Granada’s Greatest Goods

14 Monday Apr 2025

Posted by in Granada

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Granada has a diverse range of delicious cuisine to choose from. It’s a great city to experiment with different flavor profiles and traditional cuisine from many cultures. However, if you are interested in trying Arabian foods and drinks in particular, Granada is the place to go.

Brief History of Moors in Granada

Moors arrived in Spain beginning in 711 A.D. Within a few years, they had successfully seized control of most of the Iberian Peninsula, renaming it al-Andalus. They remained in al-Andalus for centuries, though the amount of territory they controlled was greatly reduced during the Reconquista in the Middle Ages. They held more power in southern Spain, and in Granada especially. Granada was home to the last taifa kingdom (basically kingdoms ruled by Muslims) before the city was captured by the Christians in 1492. Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609.

Throughout the roughly 900 years Moors and Arabs inhabited Spain, they greatly contributed to the rich cultural scene present in the peninsula. Granada in particular features a lot of Arab and Moorish influence, particularly in art, architecture, and food. Here are a few examples of Arab influence in Granada’s cuisine:

1. Teterías

Teterías, or tea houses, in Granada are famous for serving tea, other drinks, and light foods that provide a taste of Arab culture. From Turkish lemonade and coffee to traditional Arab meals and sweets, these tea shops have everything you could think of. While there are some pricier locations, there are also some very nice budget-friendly options perfect for students with limited spending ability.

For a list of recommended teterías and their reviews, click here.

2. La tortilla del Sacromonte

La tortilla del Sacromonte is a type of omelet unique to Granada. Traditionally, the most important ingredients are the sheep brains and testicles; however, it is now being made with pig or cow brains and testicles as well, though some say it’s not la tortilla del Sacromonte if it’s not made with sheep. This dish is thought to have originated in the cave-dwelling village of Sacromonte in Granada. Muslims established the neighborhood after being exiled from Baza in the 1500s.

For a recipe of la tortilla del Sacromonte, click here. For more information about the village of Sacromonte, click here.

3. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a type of cold tomato soup. It also includes peppers and cucumbers, and it’s typically served with bread. Gazpacho’s cold nature pays homage to the warm Mediterranean climate found in Granada. Granada also has a special variety: beans and dried cod are typically added to the soup. Gazpacho is pretty easy and inexpensive to make – perfect for students wanting to eat a homemade meal.

For a recipe, click here.

Want to learn more about Granada? Click here.

Bibliography

DBpedia. “About: Taifa of Granada.” dbpedia.org, https://dbpedia.org/page/Taifa_of_Granada. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Escuela Delengua. “Learn about the typical food of Granada and how to cook it yourself!” Spanish School Delengua, https://www.delengua.es/spanish-courses-spain/granada/typical-food-of-granada.html. Accessed 14 April 2025.

Food Lover Tour. “The history behind Sacromonte and its tortilla.” Food Lover Tour, https://foodlovertour.com/blog/the-history-behind-sacromonte-and-its-tortilla/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

lovegranada.com. “Teahouses in Granada – Best Authentic Moorish Tea Rooms.” Love Granada, 1 April 2024, https://www.lovegranada.com/food/granada-teahouses/. Accessed 14 April 2025.

“Muslim Journeys | Item #218: ‘Moors’ from Oxford Islamic Studies Online”, April 14, 2025 http://bridgingcultures-muslimjourneys.org/items/show/218.

You’ll Always Get Your Money’s Worth in Barcelona- You can “Bank” on that!

14 Monday Apr 2025

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The view from inside the historic Taula de Canvi: One of Europe’s most successful banks!

The Historic Taula de Canvi in Barcelona is regarded as one of Europe’s first centralized banks. The bank, which has been around since the early 15th century served as Barcelona’s primary public bank until its closure in the late 19th century. The Bank itself was created on demand of the council of 100, who called for a centralized bank for the city. After its establishment in 1401 the bank served as the largest source for government funding. In addition, taxes and public expenses were recorded through the Taula’s system. The Taula de Canvi also played a vital role in the economy of the Crown of Aragon. Medieval economy flourished on centers of trade with merchants from all over the Mediterranean Sea setting up shop in the port of Barcelona. Of course, that meant that some sort of standardized currency exchange had to be created. In stepped the Taula. (In fact, that’s how it got the name, Taula de Canvi translates to table of conversions)

After the Catalan Civil War, the Taula underwent significant reforms. The biggest one of these reforms was that the bank could no longer fund the government or public officials. Though documents from the 16th century are few and far between, 17th century sources indicate that the bank remained in operation with these policies.

One of the biggest blows to the bank occurred at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. The Bourbon victors stripped the Taula of most of its actual powers, and the bank became a figurehead with limited monetary authority until 1867, when the bank was officially dissolved.

A visit to the former Taula is a wonderful treat that students of business and finance would enjoy. Observing one of Europe’s most successful banks (Especially one that’s not associated with the name Medici) can easily complement study abroad lessons. Stand in a building and a bank older than the United States! See what makes the world go round by studying abroad in Barcelona!

Catalonia Working Group on Central Banks. “CACEB Report II: The Taula de Canvi: A Monetary Perspective.” Banca Central. (Feb, 2024). https://bancacentral.cat/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CACEB_Report_II_Taula_de_Canvi.pdf

Selgin, George A. “Bank.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 16 Apr. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/money/bank#ref51892-1. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

The Iron Ring

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bilbao

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No, this isn’t a literal giant ring of iron around Bilbao, but it is something almost as cool. The city of Bilbao has a long and storied history in the course of Spanish internal conflicts. This city has been besieged in the past 200 years not once, not twice, but three separate times. But why is that? The city of Bilbao lies in the northern Basque country. The Basque country just so happened to also be the heart of the Carlist Wars. These wars were a conflict over the Pragmatic Sanction of 1833, and the Fueros, traditional privileges that belonged to the Basque and Catalan privileges. The Carlists, the side in favor of the pretender Don Carlos, as well as the Fueros, had their support bases in the rural countryside of the Basque and Catalan territories. Bilbao, in fact, was the only major Basque city to side with the Isabellist government, and as a result was besieged twice during the Carlist wars.

But why are these prior sieges relevant to these clearly modern fortifications? In the Spanish Civil war, from 1936-1937, the city of Bilbao sided once again with the central government, now of the Spanish Republic. However, the Carlists once again rose up during the civil war, specifically from the Navarre region. The city of Bilbao was, for the third time, besieged by the very same rebels it fended off twice before, but now in a much more modern context. Gone were the days of line formations and pitched battles with lines of muskets, and here was the era of modern industrial warfare. 

The Iron Ring was a vast tunnel network built by the briefly independent Basque government when it seceded at the start of the Spanish Civil War, and was a vast, labyrinthine series of tunnels, trenches, and bunkers designed to defend the city. Yet, much like the French in the same period, the defenses were built to World War One specifications, and remained undermanned. Built for 70,000 men, it held 30,000, less than half that number. 

Worse still, they got a monarchist to design the fortifications for them, Alejandro Goicoechea, because clearly getting someone from the political group you’re opposed to to build the defenses you’re using against the very same group is a great plan. Almost needless to say, he defected to the Nationalists, the military insurrection against the Republic. Shortly after he defected, the city of Bilbao fell to the Carlist Requetes. It only took three tries and a decline into almost complete irrelevance, but the Carlists finally got the city.

The fortifications, or at least part of them, still stand today, and you can visit them just outside of Bilbao. Now, these defenses stand as a reminder of not just the siege they were built for, but the many sieges the city had to endure during the century of Spanish instability from the 1830s to the 1930s. They also stand as a reminder not to let Carlists make anti-Carlist fortifications. This series of fortifications can be used in a trip to discuss a variety of topics, from military strategy, to regionalism in multinational countries, and ideological disputes between regionalism and unitary governments, and conservative vs liberal concepts of nationhood.

Granada: The Home of Tapas

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Granada

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What are Tapas?

Tapas are small plates of food that are served in bars and other restaurants when a customer orders alcohol. They’re kind of like snacks, in a way, very delicious snacks.

Tapas History

Tapas can be traced back centuries in Spain and in Granada specifically. There are multiple origin stories of the tapa, but two of the most common versions include flies, drunkards, and kings – oh my!

The first version of the tapa’s story is not very glamorous. According to some people and sources, the tapa originated from the practice of bartenders and tavern owners placing a piece of bread – or a plate – over the top of a bar glass in order to keep the flies from landing in them. Gross, but practical. Of course, as time went on, and bars and restaurants got more sanitary, barkeeps began to get creative and place toppings on the bread (or plate), like olives, jamón (a type of Spanish ham), and chorizo (Spanish sausage). Eventually, those small plates grew to contain the rich, flavorful, and delicious variety of food served today. From slices of fish and mushrooms to tortellini and meatballs, Granada has all the tapas you can eat!

The second tapas origin story claims that the practice originated in the 13th century. According to this tradition, King Alfonso X ordered bars to serve small plates of food with the sale of any alcoholic beverage so that the customers didn’t get too drunk and cause problems.

What’s Special About Granada’s Tapas?

Well, Granada has a special tradition when it comes to tapas: they’re completely free! Amazing, right? Tapas are perfect or any college students that want to go out but, as it typical, don’t necessarily have a ton of money to spend. Plus, tapas are served at all bars and restaurants with the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, so it’s perfectly manageable to find a cheaper bar to visit.

Tapas are also designed to be enjoyed over conversation and consumed with others. One of the main points of tapas, if you go by the King Alfonso explanation, was to prevent overindulgence so that patrons could continue chatting with their friends. So, tapas are a perfect way for students, and teachers, to have conversations amongst themselves and even meet new people. They’re also a good way to destress after a long day of teaching. Or studying. Just saying.

Are you in Granada and want to go tapas crawling? Here is list of recommended bars from National Geographic.

Do you want to learn more about Granada? Click here to see further information!

Bibliography

Ashworth, Jr., William B. “Alfonso X, King of Castile.” Linda Hall Library, 23 November 2020, https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/alfonso-x-king-of-castile/. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Hola Properties. “Discover the Tantalizing Tapas of Granada.” Hola Properties, https://holaproperties.com/tapas-in-granada/#:~:text=Tapas%20Culture%20in%20Granada&text=This%20tradition%20dates%20back%20to,than%20just%20bite%2Dsized%20dishes. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Miguel. “Tapas: the Ultimate Guide to Enjoying Tapas in Spain.” Estudia-España, 2 February 2023, https://estudia-espana.eu/en/blog/tapas-the-ultimate-guide-to-enjoying-tapas-in-spain. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Vincent, Jessica, et al. “Where to go on a tapas crawl in Granada.” National Geographic, 9 June 2022, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/tapas-crawl-granada. Accessed 10 April 2025.

Spain’s Comfort Food: Tortilla de patata

15 Wednesday Sep 2021

Posted by in Uncategorized

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Tortilla de patata is both delicious and ubiquitous in Spain. As you can see from the picture below, it is a dish made primarily of potatoes and egg. Among Spaniards, however, you can spark a debate about whether or not to add onion as well (grocery stores offer it premade both with and without cebolla). Honestly, though, you can’t go wrong either way.