PLAZA BIB-RAMBLA

Also known as the Plaza de los Flores, Flower Square, it is one of the most lively pedestrian squares in Granada, with a large central fountain dominated by the statue of Neptune. Of Nazari origin, it owes its name Bib Rambla to the Bab al-Ramla gate or puerta del arenal, sand in Spanish, one of the main gateways to the city at that time and to which it was united in its western part. It was then a small esplanade formed by sand deposits from the Darro River but its strategic location, close to places of worship, mosque and cathedral, and commercial areas, has made it the privileged place for many highlights over the centuries. Used to celebrate festivals in Muslim times, it also hosted the bullfights of the Christian period as well as the autodafés of the inquisition, since it was here that almost the entire library of the Madraza, the Koranic school and even executions were burned. After the reconquest, the Catholic Monarchs made it the Plaza Mayor, with Castilian style buildings, a function that it will share with the Campo del Principe. In this spirit, for example, at the end of the 16th century, the Casa de los Miraflores was built there, which housed the customs office and the town council, but unfortunately disappeared in a fire at the end of the 19th century. In the 18th century, it became a permanent market, which led to the opening of streets linking it to the main artery of the Reyes Catolicos and sheltered a hospital, a church and the archbishopric's palace. The 19th century gave it its current dimensions after having knocked down many arches and buildings, with the exception of the archbishopric, which underwent many modifications. Today we go there for lunch, dinner, a drink or a chocolate con churros, seated at one of its many terraces, under the lime trees. And it continues to maintain its festive atmosphere, especially on Corpus Christi day when it fills up with kiosks or at the end of the year when it hosts the traditional crèche market and many other events.