Granada Day 1

After our first night in Granada, we woke up ready to go (on foot after all the crazy driving) see the sights. Our first objective was to see the Cathedral. On our way there, J wanted to pose with a fountain that had no historical value. It was just in front of a hotel.

Gratuitous hotel fountain

Further on, we came to the Fuente del Triunfo, a park going up a small hill. I had walked by the night before and saw water running down channels in the park, but it was either too cold or too early when we walked by.

Fuente del Triunfo without the water running

At the top is a statue of Our Lady on a high pillar, which got oohs and aahs from parents, if not from the children.

View of Mary on a pillar

View from Mary

Nearby is a statue of Fray Leopoldo, a Spanish Capuchin friar who lived from 1864 to 1956. He is admired, not for fabulous accomplishments but for the simplicity of his life. He lived mostly in Granada, where he was the quaestor or seeker for his community. He went door to door for donations for his friary and was a familiar sight on the streets. People sought him for advice and intercession. Now he is a Blessed and a nearby sign talks about furthering his cause to be declared a saint.

Fray Leopoldo

At the bottom of the park is another statue of a holy person, Saint John of God, who lived in the 1500s. He is depicted doing charitable work for the poor. 

St. John of God

Across the street and on the way to the cathedral, we saw another fancy building that caught my camera's eye.

Nice building

We had one last stop, at a pastry shop, before we made it to the cathedral, which unfortunately didn't open to the public till 10:45. Fortunately, we were able to go into the Royal Chapel of Granada at 10:15, which is especially fascinating since it is the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. More on that in the next post!