Manuel is an outstanding guide. His background in architecture, art and history all came into play in this exceptional tour of Granada, the Albaicin and the Alhambra. We had a wonderful day.
Private tour in Granada Manuel Esteban B
5.0
(10) reviews
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Manuel Esteban B.
5.0
Guide rating
82
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
Avg. response time
Nice to meet you! My name is Manu and I am architect, licenced guide and master degree in historical construction techniques. I love showing the cities where I work and live with architecture and arts focused tours. I am passionate about Granada, Málaga, Cordoba, the Alhambra palatine city, Seville and the whole Andalusian region. I studied my architecture degree and master in Granada, and during my degree I traveled all around the andalusian region and worked as photography teacher and editor in an arts and architecture international magazine. When I finished I lived for half a year in Yokohama in Japan, where I could study the traditional construction techniques of the country and the culture. Lately, I worked as architect for the university of Castilla La Mancha, doing some restoration projects and new buildings in cities with a wonderful heritage, such as Toledo. During this period I did an extra master course in traditional construction techniques in the Architecture School of Madrid, specializing in Islamic construction techniques and in buildings I knew, such as the Alhambra. Since 2013 I started publishing and speaking in national and international conferences, so in 2018 I applied for obtaining my official guiding license, and finally decided to start working on my own architecture studio So nowadays I work as guide and architect, running my own projects which include restoration, refurbishments and new constructions, collaborating with national and international studios while I also enjoy doing routes and meeting people from all around the world. My tours, in English and Spanish, mainly focus on the configuration of the cities, neighborhoods and buildings through analyzing their history and architecture. I do deep-cultural walking tours in Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Guadix and Málaga with visual resources, for people that wants to get deeper in knowledge with an academical basis. I also focus my tours in particular buildings or construction techniques, but if you are interested in a particular period, character, architect, feel free to ask! I always like to enrich my tours with literature, music, and gastronomy recommendations, considering travelling as an holistic experience, for deeply enjoying the wonderful cities in Andalucia. So if you come to the south of Spain and you want to build a unique journey, contact me! CREDENTIALS - Msc. Architect by the University of Granada (2015) - Master degree in Historical Construction Techniques by the Politechnic University of Madrid (2017) - Master degree in Teaching for Secondary Degrees and Technical Formation by the University of Granada (2021) - International Internship in Yokohama National University in Japan (2015) - Technical Assistant Architect in the University of Castilla La Mancha (2016-2018) - Urban Photography Course Manager at the Architecture School of Granada (2013-2014) - Guiding License (CAN-Nº 3978) (2018) - Manager of Manu Barba Architecture Studio (2018-) - Official Guiding License for the Picasso Museum in Málaga (2019) - Official Guiding License for the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (2023)
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Manuel Esteban B.
The Alhambra is considered to be one of the wonders of the world and a symbol of the mixture of cultures. Layers from zirid, nasrid and different christian times enrichened with stunning viewpoints are placed inside the spaces of this monument. On the other side of the river, the Albaicin quarter stands. Is one of the most impressive neighborhoods in Andalucia. This space has always lived in relation with the opposite hill, the Alhambra. Its narrow streets and its beautiful squares still have the details of the mixture between the muslim heritage and the spanish historical dwelling. This high-cultural Alhambra and Albaicin tour will allow you to discover the main highlights of Granada in one day, and little by little the history and architecture of these spaces will be developed to you, from the city perspective until the smallest detail. Are you ready to join me?
Manuel is an outstanding guide. His background in architecture, art and history all came into play in this exceptional tour of Granada, the Albaicin and the Alhambra. We had a wonderful day.
This is a fantastic tour and Manu is a fabulous guide. If you want to see the Alhambra, its gardens, the Albaicin and Sacromente, this is the tour! You get to walk through the grandeur and beauty of the Alhambra into the amazing streets of the Albaicin and then the community beyond the wall with its cave dwellings, rustic squares and pop up pubs. Walking back to the Albaicin towards the setting sun was incredibly memorable. This is a fun, informative and very special tour. Manu is so knowledgeable and entertaining! It’s was a wonderful day of adventures!
You will not find a better guide for the Alhambra and other parts of Granada than Manu! Fantastic experience learning many details most visitors don't hear about. Manu did a great job keeping things interesting, which was important since our family included our 17yo son. Went to a great restaurant recommended by Manu. With a full day of wondering and Manu's great personality, the tour was worth it. Our time in Granada was definitely a highlight of our time to Spain and it's because of Manu.
This was hands down the best tour I have ever been on. Manu is utterly professional, fun and engaging, and the absolute best travel companion I could hope for. I loved every moment! Manu is a true local, and his observations on architecture, culture and history gave me the best possible introduction to the Alhambra and all it represents. I've been on several private tours, on Tours by Locals and other platforms, but this was head and shoulders above the rest. Thanks Manu for a day I will always remember!
Manu is one of the best guides I have had in two decades of travel. He has deep knowledge of the history and architecture of Granada and the Alhambra as well the practical knowledge of a long time resident of Granada. I recommend Manu unequivocally.
We had an amazing day in Seville and Albaicin. Manu, was excellent from the moment of booking. He emailed promptly and ask what were we interested in. He was very attentive to our needs , extremely accommodating and making sure we were comfortable during the tour. Great knowledge of the area and history. We had an amazing day and will recommend him to all our friends.
There are many ways to do the tour according to your needs and requirements and the time scheduled in your tickets. I recommend to walk the Albaicin in the morning and the Alhambra in the afternoon. We will visit: - The forest of the Alhambra, the walls and its different gates - The Alcazaba, military quarter and the oldest part of the Alhambra - The palace of Charles the Fifth, one of the best renaissance palaces in Europe - The nasrid palaces, the architecture jewels of the palatine city. - The gardens and the Medina spaces - Generalife palace and gardens, an "almunia" outside the city walls. - The Bañuelo, a zirid bath from the eleventh century - A nasrid house inside the Albaicin quarter - The cisterns, squares and streets of the Albaicin - San Nicolas viewpoint, the most famous viewpoint of Granada - An original gate of the heart of the Albaicin quarter *TICKETS FOR THE ALHAMBRA INCLUDED
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Walking tour. Transportation by taxi to San Miguel Alto included
1 Plaza Nueva, Granada, Andalucía, 18010, Spain
By the central fountain in Plaza Nueva
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