Whenever I’m traveling to a new place, I am always most intrigued to see the different food options they have and browse different restaurants menus ahead of time. Well, in Granada, Spain there are many delicious, traditional meal options that are most widely known in this city and are very popular here. The cuisine of Granada also reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences and traditions. Therefore, one of the first most popular dishes in Granada is the Habas con Jamón, which is a dish of broad beans mixed with pieces of cured ham and can sometimes even be prepared with a fried egg on top of it too for more flavor and protein. This dish was also a way for people to embrace Christianity in Granada in the past, since eating pork was not allowed and not a part of Jewish and Islamic religions/beliefs, which they did not practice here.  

After my main course meals, I am always craving a sweet treat afterwards, so in Granada one of the most popular dessert options there are called Piononos. These are small pastries that are made from thin layers of sponge cake and soaked in sweet syrup with cream on top. These treats are also sometimes sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar on top to add more flavors too, so if you’re looking for delicious dessert options in Granada this is a country wide favorite in Spain that I would strongly recommend to people, especially if they are visiting Granada for the first time! 

Next, for popular and refreshing beverage options, Granada has a wide selection of different wines and beers that are enjoyed here. Some of these include lager beer, which is one of Spain’s largest produced products, sangria (red wine, sugar, orange juice, and a variety of fruits), and Arab tea. Also, this city is known for its refreshing, popular summer drink, “tinto de verano,” which is a chilled red wine mixed with lemon soda for a sweeter taste to enjoy on warmer days.  

To accompany each beverage, Granada has a customary policy to serve complimentary “tapas” with every drink order, which is what this city is most widely known for typically. Tapas are little side dishes/appetizers, such as olives, cheese, potatoes, meatballs, and seafood (shrimp and squid) as a few examples that are popular at many restaurants.  

Adding on to seafood options, due to Granada’s proximity to multiple bodies of water, this allows for a variety of diverse seafood dishes to be prepared and served in this city. A popular choice is the “Bacalao a la Plancha,” which consists of grilled codfish seasoned with garlic and olive oil and mixed with potatoes and different kinds of vegetables, such as mushrooms, kale, onions, or tomatoes. This dish includes fresh ingredients and is beautifully prepared, which contributes to the popularity of it among locals and many visitors as well. This is a great option for vegetarians to eat too, which is a great benefit for the people who do not eat meat. 

Works Cited:

Carrascosa, Lauren. “What to Eat in Granada.” Spain Traveller, 6 Apr. 2023, www.spain-traveller.com/en/what-to-eat-in-granada/.

Zimmerman, Lindsey. “Top 10 Must-Try Typical Foods in Granada.” Devour Tours, 28 Feb. 2023, devourtours.com/blog/typical-food-in-granada/?cnt=US.

There are several different legends that are attributed to the founding of the great Spanish City; Some sources point to the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca naming the city after himself and calling it Barcino sometime around the 3^rd century. Another equally as compelling (and certainly more interesting) legend has to do with the Roman mythological figure, Hercules. I view the latter of these two origin stories as the “canon” and little can be done to make me believe otherwise. The story goes that in mythological times the son of Zeus, Hercules, traveled by sea with some of his most trusted people on nine ships to establish and build a city at the hill of Montjuïc. Upon setting out, Hercules and his people were met by weather so bad, that it destroyed his small fleet of ships and forced him and his company to walk the rest of the way. None of the ships were believed to have survived and most of the men that were on them were believed to have perished. So, when the noble Hercules and his entourage neared their destination, they were pleasantly surprised to find some of their companions fast at work constructing the lovely city that they had all set out to build. In order to glorify the memory of those lost to create such a beautiful city, they named the city Barca-nona, the ninth ship. Over time this name has transformed into the city that we know today as Barcelona, a cultural and economic hub of the Iberian Peninsula.

tourspain.org/barcelona/history

barcelonawalking.net/the-legend-of-the-pyreneese/

steemit.com/history/@daniii/hercules-and-barcelona

Toledo: The City of Three Cultures.

            Toledo’s history is marked for having been a hot bed of culture during the period of Convivencia, or coexistence, on the Iberian peninsula in the Middle Ages. The three cultures that existed in Toledo during this time were based on the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its rich history of being a melting pot of culture led to the establishment of several institutions such as the Toledo School of Translators. 

Most works at the school were translated from Arabic to Latin but other works were translated from Hebrew and Greek. One of the most famous translators was Gerard of Cremona. He translated classical works that only previously existed in Arabic and Greek. Some of his most famous translations include Ptolemy’s Almagest, a book on astronomy; Euclid’s works on geometry; Archimedes’ mathematical works; and several of Aristotle’s works on science and philosophy. 

Another famous site in Toledo is the Synagogue Santa María la Blanca. A Jewish temple that is known for its distinct Muslim architecture having been built circa 1180 during the Islamic rule of the Iberian peninsula. Although the Santa María la Blanca has Muslim influences the style is officially known as Mugéjar, a mixture of Greco-Roman, Gothic, and Islamic architecture. The Greco-Roman influence that are exhibited are the Corinthian capitals and arches. 

The Mosque of Christo de la Luz is another building in Toledo that exhibits a cross between cultures. Originally built as a mosque it was converted to a Church during the Reconquista of Spain. The outside of the building has a mixture of Roman and Gothic influences left over from when the Umayyad Muslims conquered Iberia from the Visigoths. The structure also has heavy Islamic influences with the repeating arches and vaults in the three naves and Arabic calligraphy in the interior. 

The Church of San Sebastián is another building with a mixture of Christian and Islamic influences. It was originally built as a mosque and like the Christo de la Luz was converted to a church when Toledo was conquered during the Reconquista.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo was rebuilt in 1227 by Archbishop Rodrigo Jiménez de Rada. He tore down the Mosque that had previously been on the location of a Visigoth church that had been torn down by the Muslims during their conquest. He undoubtedly had the mosque torn down to help rid Toledo of its Islamic past. The cathedral is built entirely in the Gothic style but the presence of the old Mosque had an influence on the cathedral’s construction. The cathedral was built wider than it normally would have to match the mosque’s footprint. The choir of the cathedral was also placed in the center of the nave instead of the eastern end as they were normally placed in French Gothic cathedrals because of the different orientation of Mosques. 

Toledo would be a great city to visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion because of the city’s diversity and intercultural influences. 

Sources

Corrigan, Dr. Nicole. “Spanish Gothic Cathedrals, an Introduction.” Smart History. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://smarthistory.org/spanish-gothic-cathedrals/. 

“Gerard of Cremona.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gerard-of-Cremona. 

“Mosque of Christo de La Luz.” Museum with No Frontiers. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monument%3BISL%3Bes%3BMon01%3B3%3Ben. 

Reilly, Dr. Diane. “Medieval Synagogues in Toledo, Spain.” Smart History. Accessed November 18, 2023. https://smarthistory.org/synagogues-toledo-spain/. 

“Visit San Sebastin Church: TCLM.” Turismo Castilla la Mancha. Accessed November 19, 2023. http://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/patrimonio/iglesia-de-san-sebastian-7164/descripcion/. 

Segovia Spain is known for having the largest aqueduct in Spain and many people would think that’s the only thing in Segovia to do. Well today I’m going to give you a list of unusual things to go see in Segovia, Spain. Everyone loves money so why not visit a mint. The Coining House was a mint built in the year 1586 so King Philip the 2nd could convert silver coins to Spanish pieces of eight. What is really cool about this mint in particular is that all the machines were based off of the famous inventor Lenordo da Vinci. After making coins for several decades the mint house was turned into a flour factory in 1878. Today the mint is an active museum that the whole family can visit.

 I don’t know about you but whenever I am traveling I love to look at the food options for next we have a few of the top rated restaurants in Segovia Spain. For our first restaurant it is called Restaurante Pasapán. They serve food that ranges from Mediterranean to Spanish. They are Tripadvisor certified and have over 540 reviews with an average of 4.5/5 stars. 

What is your favorite beverage to drink when going to an early morning class or meeting? Coffee you say, well lucky for you Segovia has a spot. This coffee and tea bakery is called L’espressino. They serve everything from pastries and donuts to beagles. This cafe is located only 0.6 miles from the aqueduct so it’s in close proximity to everything. Also on Tripadvisor they are ranked 4/11 of the coffee and tea shops in the city of Segovia. They have a 5.0 star rating and provide dine-in service too. 

The night life in the city is also really popular with several bars and clubs. The place I am going to talk about is a disco club that has great reviews. Located in the heart of Segovia the club is called Canavans-Theatre Segovia. This club is open till 3am and tends to operate all days of the week. 

If clubbing isn’t your thing, there are several parks to go and either drink your coffee or do homework with your friends. Some of the prettiest looking parks around is the Hontanilla Park. The park sits at the bottom of an old military facility. It also is located downtown of Segovia. To finish off our list we are going to end with skiing. Yes I said skiing, you can go skiing or snowboarding depending which you choose.

La Hontanilla

This can be done at Puerto De Cotos, now this does depend on the time of year you are here but it definitely is an unusual activity to go do with friends outside of class.

I hope this small guide helps you find activities to do that you normally wouldn’t have thought of doing in Segovia. If you are wanting to look deeper into some of the actives listed or see more picture feel free to click on the links in the text to see more.

Toledanas are pastries filled with pumpkin preserve (cabello de ángel) crescent-shaped. The filling for toledanas is commonly used in traditional Spanish desserts. It is made with sugar and cooked pumpkin, and it has a form of thin, almost transparent threads. These pastries are perfect for the people who love pumpkin. Part of this dish that gives the pastry the flavor is “Cabello de Ángel”. Which is made from strands of cooked pumpkin mixed with sugar and sometimes flavored with lemon or other spices. The mixture is then cooked until it caramelizes and turns into a sweet, jam-like substance. When making the dough for the pastry, is made with flour, pork lard, oil, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of white wine. These pastries are brushed with an egg and sprinkled with diced almonds. They are baked until golden brown.

Carcamusa is a very popular dish in Toledo, and when visiting, you have to try it. Some of the ingredients that can be found in this vegetable and meat stew are a combination of beef, jamón, tomatoes, onions, chorizo, bell peppers, garlic, peas, white wine, chili peppers, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and meat stock. This stew is served as a bar snack that creates a delicious dish that captures the hearty, flavorful food that everyone wants to experience. The “carcamusa” is often served with a tapa or as a main dish in any restaurant or bar. Before leaving, do not miss the opportunity to try this hearty and delightful food.

Cultural Activates to Do

• Join language exchange events or meetups to practice Spanish and meet locals and other students. Language exchange events offer an interactive way to improve language skills, providing a supportive environment for practice, cultural exchange, and social connections. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, participating in language exchange can significantly contribute to your language learning journey. The time of the meetups can be found at Meetup.com.

• Federico García Lorca Park is a cultural exploration, outdoor activity, or simply seeking a peaceful place to be. It is located near many attractions that can be explored. The park was named after the renowned Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca. His poetry is a fantastic thing to read and can be found in Federico García Lorca: The Poetics of Self-Consciousness.

• Visiting a tea house in the Albayzín is not just about having a beverage; it’s an opportunity to engage in a cultural, sensory, and social experience that shows the historic neighborhood of Albayzín and its Moorish influence. Go to the Albayzín website to see everything that can be explored. There was also a book written that talks about the Moorish vendors in Albayzín called Ambassadors of the Albayzín: Moroccan Vendors of La Caldereria in Granada, Spain, to learn more in-depth about them.

Popular activities to do in Granada:

• Pedro Antonio de Alarcón is a nightlife that offers a diverse and vibrant experience for visitors and locals alike. Granada is a university city, and Pedro Antonio de Alarcón is particularly popular among students. Pedro Antonio de Alarcón is home to a range of bars and clubs, offering something for every taste. For more information on the nightlife go to GrenadaInsider.

• Mirador de San Nicolás offers a memorable experience with its breathtaking views. It is a famous viewpoint in Granada, Spain, known for its stunning panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mirador de San Nicolás can be hiked on foot, and there’s a public bus that takes visitors close to the viewpoint. You go on Trip Advisor to find out from others how the experience is.

• Thinking about visiting Hammam al Andalus in Granada? Come visit the Arabs Bath it has more than 500 years of history. It is believed to be one of the 23 Arab baths in Granada at the time of greatest Nasrid splendour. These Arab baths, constructed by Muslims, embody a profound cultural significance as water symbolized purity to them. The baths served as a sanctuary for cleansing both the body and the soul. Conversely, Christians, viewing such practices as decadent and heathen, dismantled the majority of these structures, leaving only a select few to stand as silent witnesses to a rich historical legacy. Immerse yourself in the echoes of contrasting beliefs and cultural narratives, experiencing the surviving remnants of a bygone era. You do not want to miss out on this spa that will help you relax, offering a unique blend of historical charm, architectural beauty, and cultural richness for a truly rejuvenating experience.

La Auténtica Carmela’s Culinary Delights:

Nestled in the heart of the city, adjacent to the awe-inspiring Granada Cathedral, Restaurante La Auténtica Carmela stands as a culinary gem amidst the bustling tourist hub. Contrary to its prime location on a major tourist thoroughfare, this establishment transcends the clichés of a typical tourist trap, boasting a menu crafted from an array of locally sourced Andalusian ingredients.

Beyond the standard lunch and dinner offerings, La Auténtica Carmela extends its hospitality to the early hours with a tempting breakfast menu. Catering to diverse dietary needs, the restaurant prides itself on providing excellent vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for every palate.

Situated in the iconic Jewish quarter of El Realejo, in close proximity to Plaza Nueva and the Granada Cathedral, La Auténtica Carmela distinguishes itself with the most extensive opening hours among its culinary counterparts—welcoming patrons from 8 in the morning until the stroke of midnight.

The ambiance is a harmonious blend of coziness and intimacy, complemented by both summer and winter terraces. La Auténtica Carmela takes a bold approach with its menu, infusing a sense of adventure and playfulness while remaining grounded in the natural essence of the Mediterranean diet. The commitment to quality local produce and the rich tapestry of Andalusian gastronomy is evident in every dish.

Embark on a delectable journey that spans from a delightful breakfast to a sumptuous dinner, with tapas and after-dinner drinks adding the perfect finishing touch. The interior exudes modern sophistication, featuring sleek design elements such as exposed stone walls, purple spotlights, and captivating hand-painted artwork. It’s a visual feast that mirrors the culinary excellence that defines La Auténtica Carmela, making it a destination where aesthetics and gastronomy seamlessly converge for an unforgettable dining experience.

El Claustro:

Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, El Claustro restaurant offers more than just a dining experience; it’s a journey through time. This captivating establishment, housed in a 14-century Casa Morisco, and the 16th-century Santa Paula Covent seamlessly blends the past with the present, inviting both guests and non-residents to savor the artistry of Renaissance architecture and indulge in an assertive yet simple cuisine with Baroque nuances and textures.

One of the restaurant’s highlights is its setting, originally built in 1540 as a cloister for nuns. The soaring, heavily beamed ceiling and windows that overlook an arcaded courtyard, where nuns once prayed, create an ambiance of authentic tranquility. In the warmer months, the cloister becomes an enchanting outdoor dining space, while in cooler weather, the interior seating provides views of the beautiful courtyard.

While El Claustro is situated within Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, it welcomes non-residents to experience the charm of its historical surroundings. The convent has retained its original features, including the furniture, preserving the essence of its storied past.

Adding to its allure, the hotel boasts a stunning view of the Generalife gardens within the Alhambra palace grounds. Conveniently located in the heart of old Granada, the hotel allows guests to explore the city’s historic Moorish district, Sacromonte, and the Alhambra, all within a 15-20 minute walk. The 75-room property, originally the Santa Paula Convent, underwent a meticulous restoration that incorporated the main areas of the original building. The restaurant, El Claustro, resides in the ancient cloisters, where gravestones still grace the courtyard during breakfast. The hotel’s public spaces, including a bar in the original library, further showcase the rich history embedded in every corner. This place isn’t just about delicious food; it’s like a tasty time machine! You get to enjoy fantastic meals while soaking in some fascinating history. It’s the best of both worlds.