Sacromonte
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Views / Viewpoint,
People Watching,
Popular with Locals,
Neighborhood
Sacromonte is traditionally Granada's Gitano quarter, and these days is the epicenter of the city's flamenco-based tourist trade. Spilling down the sides of its hill (the 'sacred mountain' of the name - the district is actually named after the Sacromonte Abbey), the area has been extensively commercialized, but still has plenty of magic. At dusk, with the lights twinkling and the Alhambra views, it's hard to resist.
It was in the 19th century that Sacromonte became the province of the Gitano. The local rock has enough clay to be soft, but enough rock to be stable when formed. Hence, many of the poorer people shaped caves into the sides of Sacromonte and lived in those. The community - and flamenco - thrived. During the 1960s floods rendered many of the caves uninhabitable, and many of the locals evacuated.
Latest Reviews
Review by Blanca, United Kingdom, January 2013
Doing what: Granada Flamenco Show in Sacromonte and Walking Tour of Albaicin
Review by SCV, December 2012
Doing what: Granada Flamenco Show in Sacromonte and Walking Tour of Albaicin
Review by vinces6394, July 2012
Doing what: Historical Granada Sightseeing Tour
Excellent local guide who made the tour interesting and educational. Well worth taking this guided tour to see part of the central area and Albacyin.
Today, the area has revived as a center of Gitano culture, and many of the caves are now used as flamenco theaters and even hotels. If you're seeing a performance, come early to walk around the district. Climb the hill to the Abbey and you'll be rewarded with fine sunset views.
