500 years ago when the nomadic gypsies arrived in the city of Granada, they carved out cave dwellings in the clay hillside known as the Sacromonte. These gitanos lived in the caves with their families. Because space was limited, the gitanos would hang their copper pots, pans and utensils from the ceiling. This tradition eventually led to the use of copperware as a decorative element in the caves. To this day, many of the caves of the Sacromonte are still inhabited. Others have been converted into museums.

As music and dance were (and are) an important part of the gitano culture, many great flamenco artists gave performances out of their cave homes. Chairs for the audience would be lined up against the walls on either side of the cave. The musicians and dancers would perform in the center of the cave just a foot or two from the audience. You can also still attend flamenco performances in several of the caves. When you come to Granada, be sure to check out a performance or two. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.