Sacromonte
Sacromonte
Next to the Albaicin and in front of the Alhambra we find another of the most emblematic quarters of Granada: Sacromonte.
It is a different neighborhood than anything you can find in any other city. Its most important feature is due to its original dwellings: the caves.
Although the origin of the neighbourhood goes back to the Roman period and to the beginning of Christianity in our city, there is no doubt that Sacromonte became worldwide known thanks to the lifestyle of its inhabitants and to its folklore. It is the gypsy neighbourhood of Granada where singing and dancing become art in every corner. Zambra was born here and still as if anchored in another era you can enjoy this unique neighborhood with the best views you can have: Alhambra.
If you decide to stay in one of its caves, when you look out the door, your neighbour will be Alhambra and although the viewpoints at any other point of the city are all amazing, the best views of Alhambra will be from Sacromonte. The path of the mountain or the path in the middle are its main streets where a small car can hardly get in. Take your time to get lost walking along the path of the mountain to the Holy Sepulchre and along the seven slopes you will reach the Abbey.
In the Abbey, in its holy caves, the remains of San Cecilio, the patron saint of Granada, are venerated and it is home to one of the most emblematic brotherhoods of our Holy Week: the brotherhood of the Gypsies.
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Recommendations:
In any season a visit to Sacromonte is worthwhile, but there are two periods in which you can get to know the district in all its splendour:
- 1st February: on this day the San Cecilio pilgrimage is held and the whole of Granada goes up to the Abbey to visit the Holy Caves. It is a day to be shared with family and friends enjoying the walk and the spectacular surroundings of the Sacromonte. The Town Hall gives away green beans, bread salads and cod.
- Easter Wednesday: that day is the procession of the Christ of Consuelo and the Holy Mary of Sacromonte. The best time is in the early morning when the brotherhood returns to its neighbourhood. Between bonfires the gypsies receive their Christ and their Virgin singing and dancing.
If you decide to go up to the Sacromonte that Holy Wednesday night, go up soon, otherwise it is difficult to find a place because there will be a lot of people, but we assure you that it will be an experience you will never forget.
You can also go to one of the shows that are held in many of the caves every night. The purest and most original flamenco: the Zambra is lived every night in the Sacromonte. The cave of the Tarantos, the Rocio, the one of Maria la Canastera, the Chumbera.
