Sick Days, Sacred Walls: Falling for Granada

By: Christ J. Desruisseaux

Granada was, without a doubt, my favorite city in Spain, even though most of us got sick while we were there. Beyond the fact that I chose to focus my project on Granada, what truly drew me to the city was its breathtaking architecture and vibrant nightlife. There’s a unique energy in Granada that’s hard to put into words, and it left a lasting impression on me.

The architecture in Granada is second to none. I firmly believe this is due to the city’s rich and diverse history. For centuries, Muslims, Jews, and Catholics lived alongside one another, and this cultural intermingling gave rise to architectural masterpieces like the Alhambra. This grand structure, a combination mosque, fortress, and palace, contains elements of all three faiths: a Catholic church built into its interior, Jewish iconography etched into its walls, and Islamic art and design throughout. Walking through it felt like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history.

Granada also holds significant weight in Western history. It was here that the Spanish monarchs hosted Christopher Columbus before his infamous voyage, marking the beginning of Spain’s colonial expansion and giving the Spanish Empire an early lead in global conquest.

One of the highlights of our visit was attending a world-renowned Granada flamenco show an event that has hosted international figures like President Obama and members of the British royal family.

With its rich culture and diverse population, Granada is Spain’s largest study abroad destination. If I had the chance to return for a long-term program, Granada would be my first choice.