Realejo, Granada

Area in Granada

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Hector Garcia

The Realejo district, also known as Realejo-San Matías, lies at the foot of the Alhambra and was once the thriving Jewish quarter of Muslim Granada. Today it is a lively, characterful neighbourhood where historic streets, churches, palaces, and quiet gardens sit alongside street art and buzzing cafés. Its unique blend of heritage and modern culture makes it one of the top sights in Granada and often visited on walking tours of Granada.

The area's layered past is visible everywhere-from the remnants of Moorish fortifications to Christian chapels to statues honouring Granada's Jewish scholars. Realejo remains one of the most atmospheric districts to wander in the city.

History of Realejo
Things to See and Do in Realejo
How to Get to Realejo
Practical Tips on Visiting Realejo
Where to Stay Close to Realejo
Is Realejo Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Realejo
Nearby Attractions to Realejo

History of Realejo

Before the Moorish arrival in the 8th century, Sephardi Jews had already settled in this part of Granada. Under Muslim rule, the district flourished as Garnata al-Yahud, or “Granada of the Jews,” a cosmopolitan neighbourhood admired for its artisans, merchants, and intellectuals. Jewish residents often spoke multiple languages and maintained strong cultural links across the Mediterranean.

This peaceful coexistence ended after the Christian conquest in 1492. The Catholic Monarchs expelled the Jewish population, demolished synagogues, and established a military camp on the site, renaming the area Realejo. New Christian buildings rose over former Jewish structures, reshaping the district's architectural landscape.

Things to See and Do in Realejo

Torres Bermejas: This Nasrid-era fortress towers over the neighbourhood and once protected access to the Alhambra. Its reddish stone gives the towers their distinctive name.

Carmen de los Mártires: A serene garden complex on the hillside south of the Alhambra, ideal for peaceful walks.

Iglesia de Santo Domingo: One of Granada’s most beautiful but lesser-known churches, featuring impressive Baroque decoration.

Campo del Príncipe: The main square of Realejo, created in 1497 and located on the site of a former Muslim cemetery. At its centre stands the Cristo de los Favores statue, erected in 1640 and still central to local devotion.

Plaza de Isabel la Católica: Home to the famous monument of Christopher Columbus receiving approval for his voyage from Queen Isabella.

Statue of Yehuda Ibn Tibon: Located on Calle Pavaneras, this tribute honours the Jewish philosopher, physician, poet, and translator whose work helped transmit Arabic science to Europe.

Monastery of San Francisco: Built in 1507 on the site of an old mosque, the monastery was one of the first Christian buildings in post-conquest Granada. Only parts of the original structure survive today.

Graffiti by El Niño de las Pinturas: Realejo's walls serve as an open-air gallery for the work of this celebrated Granada street artist, whose murals bring colour and creative energy to the district.

How to Get to Realejo

Realejo is centrally located and easily reached on foot from most parts of Granada. The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's main train station provides convenient links from Málaga, Madrid, and Seville, making train travel an easy way to reach the city before exploring Realejo. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, expect narrow streets and limited parking-using a nearby public car park is recommended before entering the neighbourhood. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Realejo

Suggested tips: Wander without a fixed plan-you’ll uncover hidden squares, plazas, and murals.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon when the streets come alive with local activity.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 Hour
Official website:
How long to spend: 1-2 hours strolling through the district.
Accessibility: Some hills and cobbled streets may be challenging for visitors with mobility limitations.
Facilities: Cafés, tapas bars, and small shops throughout the neighbourhood.
Photography tip: Look for El Niño de las Pinturas’ murals around Calle Molinos and its side streets.
Guided tours: Many local guides include Realejo on Jewish heritage or city history walks.
Nearby food options: Campo del Príncipe offers several good places for tapas and outdoor dining.

Where to Stay Close to Realejo

For charm and comfort, consider Gar Anat Hotel Boutique. A stylish option near the main sights is Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula Autograph Collection. For a more intimate stay near the Alhambra, try Hotel Puerta de las Granadas.

Is Realejo Worth Visiting?

Yes-its mix of Jewish history, Moorish remnants, Christian monuments, leafy gardens, and vibrant street art gives Realejo a distinctive character. It's one of Granada's most culturally rich and atmospheric districts.

FAQs for Visiting Realejo

It was the Jewish quarter of Muslim Granada, known as Garnata al-Yahud.

After the Christian conquest, a royal military camp (real) was installed here.

Yes-Realejo is best explored by walking.

Look around Calle Molinos and adjacent streets for murals by El Niño de las Pinturas.

Yes-Realejo lies directly beneath the hill of the Alhambra.

Nearby Attractions to Realejo

Alhambra Palace: Granada's most famous monument overlooking the district.
Carmen de los Mártires: Peaceful landscaped gardens nearby.
Plaza Nueva: A lively square at the foot of the Albaicín.
Corral del Carbón: A 14th-century Moorish grain market.
Albaicín: Granada's Moorish quarter with viewpoints and historic lanes.

The Realejo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

Moira & Andy

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