subject: Granada: A Blast From The Past [print this page] This city is located in southern Spain at the Sierra Nevada's northwestern slope. Granada is a major tourist hub within Spain, and boasts of excellent Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-classical structures. Granada has a population today of approximately 236,000 people.
Before Granada became as such, it served as a settlement Elibyrge (fifth century BC). The earliest written records indicate that Granada was ruled by various groups, including Caliphs and Arabic sultans. It is believed that the first settlements arrived in Granada sometime between 1500 BC and 2000 BC. Later (around 1000 BC), the Phoenicians created small colonies within the city. Then around 550 BC, the Carthaginians took control of Granada's coastline from the Phoenicians, and gained control of the region's commerce.
At around 250 BC, the Romans conquered the entire Iberian Peninsula, and gave it the name "Ilberis." However, Ilberis did not have a major role in the Roman Empire.
The Moors founded the city of Granada during the 700s AD. It became the center of the Moors' kingdom.
In 1238, the city of Granada became the hub of an autonomous kingdom. During the middle of the 1200s, Granada was the capital of the Muslim kingdom. From 1238-1492, Granada functioned as an economic and artistic hub.
The situation in Granada changed during the latter half of the 1400s. During that era, Granada experienced a more unstable political situation. Also, tensions increased between Granada and the Christian kingdom of Castile, which was located north of Granada.
Another important date in Granada's history was 1492. That's the year that Castilian troops captured the city in the name of Ferdinand II and Isabella I--monarchs of the Catholic Church. The fall of Granada represented the last stronghold of the Moors, and ended their rule within Spain.
As a result of Christian rule in Granada, Granadans were granted the freedom to practice their traditional religion. However, the Muslim community rebelled against the forced conversions, which occurred in 1499. In response, the Castilians annulled their treaty with the Muslims and ordered mass baptisms to be conducted. By 1501, Granada's Muslims converted to Christianity (and became known as Moriscos), or relocated to North Africa.
Christians from the central and southern regions of Castile soon replaced the departing Muslims. By 1461, the number of immigrants in Granada numbered approximately 30,000. The Moriscos and immigrants worked in the profitable silk industry of Granada.
How about Granada in the 20th century? It saw an artistic movement (1920s), political instability (1930s), and a university boom (1970s).
Before departing for Granada, it's crucial that you book your holiday apartment online. This will guarantee that you'll have accommodations once you arrive.
