A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albaicín, Granada's historic Muslim quarter, was the embryo of the city and still retains the essence of its Muslim past. Buildings, squares, lovely narrow streets... Everything evokes its Andalusi origins. Much of its charm lies in the cármenes (traditional houses with secluded gardens) and its stunning viewpoints overlooking the Alhambra.
Once home to the Zirid kings, the Albaicín later became home to many Moriscos, Muslims forced to convert to Christianity, although many continued to preserve their religious practices, traditions and cultural identity in secret.
More than five centuries later, the
adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, can once again be heard at the top of the Albaicín, from the
Masjid Agung Granada.