On the opposing hill, facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah called the Albaicin, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with secluded inner gardens, known as "c�rmenes". The Plaza de San Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicin, is famous for its magnificent view of the Moorish palace.
Many of the city's beautiful squares, including Bib-Rambla & Campo del Principe were originally used for the Moorish lists � where noblemen jousted on their fine steeds. Later the Inquisition judged, and burned their victims at the stake here.
To the north of Bib-Rambla is a tightly-meshed grid of alleyways & shops, decorated with Moorish arches - the Alcaicer�a. This is a remnant of the Great Medieval Bazaar to which merchants once came from all over Islam and Christendom. It was famous for its silk, for Caesar had given the Moors an exclusive licence. In gratitude they called all such bazaars Al-Caicer�a, or "Caesar's Place�.