Walking through the historic Albaicín district in Granada, you'll stumble upon something quite remarkable – a working mosque that represents a fascinating chapter in this city's long story. The Mezquita Mayor de Granada opened in 2003, making it the first mosque built here since 1492, when the Catholic Monarchs conquered the last Muslim stronghold in Spain.

What strikes you first is the location. Sitting right next to Plaza San Nicolás, with its famous viewpoint of the Alhambra, the mosque occupies one of the most symbolic spots in Granada. There's something quietly powerful about finding Islamic worship restored to this neighborhood after five centuries.

The building itself feels thoughtfully designed rather than grand. The prayer hall incorporates elements from across the Islamic world – the mihrab is actually a replica of the one in Córdoba's famous mosque, while the marble panels mirror those found in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque. The wooden cedar panels, hand-carved with Quranic verses, and the large windows copied from Istanbul's Blue Mosque create an atmosphere that feels both familiar and distinctly Granadan.

But it's the garden that really captures your attention. Mediterranean plants – olive trees, pomegranates, citrus – frame views across the Darro valley toward the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada beyond. The two mosaic fountains, crafted by artisans from Fez using techniques unchanged for a thousand years, add an authentic touch that connects past and present.

Beyond its role as a place of worship, the mosque serves as a cultural center. The Islamic Studies Center houses a substantial library with texts in Arabic, Spanish, and English, plus a conference hall that seats 140 people. They run Arabic classes, exhibitions, and lectures – essentially functioning as a bridge between communities in modern Granada.

The minaret, designed to blend with Albaicín's distinctive architecture, bears a Kufic inscription of the Islamic declaration of faith. It's a subtle reminder of the neighborhood's layered history, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences have shaped the streets for centuries.

If you're exploring this area anyway for the San Nicolás viewpoint, the contrast between the bustling tourist crowds outside and the peaceful courtyard inside makes for an interesting pause. An audio guide is available if you want deeper context about the architecture and the community that built this place.