El Paseo de los Tristes - Granada

The Paseo de los Tristes is undoubtedly one of the most romantic and charming places in Granada . This space is known worldwide for its original view of the Alhambra in contrapicado, an imposing and majestic view of the Nasrid Palace that enchants every visitor who comes here.

It was built in the 17th century, after the explosion of a gunpowder workshop near the parish church of San Pedro and San Pablo. The damage caused made it necessary to carry out major works throughout the area, the Cabrera and Espinosa bridges were built and the Carrera del Darro was widened. This facilitated the city's access to Sacromonte.

A parapet was placed on the river, and a fountain was placed in the middle, the only 17th century fountain designed for this place, which still stands in the same place today.
The Paseo de los Tristes was used as a stage for bullfights and stick fights . The river was covered with scaffolding to increase the space. Until a few years ago, and coinciding with the Corpus Christi festivities, singing and dancing shows were held...

After the years of vitality in the late 19th century, the Carrera del Darro and Paseo de los Tristes fell into disrepair, until the road, sidewalk and pavement were refurbished in the 1980s. The Paseo de los Tristes comes to life again.

Opposite the Paseo de los Tristes, on the left bank of the Darro, there are several buildings that make this place unique, such as the Carmen de los Chapiteles or the Hotel Reuma.

From the Paseo de los Tristes, we can reach the Sacromonte and the Albaicín by climbing the slope of Chapiz.

We can also cross the bridge of Aljibillo and choose to go to the Alhambra and Generalife via the Cuesta de los Chinos , or to the Fuente del Avellano.

This walk had several names:
- Paseo de la Puerta de Guadix, after the gate of the same name at the end of the promenade, which opened the way to the city of Guadix.

- Paseo de los Tristes, which takes its name from the fact that it was one of the access roads to the cemetery. The coffins were blessed at the door of the Church of Santa Ana, where the mourners took their leave to begin their journey along the Carrera del Darro, Paseo de los Tristes, Cuesta de los Chinos and the cemetery. The "veleros" (candle bearers) came to the square and, in exchange for some coins, escorted the dead with a candle to the Aljibillo Bridge, where the procession ended.

- Paseo del Padre Manjón in memory of the founder of the Ave María schools.

Willem Vandenameele