Granada's colorful Gypsy quarter on the Sacromonte is a fascinating place to visit. This hilltop neighborhood begins around the Cuesta del Chapiz, where the Camino del Sacromonte ascends the hill.
The Gypsies (Gitanos) have had a presence in Granada since 1532 and settled in the caves of Sacromonte in the 18th century. Wander the hillside roads of this atmospheric neighborhood to discover the artistic Gypsy homes; some are decorated with vibrant handcrafted ceramics.
The caves in the upper area of the Camino del Sacromonte are in the best condition, and one has been made into a museum so you can see inside. Tourists can find many cave venues in Sacromonte where flamenco is performed, including Cueva de la Rocio, whose famous guests have included the King of Spain, Bill Clinton, and Michelle Obama.
The Sacromonte offers some of the best views in Granada, with panoramas over rugged ravines, the Valparaiso Valley, and the Darro River. Some vantage points look out to the Alhambra Palace and the Albaicín. A steep and picturesque footpath (a difficult walk) climbs through deeply indented gullies to the Ermita San Miguel de Alto. This 17th-century Baroque hermitage has a magnificent viewpoint of the Alhambra and the Albaicín.
Another noteworthy religious monument is the Benedictine Abbey of Sacromonte. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Sacromonte Abbey stands on Mount Valparaiso. Accessible by the Camino del Sacromonte (a 10-minute taxi ride from the Plaza Nueva), the Abbey is open for guided tours between 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm. Several caves were found on this site, which possess precious relics of the 16th century as well as a cross of Saint John.
