Corral del Carbon, villa and cottage rentals in Andalucia

cottage rentals in rural Andalucia

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Corral del Carbón

This Moorish inn or fondak was built at the same time as the Alhambra, in the 14th century, and stands near the old bazaar, for the use of the merchants who brought their wares to the city from all over Spain and North Africa. It is called the "Courtyard of Coal" because, in the Christian period, charcoal vendors used to weigh their wares on a scales set up near the central fountain.

The patio was also used during the Edad de Oro for theatrical performances. Today the courtyard is home to a tourist information office, and several crafts stores. It is also the setting for flamenco performances, on summer nights.

The bridge that once separated the bazaar and the inn disappeared when the river was covered, but the name of the street which joins the two places bears witness to its existence: Coalbridge Street.

GRANADA, CITY OF MY DREAMS, a book for the curious traveller, written and illustrated by Lorenzo Bohme and published by Editorial Natívola (2003) is now in its 3rd edition. To read about it and Nativola's other publications, click here.

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