Granada - Final Islamic Stronghold in Spain

In the battle for the fate of the Iberian peninsula, one city stood as the final stronghold of Islamic rule, Granada. This is the story of how one of history's greatest power couples conquered its crown jewel, united their respective kingdoms, and funded voyages that led to the discovery of the Americas; transforming not only Spain but also the world.

However, one cannot fully appreciate the city without learning about its bloody history.

A note from the writer: this is a pre-pandemic tale.

Today's journey takes us from Seville to Granada; an enjoyable ride given Spain's highly connected and efficient rail system.

In fact, Spain has the most extensive high-speed network in Europe, offering fast and convenient travel between major cities.

I much prefer train rides / long drives to air travel. Apart from the considerably less stress involved, one gets to experience a little bit of the country more.

And one has time to reflect and ponder, which are among my favorite past times.

Nestled in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, at the foot of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is where moorish majesty meets Spanish soul.

Originally founded by the Romans, Granada was a major part of Al-Andalus, the muslim-ruled Iberian territory that brought Islamic art, science, and architecture to Europe.

Consequently, Granada was the last muslim stronghold in Spain, surrendered in 1492 to the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castille and Ferdinand II of Aragon, children of historically rival kingdoms whose marriage eventually united Spain.

Dubbed the Catholic Monarchs by Pope Alexander VI, the two were renowned for their staunch support of the Church and their role in the Reconquista, the campaign to "reconquer" the Iberian peninsula from muslim hands, and reestablish Catholicism as the religion of the land; a massive moment in European history.

The same year they completed the Reconquista, the Catholic Monarchs also funded Christopher Columbus' voyage, unknowingly launching centuries of colonization for the Americas and subsequently making the Spanish Empire the most powerful one during its time.

However, several of their actions taint their legacy with controversy: the Alhambra Decree of 1492 expelled all Jews from Spain unless they converted, and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition enforced Catholic orthodoxy with fire and torture.

Controversy aside, the Catholic Monarchs' combined rule laid the foundation for Spain's Golden Age, a period of empire, exploration, art, and defense of Christianity. One of their children, Catherine of Aragon, would go on to become the first wife of Henry VIII of England (hello Tudor drama!), and their grandson, Charles V (also the Holy Roman Emperor) inherited a superpower empire that spanned Europe and the Americas; the world's most powerful man during his time.

As a symbol of the Catholic Monarch's victory over the final stronghold of Islam on Spain whose conquest was a personal obsession and defining moment especially for Queen Isabella, the two are buried together in the Royal Chapel of Granada,

Granada's importance and fortunes continued after it was conquered by the Catholic Monarchs; becoming the administrative and cultural center of their unified reign. That is why several Islamic monuments have been preserved, including the Alhambra, former home of the Emir of Granada and one of the most visited attractions in Europe. (entry on this coming soon)