The river gate
If there is something I love in Granada it is the atmosphere. It is a city full of history, with an exceptional heritage attracting tourists' from all over the world. But there is nothing compared to seeing the night falling on one of the small squares. It has a special feeling, as if time stopped.
One of the most famous is Bib-Rambla ("Gate of the river") where the Muslim would celebrate the souk. Throughout time the souk has become a labyrinth called Alcaicería. Going there is a must if one wants to understand Granada. It is located just next to this central square. Actually, trading is still the main activity around this square since most of the trade in Granada is concentrated in this area. The traffic is constant all day long, I prefer going there when it gets dark and the place gets quieter.
Its location remains a special place for all kind of celebrations. Now it is used for exhibitions, or events like the Chocolate Fair. Even though the buildings around it have been adapted to modern times, they preserve their original physiology. At least on the ground floor, with porches composed of semi-circular arches. It corresponds to the years of resettlement in which the square was filled of noble families who would celebrate games of jousting and spears.
In the centre of the square there was a Monument to friar Luis but the town hall decided to move it, not for any reason in particular but just because there is some kind of fever in Granada, which makes them feel they have to change the location of the monuments every now and then. Right now in the centre of the square there is a fountain with Neptune and the Giants.
Apart from that, the square is completely similar to the rest of the small squares in Granada, although I feel it could do with more vegetation. The visible difference is the number of people coming consistently, attracted by the great number of shops there. It has various typical terraces, always full of foreigners eager to sample local food. They are also very famous for the flowers stands.
The only drawback of Rib-Rambla square is that the bins are located in the pedestrian area. It makes the view unpleasant and at dusk they take away from the atmosphere.
If you visit Granada you will have to go to this square for sure, it is one of my favourite spots.
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