Visit La Alhambra, one of the most iconic Spanish palaces and gardens in the world, and you will wish you could move there!😍 Built during the Nasrid dynasty in the 13th century, La Alhambra is a stunning testament to Moorish architecture and culture; it has intricate Arabic carvings, calligraphic decoration, including cursive and Kufic writings, MAGNIFICENT gardens, and breathtaking views.
From the breathtaking Nasrid Palaces to the vibrant Generalife Gardens, this is a must-see destination – especially for anyone interested in Spanish culture and history.🇪🇸 Read below to learn more about the 15 top attractions of this work of art, along with tips and some info on tours!
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Here are the 15 Top Attractions of La Alhambra!
Check out these three links below for a Day Guided Tour, Night Guided Tour, and entry ticket (skip the line):
1. Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces)
The Nasrid Palaces, originally known as the “Dar al-Mamlaka”, is an area in Alhambra that constitutes of three palaces – each identifying with the sultan who ordered the construction. The three palaces are the Palacio del Mexuar, Palacio de Comares, and Palacio de los Leones.
This area is easily one of the most mesmerizing and beautiful spots to walk around. Granada’s warm, bright sun rays illuminate the darkest rooms and give a golden glow to everything in the surroundings. There is endless, intricate Arabian art and architecture that are nothing short of stunning and extraordinary and are something that should be appreciated more often.
2. Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions)
This is one of the three palaces to make up the Nasrid Palaces and served as a private chamber of the Royal Family. Here, you will find the Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions), the central patio, from which you can access four different chambers: the Hall of the Two Sisters, the Hall of the Kings, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Hall of the Abencerrajes.
In the center of the Court of the Lions, there is a beautiful marble fountain that is surrounded by 12 marble lions, with water flowing through their mouths. This court is also surrounded by a total of 124 intricate, white marble columns.
3. Mirador de Daraxa (aka Mirador de Lindaraja)
Mirador de Daraxa, located within the Palacio de los Leones, is a breathtaking, rectangular room and viewpoint that is intricately decorated in stunning Moorish art – including pointed arches of mocárabes. Mocárabes are a form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture, and the ones in this room are decorated with praises for God and Mohammed V, and poems.
This is personally one of the most memorable rooms, especially with the colorful lights that danced around. From here, you can look into the Daraxa Patio.
4. Palacio del Mexuar (Mexuar Palace)
This is another of the three palaces to make up the Nasrid Palaces and once served as a private residence for the sultans who ruled the city at the time, as a place of business, and as a court of justice. The Mexuar has a number of small chambers and rooms, including a mosque, a courtroom, and a library.
This square-shaped building is made up of a series of arches and columns and is decorated with intricate stucco work and colorful tiles.
5. Sala de Dos Hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters)
This hall received its name from the floor’s two, big twin marble flagstones. This squared two-story room is in the center of a series of chambers where the sultana and her family lived. It is full of intricate architecture, including mocárabes, beautiful tile work, and colorful mosaics.
In these walls, there is a lengthy poem – here’s a small piece:
"We have never seen such a blooming garden, with a sweeter harvest and more scent. With permission from the judge of beauty it pays double the tax in the most exquisite palace, with brighter and wide areas." Read more.
6. Patio de Los Arraynes (Court of Myrtles)
This patio has received various names throughout time and is currently named after the myrtle bushes that surround the central pond – which is 34 meters long and 7.10 meters wide (22.97 x 111.5 feet). This court offers a serene atmosphere, as well as more intricate Moorish throughout all of its architecture. The Court of Myrtles is a perfect place to slow down your pace and take in the ambiance.
7. Palacio de Carlos V (Palace of Carlos V)
The Palacio de Carlos V is the most important Renaissance-style building in Spain and is the palace that Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, commissioned. This impressive building, constructed between 1527 and 1957, has a large central courtyard surrounded by triple arcades and a grand staircase.
The palace is adorned with intricate designs and sculptures, while the interior is decorated with many beautiful paintings and frescoes.
8. El Partal
This is easily one of the most mesmerizing areas of the Alhambra – a terraced area that achieves the integration of many of its archeological structures. This area includes the stunning Partal Gardens (see below), the Torre de las Damas (also known as Palacio del Partal), and Palacio de Yusuf III, along with other palaces and towers.
The Torre de las Damas (pictured above) belonged to the magnates of the palace and is the most important building to have belonged to them. Originally, this building was called “Partal” (portico) due to the portico that’s formed by the five arches. For a fun fact, the central arch is the only original of the five.
I can’t be the only one who would want this as her backyard… right?😍
9. Generalife
The Generalife was the Sultan’s leisure place, which is filled with long lines of fountains, gardens, and thousands of flowers that rendered the place picturesque. Walking through the Generalife was mesmerizing, making you turn every second to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
10. Jardines Bajos del Generalife (aka Jardines del Paraiso)
Forget Pinterest for searching up Garden inspo… just visit these gardens!😅😍
In the 13th century, Muhammad II, the second sultan of the dynasty, ordered the construction of the gardens and had them resemble the Islamic Garden of Eden. These gardens are filled with endless beauty – from fountains to irrigation canals to beautiful flowers, and so on. Personally, walking through here didn’t seem real – the gardens really do live up to the name “Gardens of Paradise”.⛲
11. Patio del Ciprés de la Sultana (Court of the Sultana’s Cypress Tree)
According to legend, the wife of King Boabdil would go under the Cypress tree to meet her lover – a gentleman of the Aberncerrajes tribe. When the affair was discovered, the Sultan ordered her execution. In the corner of the courtyard, you will find the dried trunk of this old tree!
This courtyard is nothing short of beautiful and is decorated with a mesmerizing fountain in the center (pictured above).
12. Palacio de Yusuf III (Palace of Yusuf III)
The Palacio de Yusuf III was once the home and residence of Yusuf III, the sultan of Granada – it is unsure as to whether it had been built by him (1408-1417), or it had been built by the previous sultan, Muhammad II, (1273-1302) and then renovated by Yusuf III.
All that remains now are the ruins of what once was a palace, which are surrounded by gardens and pools. I highly recommend visiting the small tower, found at the front of the courtyard, which looks over this beautiful spot!
13. Sala de los Embajadores (Hall of the Ambassadors)
The Hall of the Ambassadors is the most majestic hall of the palace and is where official receptions happened and where the throne was placed. Every part of this wall is covered in inscriptions – many being poems, praises, texts from the Koran, and so forth. The colorful tiles, geometric patterns, and mocárabes will have you mesmerized. Beautiful stained glass windows decorate the room, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.
14. Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is a fortress and one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. Mohammed I established the royal residence here and is responsible for the construction of the three new towers and defenses.
These three new towers, Torre Quebrada, Torre del Homenaje, and Torre de la Vela, offer beautiful lookouts over the city of Granada, its neighborhoods, and the Sierra Nevada.
15. Torre de la Vela (within Alcazaba)
Torre de la Vela (Watch Tower) played an important role through many centuries – from being a dwelling to being used during battles to then being used to help the farmers of the Vega. On the second floor, you will find merlons and their embrasure slits – which soldiers, up until the 16th century, used lookout from and shoot arrows when needed.
As a little fun fact: this tower’s stairs are so narrow that there is a stoplight for people on both ends of the tower – telling visitors when to go and when to wait. The views from here are breathtaking and worth every flight of stairs (no worries, there weren’t too many stairs).
Quick Tips:
For more tips, here are the 16 ESSENTIAL La Alhambra Tips to know when visiting!
- What to wear:
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. To visit the best parts of La Alhambra, you will walk at least for 3 hours.
- What to bring with you:
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.☀️
- Cash (euros) in case you need more water or snacks.
- A fully charged phone/camera.📸
- Tickets:
- Plan and buy tickets in advance!
- Learn about Alhambra:
- Book a guided tour for more in-depth knowledge and deeper appreciation. You can book a private guided tour if preferred!
- Do you want to learn about the epigraphic poems written throughout the architecture of the various rooms? Open up this link during your visit to discover poems that surround you: Alhambra’s Epigraphic Poems✨
- Most Importantly:
- Take your time to explore and admire the place.
- Be respectful of the rules and regulations.
- Have fun and enjoy the beauty of Alhambra!😍
I have to ask…
Will you be adding Alhambra to your travel bucket list? And if so, what’s the first thing spot you’ll want to visit?
La Alhambra is easily one of the most magnificent places I’ve ever visited and it sincerely shocks me that it’s not considered a wonder of the world. I highly recommend traveling to Granada and checking out La Alhambra – it is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
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Want to learn more about what to see and do when in Granada? If so, check out: 18 Best Things to Do in Granada (Spain)
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