Gypsies, Rom, Roma, Romani, Gitano, Banjara, Kalderash, Boyash, Yerli.
Sacromonte is famous for both its caves and the Gitano people who have lived in these caves for hundreds of years.
The Romani people arrived in Spain in the 15th century. A large number of these Rom settled in Granada in what is now considered one of the larger Rom communities in Europe. The caves they live in were either adapted or carved out of what naturally existed… in stark contrast to the Alhambra, which can be seen as a display of obscene wealth.
The Romani weren’t the first to inhabit the hills overlooking Granada. Muslims and Jews forced out of their homes during raids also sought refuge from persecution in these caves. It seems that the caves have long been a practical and safe place for the marginalized to escape to.
The caves and their history can be viewed at the Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte — a folk museum near the top of the hills overlooking Granada.
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