Plaza Nueva Granada is the oldest square in the city, though its name doesn't exactly hint at the fact. Plaza Nueva translates to "New Plaza" in English. Its name aside, this plaza calls the heart of Granada home, and it serves as a prime gathering place. Big time attractions aren't far off, thus making the Plaza Nueva in Granada Spain a good place to begin sightseeing tours, though visitors won't want to overlook the square's own attractions.

Interestingly enough, the Plaza Nueva Granada was built in an attempt to cover the Darro River. This attempt was successful, and to this day, the river flows underneath. The main aim was to create more space within the city, and it didn't take long for this space to be used. According to popular belief, bullfights and public executions were among the events that were held at the Plaza Nueva in Granada Spain.

Among the structures that are located at the Plaza Nueva Granada are the Iglesia de Santa Ana and the Reales Chancillerias. Both hail from the sixteenth century. The Iglesia de Santa Ana, or Santa Ana Church, was designed by Diego de Siloe and features a five-nave interior. Found within this interior space are a splendid coffered ceiling and ornate Churrigueresque altarpieces. Churrigueresque, for those who might not know, is a term that refers to a Baroque style of ornament that originated in Spain. As for the Reales Chancillerias, it is a former Justice Palace that is of considerable beauty. The tourist office at the Plaza de Santa Ana can provide more info on these attractions, not to mention the other great attractions in Granada.

Granada Map

Lovely buildings of differing shapes and sizes surround the long Plaza Nueva in Granada Spain, and when the weather is nice, the local cafes and restaurants set up outdoor seating arrangements. As such, the plaza can be a fine place to go for a drink or some food. Regardless of how you spend your time in the square, you might move on to other nearby attractions when it comes time to leave. Starting in the Plaza Nueva, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the Alhambra on foot. All you have to do is hop on the street that is known as Cuesta de Gomerez.

Also leading out from the square is the Carrera del Darro, which is widely considered to be Granada's most romantic avenue. It's certainly gets the most pedestrian traffic of all the streets in the city, which is largely due to the fact that it runs alongside the Darro River.

For those who don't want to walk to area attractions such as the Alhambra, there is a taxi stand at the Plaza Nueva. Also found at the plaza is at least one good hotel that Granada tourists will want to keep in mind. Appropriately known as the Hotel Plaza Nueva, this three-star lodging establishment at Plaza Nueva 2 offers 25 clean and comfortable rooms at a good price, and it can also set guests up with a more fully-equipped Granada apartment. The apartment units are close to the hotel. The hotel rooms are pretty well-equipped themselves, with standard amenity highlights including air conditioning, heating, a mini bar, a safe, and satellite TV.