An idyllic location, the Paseo de los Tristes can be found in the Valle del Darro, between the hills of the Alhambra on one side and the hills of the Albayzn on the other. This street, along with Carrera del Darro, is considered by many to be the most beautiful street in the world. The area is surrounded by palaces, churches, convents, museums, and other mediaeval buildings, all of which combine to make it the ideal spot to relax and take in the splendour of Granada.
In contrast to its gloomy nickname and the romantic views of the Alhambra that have the potential to make one feel melancholy, the street has maintained its joyous and celebratory atmosphere over the years.
Discover the origin of its depressing nickname:
The captivating story behind the well-known moniker can be found here. In the 19th century, funeral processions that were headed to the San José cemetery on Sabika Hill in Granada used to travel through this area.
Spend some downtime and indulge in local delicacies:
Rather than that, the name of this beautiful avenue that offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra and that follows the course of the Darro River between the Moorish bridges of Chirimas and Aljibillo is listed as Paseo del Padre Manjón, which is also its official name. One can, thankfully, easily drown one's sorrows on Paseo de los Tristes today while gazing at the Alhambra from any one of its bustling cafes. It is almost required to sample the traditional tapas dishes that are served in the area at these establishments.
Take part in the Casa de las Chirimas festival if you happen to be in the area during that time:
You'll find Casa de las Chirimas at the westernmost end of the street. It's situated right in front of an old Moorish bridge that was reconstructed in 1882 but still bears the same name. This baroque building was constructed in the 17th century, not long after the people of Castril granted the land to build Paseo de los Tristes in 1609. This is one of the ways that the baroque building is connected to the beginnings of the street.
During the Corpus Christi celebrations up until a few decades ago, flamenco song and dance performances took place on Paseo de los Tristes. These days, however, it is used as an improvised stage for buskers who play a variety of musical styles for terrace customers.
Pay close attention to the installations, and educate yourself on the following recognitions:
A statue of Mario Maya, a gipsy dancer and choreographer, was erected close to the Casa de las Chirimas as a nod to the region's rich flamenco heritage. The National Dance Award was given to this renowned artist in 1992, the same year that the artist became well known in the tablaos of the nearby Sacromonte quarter.
Cross the bridges and educate yourself on the stories behind each one as you go:
During your time in Granada, you will find that the Paseo de los Tristes is home to a great number of interesting buildings. There are 14 bridges that can be found crossing the Darro river.
On the opposite bank of the Darro river is a structure that is the subject of tens of thousands of myths and legends:
On the opposite bank of the Darro River from the Paseo de los Tristes, in the shadow of the Alhambra, stands the solitary figure of a building that has the appearance of a haunted house. The Hotel Bosques of the Alhambra, also known as 'The Suitcase' or 'The Doll's House,' was constructed in 1908 in the garden of the now-demolished Carmen de Santa Engracia, and it is believed to be haunted. Other names for the hotel include 'The Suitcase' and 'The Doll's House.'
Duration RequiredPaseo del Padre Manjon 2, 18010 Granada Spain
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