Besides the Alhambra, what other sights and places should we check out while in This area this spring?

Ness,<BR>Downtown, the two "must sees" are the cavernous Renaissance Cathedral and next to it, the Royal Chapel with its beautiful altar, restored to its former glory, and the huge, elaborately carved marble crypts of Ferdinand and Isabella, their daughter Juana la Loca and husband Felipe el Hermoso. Take the staircase down below to the crypt where you can also see their plain lead coffins. <BR>In the Sacristy, you can view part of Isabella's private collection of 15th century Flemish masters, her crown and sceptre, pray book, gold and silver chalices and beautiful ceremonial priests' vestments.<BR>The Alcaiceria, below the Royal Chapel is the former silk merchants' market, now a rather touristy souk-like handicraft and souvenirs-galore bazaar.<BR>Also a daytime walk through the Arab quarter, the Albaicin, with its nooks and crannies, steep climbs, pretty cypress trees, tea parlors, and collection of white-washed Moorish homes, called "carmenes", a few now converted to B&Bs, can be interesting. And the romantic sunset views of the Alhambra looming on the hill with the snow capped Sierra de Nevada in the background that you can enjoy from the famous lookout point, the Mirador de San Nicolas, in front of the church of the same name, are really unforgettable.<BR>Also downtown, the square called the Campo del Principe is a lively area at night, filled with tapas bars. <BR>Have fun!

I would add a couple of beautiful churches to what Maribel wisely posted. <BR>These are La Cartuja and San Juan de Dios. The first one is located in the outskirts northwards of the city and it is a masterpiece of baroque art. The second one is located within the city centre and is also an interesting monument. I would also include in my suggestions and only in case you have enough time to spend in the area, a short trip to Alpujarras area (Capileira, Pampaneira, Bubi&oacute;n, Portugos, etc), the latest towns where the moorish were living until they were definitely sent away from Spain in XVII century. Those towns still keep its particular architecture and urban configuration from those dates. The other side trip would be to Montefr&iacute;o, a nice white town with a nice setting.

Ness,<BR><BR>While travelling from Ronda to Granada we stopped at La Garganta del Chorro for an unbelievable and (in retrospect) quite dangerous walk. I guess that I would recommend it only for viewing at this point. And then, after leaving Granada we visited both Baeza and Ubeda which are wonderful little Renaissance jems. From Ubeda to Cordoba there is an incredible detour to a castle in Banos de La Encina.<BR><BR>In Granada, I was sorry that we did not have time to visit some of the sites associated with the life of Federico Garcia Lorca which sounded quite interesting.<BR><BR>I hope you are going to try to stop in Cordoba also as the Mezquita is a sight unique in the world.<BR><BR>Good Luck, Maria

Ness -- we loved the tapas bars behind the Plaza Neuvo. Just roam behind there and follow the crowds. We had wonderful Rioja wine, delicious tapas and a heck of a time!