The authentic Albaicin: home of the zirids. The origins of Granada on a route across its viewpoints

Muy buenas, my friends!
I'm excited to introduce to you one of the most popular spots of Granada: the moorish town of the Albaicín. However, this will be a different tour, as we won't visit the most popular sights. We are going to chase the footprints that the zirids, the first moors that settled here, left in the Albaicín in the 1000s.
I will also give you screnshots of the route I always do when I go to the Albaicin on foot -- and also the one we followed driving across it with Pepi.
Purposedly, I didn't include all the spots we visit on the video on the maps, because my goal with this video is to help you be more curious and lose the fear to explore out of the tourist path. So you will have to look for them!
Let me know in the comments section if you have been to any of these places, if you found this video useful to plan your next visit, or whatever you feel like! I love reading and chatting with you!
Stay safe, and see you soon!
- Intro music: Hora Zulú: "Desamparados"
- Sound effects: Freesound.org
- Video music: "Mirage", Chris Haugen (KZbin audio)
- Videos: My own
- Photos: My own and Google Images

[@bmwfan4552]

Granada was built and founded by Algerians from the Zirid kingdom. 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Exactly! 😍😍

[@IncApu2025]

It may be true, but Algeria had not existed at that time 😁

[@bmwfan4552]

@@IncApu2025 Yes Algeria did exist at that time. . Read history of Algeria and you will find out. 🇩🇿

[@momomama2510]

Granada was built by zirids? 😂. Why do always need to lie. This is the truth: Another group of Zīrids, who had gone to Spain to serve in the Berber army of the Umayyad al-Muẓaffar (1002-08), established themselves as an independent dynasty (1012-90) in Granada under Zāwī ibn Zīrī. At the beginning of the 11th century the Zīrids were given the province of Ilbīra by the Spanish Umayyad caliph Sulaymān al-Mustaʿīn, and by 1038 they had extended this kingdom to include Jaén and Cabra. Málaga was taken from the Ḥammūdids about 1058 by Bādīs ibn Ḥabbūs and became the second centre of Zīrid rule in Spain. Despite their support of the Almoravid Yūsuf ibn Tāshufīn at the Battle of Zallāqah in 1086, these Zīrids were overthrown by the Almoravids in 1090.

[@SuperRanela]

@@momomama2510 Moroccan t/r/o/ll: Read the books of history and meditate about the great legacy of the Zirids the founders of the kingdom of Granada.History cannot be altered or distorted.

[@zackdz23]

Zirids are from Algeria 🇩🇿 Really proud

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Yes they are! We are cousins!!

[@zackdz23]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 personally, my paternal ancestors are from andalucia they came to algeria in 1600.. 🇩🇿 ❤️ 🇪🇸

[@caftanalgerian9959]

The same architecture in Algeria was made by our ancestors. I am very honored to visit Spain to look at this Zirid architecture that our ancestors left behind. Spain is a very beautiful country.🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🙏🏻🙏🏻🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

We also have a zirid origin!! Best regards from your faraway cousin 😜

[@mehdilucci1923]

Zirids from Algéria

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Right!! They came from Algeria, North Africa towards Al Andalus in the 1000s 💯💯

[@Omegaeon1]

i'm Algerian, thank you very much ;) i love this city, i never visited it i hope to do if covid is over, i'd like to give some historical notes about what brought Zawi to al Andalus and his founding of Beautiful Granada: Zawi ibn Ziri, was a prominent family member of the Zirid family, his father, Ziri was a Hight general in the Fatimid caliphate, he served his master, the Fatimid Caliph very well, yet when he died, he left his kingdom to his Son "Buluggin" who conquered all of North Africa and built my City "Algiers" the Capital of Algeria and many other Algerian cities, when Buluggin the conqueror died, a civil war errupted, Zaoui and Maksen were brothers to Buluggin, they wanted to inheirit the kingdom yet buluggin son "Badis" won and Zaoui and maksen fled to Al Andalus, this coincided of the breaking of the Umayyads, and it was a good chance for Zawi to establish his own domain, which came to be known as Kingdom and Taifa of Granada, the Zirid Granada :) al Bayazin, looks so similar to the Casbah of Algiers lol, no wonder it was Buluggin, Zawi's brother who built it, Granada is a sister city ;)

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Wow!!! Thank you SO MUCH for all this amazing information, I’m reading a lot about the zirids, actually I’m about to finish Abdallah’s story (our last zirid king), but I had no idea about Buluggin and other relatives of Zawi. Can’t wait to visit Algiers, our sister city!! 😍😍😍

[@Omegaeon1]

​@@pateandogranadaseries4413 Zawi was brother of Buluggin, these are the african zirids , who both split into ruling dynasties in Tunisia and Algeria, they are actually the cousins of the Andalucian Zirids of Granada, when Zawi ibn Ziri, the first Granadine emir cameback to Africa, he was received by his grand grand nephew, al muizz son of badis son of Almanzor son of Buluggin brother of Zawi, who died in the city of Algiers :) i'm so Glad you like it and i thank you for caring about our common history :D you're very welcome in your cousin's City ;)

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

That is so interesting!!! I love learning about our ancestors, I think Zawi was a great king to Granada and brought much brightness to the city ✨ Will definitely visit my cousin’s city as soon as possible! 😃

[@Omegaeon1]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 and i will be very pleased to visit Granada, and have you as my guide :) no need for time machine when you have this love and intrest for the history of your city, as do I my best regards

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

You are so right, the best time machine is living in historic cities and learning all about their past 🤩 best regards from your sister city!

[@dziri80]

Muchisimas gracias, soy ergelino hispanohablante , me encanta mucho esta Ciudad fue fundada por mis padres los Ziri de Argelia.

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Así es!! Muchísimas gracias por tu comentario 🤗 para nosotros los granadinos es un orgullo conocer nuestros orígenes ziris y nazarís. Tengo un canal en español, por si prefieres verlo en tu idioma. Se llama Pateando Granada. Un saludo!

[@giltedged7529]

it was already in existence in Roman times

[@dziri80]

@@giltedged7529 we are talking about Alziride era. We all Know romans dominated all the Mediterranean area times ago.

[@bmwfan4552]

@@giltedged7529 Yes you're right. But actually the Zirids founded Granada near the Roman ruins.

[@momomama2510]

@@dziri80 the zirids lived there for about 75 years. How do you call that building Granada. The Almohads were already there and they gave the zirids governance for 70 years only and took it back. What are you talking about?😂

[@Yorecore]

as an Algerian, I'm very fascinated by what my ancestors did ❤ I will definitely visit Spain as soon as possible to discover Grenada even more

[@stochasticxalid9853]

Excellent work, Marta. Enjoyed from the very beginning to the end.

[@annivali4356]

Albaicín is such a dream! And so full of history which I love. 😍

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

I think so too, Anni 😍😍 I never cease to learn new stuff in such a historical place

[@randyvillines]

Marta, this is your best video yet! One comment you made about those who live there not knowing their own history or those "in plain sight" areas that they have never visited, is the same here. Sometimes the most amazing sights are in our own backyards! Sadly, I was only in Granada for one day and had to do only the touristy stops along with a tour of Alhambra and its gardens. I hope to return and spend several days exploring the many areas you have shown us in your videos. Keep up the wonderful work. There seems to be a optimistic vaccination on the horizon which will hopefully lead to a return to a new normal. Stay safe!

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thank you as always, Randy!! I guess that this phenomenon happens everywhere in the globe, we easily get used to what surrounds us and just forget how awesome our backyards are! 😉 Stay safe!

[@kimsuzy3844]

U are algerian 🇩🇿🇩🇿❤

[@lizzyinthefens]

Fantastic video!!!! I love the Albaicin so much and I've learned lots of new things from your video! I can't wait to go back x

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks so much, Lizzy!! Knowing that you learnt new things with my video makes me happy! Hope you can come back soon and explore the barrio!

[@SuperRanela]

Thanks Marta,for this tour, I really enjoyed it very much!

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks for your comment, Ranela!! So glad to read that you liked it 😍😍 Will be uploading a few more soon, hopefully!

[@tomjohnson4584]

This is SO amazing!! I am SO glad you have this channel. I am a USA person that has spent many, many months in Granada. It is my favorite city. And the Albaicin especially holds my heart. Thank you. I can’t wait for more.

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks again, my friend! I hope you are still around and can enjoy the new content!!

[@charlesbaker3097]

This is definitely your best video to date. I loved every minute of it. And it made me sad that I have now missed two trips to Granada. Keep up the good work, my friend. And pass on my congratulations to Roberto and Pepe.

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks for your support, Charlie!! You will take revenge on your next trip to Granada. I hope that my videos help you write down more and more places to visit on your notebook! 🌍

[@abdarazak626]

Zirids 🇩🇿 ♥️ so proud

[@skanderibnziyad8702]

Beautifull t shirt

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks so much 😃

[@nathaliebleser3007]

Good job on this one, y me encantó 'conocer' a Pepi, jaja... Me llevaste de vuelta a mi querida Graná en sus rincones menos conocidos. Me encantaba perderme como tú por los callejones, y así aprendí la historia menos conocida de la ciudad. Keep these videos coming! You have a new subscriber now, thanking you from her new home in New Mexico 🥰

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks so much, Nathalie!! I’m finding it hard to find some time for the videos, but I promise I will keep trying to post more content about Granada!

[@nathaliebleser3007]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 whenever you can! Quality over quantity ☺ Gracias por tomar el tiempo de contestar!

[@stevecullen9523]

This is sooooo good Marta. I recognised many places but there is so much more to see and so much more to learn from an expert like you. Hoping to be there very soon 😊

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

I’m so happy you liked it, Steve!! I put a lot of effort into this one so that it was useful for people who’ve never been to the Albaicín, but also for Granada experts like you! Thank you for your support ✨

[@moby786]

Just come back from Granada. Was living in a beautiful villa in Albaicin. What a lovely place. Felt like a little piece of paradise living there. Brilliant video 👌🏽 thanks

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks Moby! So glad you enjoyed my city 🥰🥰

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

This seems to be a very interesting place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks my friend! I’ve been inactive for a while, but I’m back to show you the most beautiful corners in Granada 🤩

[@tomjohnson4584]

Looking forward to more content. Loved the Moclin episode!!

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thanks so much, Tom! I’ve been inactive for a while, but I’m back to show you the most charming corners of Granada again!

[@tomjohnson4584]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 Looking forward to your new videos!

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

@@tomjohnson4584 there are some up already! 😬

[@javiercano8996]

The most beautiful city

[@nedimlim6523]

ALBAIZIN- G E R N A T A Prelijepa arhitektura i građevine prošlih vremena Velikih dinastija UMMAYIDA i drugih ... 🤝🏻💞🤝🏿 Sellam from MONTENEGRO / SANDZAK 🌼

[@hamidgadawi4235]

Es un orgullo para nuestros antepasados ​​Zirid que nos dejaron estos artefactos, como Granada y Tlemcen, Qasr al-Mashour. Soy de Argelia, el país fundado por Bouloghin bin Ziri, primo de Zawi bin Ziri. Saludos.

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Saludos amigo!

[@nouralanacer-pm4ms]

Zirids dynasty 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿💚

[@belbourihadjahmed927]

Zirides ❤️🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@algbuzz4077]

north africa algeria

[@inisoowl]

Can add captions will be perfect 👍

[@virginiafeliciano9318]

Muchas gracias Marta! I discovered you through James of Spain Reveals and since I will be in Granada this Feb. I want to know as much as possible about the city and what to do while there. I am making Granada my base and from there also explore other areas like Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz, etc. I would also like to explore a local vineyard. Any suggestions?

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Gracias Virginia!! Send me an email at [e-mail] and I will send you all the information your need for your Granada trip 😃

[@giltedged7529]

Granada of the grafitti

[@MarkDarnell-cq2wy]

The overall Whitewash-effect is not al that appealing to me. In Morocco, one sees beautiful trimming in blues, yellow and red. I see some here and there, but - not enough. It looks somewhat impoverished - and the ubiquitous graffiti really stands-out! I know that some of the Carmens are quite exotic, and opulent inside the walls, I was here for a few days...about 46 years ago! I remember the cool mountain air, and the smell of Jasmine! Granada is a beautiful city - but all that white, and the newer "Box" buildings are a bit of an Eye-sore. My favorite area is Realejo. It has a very nice atmosphere, as well!

[@mrjugurtha4077]

Is it the ziridz hou build Alhambra

[@skanderibnziyad8702]

Zirid arabe Algerian or algeria now

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Exactly! They are our common ancestors!! 🤩

[@skanderibnziyad8702]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 ،u welcome honey

[@giltedged7529]

@@pateandogranadaseries4413 I thought the people of Granada are of Iberian origin . To me they looked like other Spanish people and very unlike the Moroccan immigrants

[@ao5930]

Zirids are Amazigh from the Senahaja tribe. They are not at all Arabic.

[@Revitalization4241]

the Zirids were sanhaja Berbers

[@T-shirt-xu9hd]

Zawi Ibn Ziri is the founder of Granada?

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Just noticed that there’s a misspelled word!! A very important one actually!! Our special beer, 1925, is known as MILNOH, not MILHOH as shown on the video 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

[@randyvillines]

Whew! Glad you caught that misspelling! A Milhoh sounds like a high dollar lady of the night. 😉

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Yeah, that was unfortunate 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@saifrjab5794]

Zirids 🇹🇳

[@thealgeriandesert305]

How!! .. they're from algiers...the first zirid capital was achir before they concore tunisia

[@ikosim16]

the first king on grenada was a zirid in the name of zaoui ibn ziri first the people of alvera welcomed him and because of the attacks he suggested to the people of alvera to build a more secure city, later leaves grenada towards tunis with these zirid cousins, too bad they poisoned him

[@giltedged7529]

The little squares and the old churches., Amazing. In a later video perhaps you could fit in some Roman ruins or the location of the Muslim massacre of the Jews. That beer I had with some amazing tapas including jamón iberico not far from the Alhambra. This is only one city in Spain. Spain is an amazing country

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

Thank you so much for your feedback! What great ideas, I’m trying to find some time to keep posting videos here, and will definitely keep your suggestions in mind!

[@SuperRanela]

Stop your propaganda and lies.There was no muslim massacre of the jews, on the contrary, jews were sheltered protected and prospered under the muslim rule. And the roman presence didn't leave anything worth mention. Al Andalous and its magnificence is all about the muslims and the muslim civilisation!

[@faresgeek-dz5692]

🇩🇿

[@giltedged7529]

I wish the city had kept its original name Illiberis

[@pateandogranadaseries4413]

It is a very cool name, isn’t it? 😎

[@user-qs7hd5yt6m]

The Zirids is an Algerian DINASTY who ruled North Africa and Founded Granada 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿