Mirador de la lona

Perched on the southwestern edge of the Albaicín, the Mirador de la Lona is one of the neighborhood's most underrated treasures. While most visitors flock to San Nicolas to see the Alhambra, the Lona offers a completely…

Just steps away from the mirador lie the remnants of the Zirid walls, dating back to the 11th century. This was the original defensive perimeter of the 'Albaicín,' the medieval heart of the city. …

From the Lona, the Granada Cathedral is your primary focal point. Constructed between 1528 and 1706, this 'gorgeous Renaissance building' stands on the site of the former main mosque. …

If you look slightly to your right, you can see the plaza and Church of San Miguel Bajo. This area is a perfect example of how the city 'dates all the way back to the 13th to 15th centuries.' The church itself was built on the…

Looking past the city center, the view opens up to the 'Vega de Granada'—the vast, fertile plain that has fed the city for millennia. This is the landscape that made Granada 'one of the most beautiful and greenest cities in…

Pause to look at the buildings immediately surrounding the Mirador de la Lona. You will see a fascinating 'mesh' of architectural styles. …

The small square or 'placeta' that leads to the mirador is a social microcosm. While it lacks the 'grand bazar' feel of the Alcaiceria, it has its own quiet commerce. …

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon of the Vega, the Mirador de la Lona comes into its true glory. The golden hour turns the Cathedral into a glowing monument and casts long, dramatic shadows through the lanes of the…