennedy (11 June 2014). Muslim
Spain and Portugal: A Political History of Al-Andalus. Routledge. p. 277. ISBN 978-
1-317-87041-8.
11. "On to al-Andalus and Morocco: 1349 - 1350 | ORIAS". orias.berkeley.edu.
Retrieved 2018-04-27.
12. "Minaret of San Juan De Los Reyes and Mosque of The Conversos".
legadonazari.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
13. "Historical introduction of the Alhambra". Alhambradegranada.org. Retrieved
2011-03-11.
14. "The Generalife". Alhambradegranada.org. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
15. Jerez Mir, Carlos: Architecture guide of Granada, Ministry of Culture of
Andalusia, pág. 59, ISBN 84-921824-0-7
16. "Guide of Monuments of Granada: Cathedral". Moebius.es. Retrieved 2011-
03-11.
17. "Royal Chapel of Granada. Five hundred years of history".
Capillarealgranada.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
18. "The Al-Andalus legacy – The Albaicín (History)". Legadoandalusi.es.
Retrieved 2011-03-11.
19. "Educational tours -culturals for the Albayzín". Granada-in.com. Retrieved
2011-03-11.
20. "History of the Sacromonte". Guiasdegranada.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
 21. Hierro Calleja, Rafael – Granada y La Alhambra (The Sacromonte. Page 113)
ISBN 84-7169-084-5
22. Hierro Calleja, Rafael – Granada y la Alhambra (Charterhouse. Page 178) –
Ediciones Miguel Sánchez ISBN 84-7169-084-5
23. "History of the Charterhouse of Granada". Legadoandalusi.es. Retrieved
2011-03-11.
24. Bush, Olga (2015). "Entangled Gazes: The Polysemy of the New Great
Mosque of Granada". Muqarnas. 32: 97–134.
25. "Parques y Jardines de Granada". Granadatur.com. Archived from the
original on 2011-04-02. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
26. "Valores climatológicos normales. Granada Base Aérea".
27. "Valores extremos. Granada Base Aérea". Retrieved 8 August 2017.
28. "Valores climatológicos normales. Granada Aeropuerto".
29. "Valores extremos. Granada Aeropuerto". Retrieved 8 August 2017.
30. "Miguel Ríos – El Río / Vuelvo A Granada". Discogs. Retrieved 2016-05-03.
31. Barrow, Keith (21 September 2017). "Granada opens first light rail line".
railjournal.com. International Railway Journal. Retrieved 21 September 2017.
32. "Granada Train". Visit Granada.
33. "Granada Public Transportation Statistics". Global Public Transit Index by
Moovit. Retrieved June 19, 2017. Material was copied from this source, which
is available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
34. "CIUDADES CON LAS QUE ESTÁ HERMANADA GRANADA" (official
website) (in Spanish). Granada, Spain: Ayuntamiento de Granada. Archived from the
original on 2014-11-15. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
35. "City of Coral Gables : Sister Cities". City of Coral Gables. 2014. Retrieved
2014-03-20.
36. "Sultan attends signing of Sharjah-Granada sister city agreement UAE – The
Official Web Site – News". Uaeinteract.com. Archived from the original on 2012-08-
05. Retrieved 2010-10-03.

Sources

See also: Bibliography of the history of Granada

 Ring, Trudy; Salkin, Robert M; La Boda, Sharon (1995). International Dictionary of
Historic Places: Southern Europe. Fitzroy Dearborn. ISBN 1-884964-04-4. Retrieved
24 October 2014.
 Room, Adrian (2006). Placenames of the World: Origins And Meanings of the Names
for 6,600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features And Historic Sites.
McFarland. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7864-2248-7. Retrieved 27 December 2012.
 Dale, Alfred (1882). The Synod of Elvira. MacMillan and Co. Retrieved 25 October
2014.
 El Hareir, Idris (2011). The spread of Islam throughout the world. UNESCO.
ISBN 978-92-3-104153-2. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
 Colum Hourihane (2012). "Granada". Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and
Architecture. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-539536-5. Retrieved 5
November 2014.

 Cortés Peña, Antonio Luis and Bernard Vincent. Historia de Granada. 4 vols.
Granada: Editorial Don Quijote, 1983.
  Historia del reino de Granada. 3 vols. Granada: Universidad de Granada, Legado
Andalusí, 2000.
 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith,
William, ed. (1854–1857). "article name needed" . Dictionary of Greek and Roman
Geography. London: John Murray.

External links
Media related to Granada at Wikimedia Commons Granada travel guide from
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 City council of Granada

 Granada Tourism Guide
 Granada city guide at HitchHikers Handbook
 Granada at Curlie
 Webcam Granada/Alhambra

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World Heritage Sites in Spain

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Municipalities in the province of Granada

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Capitals of provinces of
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 GND: 4021815-6
 ISNI: 0000 0001 2106 188X
 LCCN: n80001328
Authority  MusicBrainz: 66ae1ad4-d9df-4213-9447-14eb1298700d
control  NLA: 55138662
 VIAF: 123881676

 WorldCat Identities (via VIAF): 123881676

Categories:
 Granada
 Bien de Interés Cultural landmarks in the Province of Granada
 Capitals of former nations
 Historic Jewish communities
 University towns in Spain
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