Alhambra de Granada
The Alhambra is one of the leading Islamic architectural representations in the world, a miniature walled city within a city, Granada. The structure was built in order to fully integrate with the surrounding nature in a place with beautiful landscapes; the Alhambra is one of the main tourist attractions in Spain and is visited each year by millions of people.
The numerous inscriptions in classical Arabic that you can find during your visit to the Alhambra deal of poems, sentences and texts from the Koran.
About the Alhambra
The name "Alhambra" comes from the Arabic 'al-Hamra', meaning 'The Red'. There are theories that this name was given because it was built using clay from the grounds, although some believe it was due to the reddish hue it had during the night because of the lit torches.
The Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra, dating back to the 11th century. It contained a military zone to monitor and defend the premises. The Alcazaba is divided into different areas:
- Tower Torre del Cubo: Built in the late 16th century and adapted as a panoramic terrace from which to contemplate the Darro valley and the Albaycin. (more info)
- Parapet of the north wall: A walkway over the fortress wall that connects different defensive areas and served the sentinels to make rounds. (more info)
- Plaza de Armas and its terrace: The original entrance to the Alcazaba, composed of various constructions that provided services to the inhabitants of the fortress. (more info)
- Tower Torre de la Vela: The largest defensive tower of the Alhambra, where Christians placed a bell after conquering the city of Granada. (more info)
- Tower Torre del Homenaje: This 6-storey tower is located in the highest part of the Alhambra and was possibly used as the first royal residence. (more info)
- Towers Torre de los Hidalgos, Torre Quebrada, and Torre del Adarguero: These towers played significant roles in the defense and structure of the Alcazaba. (more info
- Garden Jardín de los Adarves: A beautiful garden area within the Alcazaba.
Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces, built after the completion of the Alhambra, include the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions. These palaces served both as the court and private residences for royalty.
There are several areas of marked tourist importance:
- Hall and Tower of Comares: The Hall and Tower of Comares, constructed in the 14th century, was where the sultan held private audiences. The rich decoration, covering every inch of the walls, astounded Christian ambassadors. The ceiling, representing the universe, is a highlight of this room. (map)
- Sala de los Abencerrajes: The Sultan's private bedroom, featuring exquisite decoration on its walls and ceiling. The room is named after the Abencerrajes family, who were allegedly executed here. (map)
- Sala de los Reyes: This room features paintings depicting the first ten kings of Granada. It is divided into three sections, each with a vaulted ceiling, and was used for receptions and festive events. (map)
- Sala de los Mocarabes: One of the most beautiful rooms in the palace, it features intricate plasterwork and poems on the walls. The room is named after two large marble slabs on the floor. (map)
- El Peinador de la Reina: Originally used by the Sultan for meditation, this tower was renovated after the Christian conquest to serve as a royal boudoir. It features frescoes depicting the campaign of Charles V in Tunisia. (map)
- El Partal: This area includes the housing for the servants who worked in the palace. It features several areas, including the Porch of the Palace, gardens, and the Paseo de las Torres, which houses one of the few well-preserved examples of an Andalusian house. (map)
- Baths: The Arab Baths, heavily influenced by Roman baths, were used for relaxation and hygiene. (map)
- Palace of Carlos V: Built next to the Moorish palaces as the residence of Emperor Charles V, although there is no record that he ever lived there. (map)
- Tower Torre de los 7 suelos: It is said that Boabdil, the last Nasrid ruler, left the Alhambra through this tower. (map)
- Generalife: A villa with gardens used by the sultans of the Alhambra as a place of rest and meditation. (map)
The Alhambra, Inspiring Legends and Stories
The Alhambra has always been surrounded by an aura of legend and magic. To truly understand its history and charm, we recommend reading Washington Irving's book, Tales of the Alhambra. This book, which can be read for free, provides a detailed account of Granada, the Alhambra, and Andalucía in the nineteenth century.
Read the adventure of Washington Irving: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49947
How to Get There
The Alhambra has three main access points:
- Puerta de las Granadas (From Plaza Nueva): This historic entrance leads to the Alhambra through the Forest of the Alhambra. Constructed in the mid-sixteenth century to replace the original Islamic entrance, it features the Imperial shield crowned by three pomegranates. Some remains of the original Arabic construction are still preserved. (map)
- Cuesta del Rey Chico: This name comes from the legend that the mother of King Boabdil (nicknamed King Chico) gave him this escape route to meet with troops against his father. It is also known as Cuesta de los Chinos due to its stone pavement from the early twentieth century. This path starts from the Paseo de los Tristes and leads up to the Alhambra. (map)
- Access from the Realejo District: The third access point to the Alhambra is from the Realejo district. This route takes you through the historic neighborhood and up to the Alhambra. (map)
If you are driving, you can access the Alhambra through any of the routes except the Cuesta del Rey Chico, which is pedestrian-only. Here we show you on the map the recommended access routes:
From the Realejo district by car: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kiGbVFuSYWRdtofh8
From Plaza Nueva by foot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cZHT3djKACbZhCwPA
From Plaza Nueva by car: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D6EXZBd4SmFvnFLQ9
From Malaga to Alhambra
Remember that you can rent a car in Malaga with us and drive from our facilities to the Alhambra. We provide directions below:
