Sacromonte Caves Granada

Gypsy quarter of Granada Spain: cave houses and Flamenco caves

Visit the gypsy quarter Sacromonte in Granada Spain with cave houses, the Sacromonte abbey and Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte.

The caves houses of Sacromonte

^{The white cave houses of Sacromonte} The Sacromonte district is located on the Valparaiso hill of Granada and borders the north-east side of the Arab El Albaícin district. In the 15th century, a large group of Roma, or the Spanish gypsies (the Gitanos) situated themselves here. They created houses by making cave homes in the hills; the Sacromonte district owes its fame to these houses. In the 15th century, the Valparaiso hill received the status of holy mountain, because people believed the caves in the hill contained the remnants of the city's patron saint, San Cecilio. The literal meaning of Sacromonte is therefore holy mountain.

Sacromonte quarter & Flamenco

This population group Gitanos has a long-standing tradition with the flamenco, the typical Spanish dance and music. The Gitanos mixed the traditional Spanish flamenco with Arab belly dancing. Many flamenco shows are still frequently held in the cave homes; these bars are also referred to as tablaos. During the day, the Sacromonte district is often deserted, but at night, the quarter comes to life. Despite the fact that the flamenco shows seem somewhat touristic, a visit to one of the flamenco caves is certain worth while during your visit to Granada. During the day, Sacromonte gives you a stunning view of the city of Granada, such as the Albaicín district and the Alhambra.

Cave Museum "Cuevas del Sacromonte"

The name of the museum already says: "The Caves of Sacromonte". In this Sacromonte Caves Museum there are eleven cave houses, where you will find information about the history, traditions and inhabitants of Sacromonte.

The Sacromonte Abbey

^{The Sacromonte Abbey} After the discovery of the remnants of the city's patron saint (San Cecilio) in the 15th century, it was decided to build an abbey on the Valparaiso mountain to preserve this special finding. It is possible to take a guided tour of this abbey of the Sacromonte church with its catacombs. The abbey complex has three main components: the 17th and 18th century Abbey, the 17th century College and the Seminary. Additionally, the abbey offers a stunning view of the Alhambra, the El Albaicín district, the Darro river and the lovely mountain tops of the Sierra Nevada.

Where is Sacramonte in Granada?

Also close by:

The Alhambra

El Albaicín

Paseo de los Tristes

Carmen de los Mártires