Paseo del Rey Chico and Cuesta de los Chinos Bridge
Why is it significant?
Arrive at the peaceful riverside grove of Paseo del Rey Chico, nestled in the deep shade of the Darro canyon directly beneath the towering northern cliffs of the Alhambra.
Key Facts
| Place | Paseo del Rey Chico and Cuesta de los Chinos Bridge |
|---|---|
| Address | Paseo del Rey Chico s/n, 18010 Granada, Spain |
| Geo Coordinates | 37.17850, -3.58620 |
| Part of Walk | Sacromonte Caves and El Realejo: Flamenco Heritage and Noble Carmenes |
| Generated | Generated |
Arrive at the peaceful riverside grove of Paseo del Rey Chico, nestled in the deep shade of the Darro canyon directly beneath the towering northern cliffs of the Alhambra. Named in honor of Boabdil, the young sultan known to Spanish chroniclers as el Rey Chico or «the Little King», this romantic pathway marks the point where the historic Cuesta de los Chinos ravine descends from the royal palaces above to meet the rushing mountain river. Tall hazel trees, weeping willows, and ancient hackberry trees shade the cobblestone banks, creating a cool, damp microclimate scented by moss and wild ivy. In autumn, the dense canopies of hazelnut and hackberry trees blaze with bright golden hues, shedding carpets of amber foliage along the wet cobblestone banks beside the bubbling river.
Cross the charming arched stone and timber footbridge over the river Darro: beneath your feet, the clear mountain current swirls over golden gravel beds and water-sculpted boulders before cascading over small stone weirs. Look up at the sheer rock wall soaring above the southern bank: high on the cliff edge stand the imposing battlements of the Torre de las Damas and the Partal Palace, appearing almost close enough to touch from this dramatic low-angle perspective.
According to popular romantic legend, it was down this very ravine that Boabdil was lowered in a basket from the palace towers by his devoted mother, Sultana Aixa, to escape the deadly wrath of his father, Sultan Muley Hacén, during the royal succession crisis of 1482. The young prince rallied loyal supporters in the Albaicín and successfully claimed the throne.
Dip your hand into the rushing stream: the water originates from melting snows at three thousand meters elevation in Sierra Nevada and retains its bracing chill throughout the summer.
Begin the gentle ascent southward up the wooded hillside path toward the grand gardens of Carmen de los Mártires.