Housed in the Palace of Carlos V, the Alhambra contains outstanding Hispano-Moorish works of art from the 9th to the 16th centuries, including ceramics, plaster, wood, and metals. World Heritage Site, the complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife is the most emblematic, known and visited monument of Granada.

It was built in 1234 and was given the name Alhambra because it was built on red earth. The monumental complex is formed by the Alcazaba, fortified military area; the Palaces, royal residence; and the palace and the gardens of the Generalife, summer royal residence. This pleasure palace was once occupied by Nasrid princes and their harems. Although later Moorish occupants turned the Alhambra into a lavish palace, it was originally constructed for defensive purposes on a rocky hilltop outcropping above the Darro River. At the present, however, the Alambra is a museum exhibiting exquisite Islamic architecture.

The most amazing parts are the Palacete del Partal, the Sala de los Reyes (a 16th century ball room), the Sala de los Abencerrajes, the Patio de los Leones the Patio de los Arrayanes, the Sala de Mexuar and the Salón de Embajadores (1335). The Patio del Mexuar leads into the Patio de los Arrayanes or Patio de los Mirtos, which takes its name from the hedges of myrtle round the central pond. In addition, there is a section of Oriental Moorish art.

The Generalife Gardens are one of the most charming places of Alhambra. They were built in the 13th century as a summer garden for relaxing in for the Arabic monarchs. Inside this beautiful garden you will find several Mediterranean trees and exotic flowers set in peaceful surroundings, separate from the main palace. There is water everywhere in the Alhambra complex. In fact, the water is present in the main rooms of the monument: the famous Patio de los Leones, the not less well-known Patio de los Arrayanes, the Sala de dos Hermanas, the Sala de los Abencerrajes, the real Baños, and so on.

Albaicín and around

Alhambra

Capilla Real, cathedral and churches

Fuente Vaqueros Lorca museum

Back to:
« Explore Granada