Corral del Carbón (Granada)

 
Picture: Wikimedia Commons
 
The Corral del Carbón is a structure that dates back to the 14th century – approximately 1336, during the most brilliant moment of the Nasrid reign. It is one of the most important heritage sites in Spain because it is the only fully preserved Nasrid “alhóndiga” in the Iberian Peninsula.

Located south of the city, next to where the Medina souk and the missing Great Mosque were located, the Corral del Carbón served as a transit inn for merchants, as well as a warehouse and market for wholesalers.

Its architectural design is typically Nasrid, with highlights including the immense richness of its decorated plasterwork façade and its immense tumido arch, slightly propped and with two centres, provided with an alfiz, an epigraphic decoration in Kufic at the top of its horizontal moulding. A widely overhanging eave finish is supported on wooden canes.

The rear part of the hallway, which accesses the patio, is covered by a muqarnas vault that maintains remains of polychrome. The patio, on the other hand, lacks excessive decoration and has a quadrangular floor plan, with a Stone water basin containing two spouts.

The Corral del Carbón is a three-story structure with galleries open to the patio, which is made up of stone pillars, footings (beautifully carved wood) and beams. Its dungaree factory is made of exposed brick, while the interior contains offices and shops.

Currently, the Corral del Carbón is the administrative headquarters of the Granada City Orchestra and is where the famous Granada International Music and Dance Festival takes place. It also hosts theatrical performances, conferences and flamenco concerts.
   
 
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What to see in Granada