Alhambra Granada

One Of Spain's Most Visited Attractions

The Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens are located in Granada, in southern Spain’s Andalusian region.

Perched on Sabika Hill, the Alhambra is one of the most visited sites in Spain along with the Generalife Gardens, an integral part of the Alhambra complex, that lie just north of the main palace and were originally designed as a royal summer retreat.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily accessible from Granada’s city centre, roughly a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away. Visiting the amazing palaces, fortresses and gardens of the Alhambra Granada is an experience you will never forget.

The historic palace and castle sit high atop a plateau, offering visitors spectacular views of the city below and out over the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Plus, you can enjoy the colourful gardens and even stay at the Granada Alhambra Parador Hotel to really soak in the atmosphere.

If you're looking to learn more about the history of the palace and gardens, there are plenty of reasonably priced guided tours available.

If there is one place you should explore whilst visiting Spain, this is it!

» Check out the most popular Skip The Line Alhambra Palace and Greenlife Guided Tour.

History of the Alhambra Granada

The Alhambra in Arabic “Qal’at al-Hamra” means red fort was built by the Nasrid Dynasty between the 13th and 15^th centuries.

It was once a fortress that was turned into a palace by Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr, known as Mohamed I in 1232. Construction of the great court complex soon followed.

After the conquest of the Moors in 1492 by Charles V, much of the palace interiors were removed or ruined with some parts being totally destroyed to make way for new Christian royal palaces.

In 1812, some of the towers were destroyed during the peninsular war of Independence between the French and Spanish.

Extensive rebuilding works, repairs and refurbishments were undertaken around 1828 by architect Jose Contreras under the orders of Ferdinand VII.

Continual works on the site were carried out after the death of Jose Contreras by his four children. Building projects have continued and are ongoing up to this day.

Fortress, Palaces, Gardens & Grounds

The Alhambra is a large site consisting of four main areas and lots to see including the Alcazaba Fort, the Royal House ( Casa Real ), The Comares Palace ( Palacio de Comares ), The Partal or Portico Palace, The Lions Palace ( Palacio de los Leones ) and the Generalife gardens.

The Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is the fortress part of the complex and was built in the 13^th Century.

It consists of an Armoury Square, the Garden of the Ramparts which dates back to the 17^th Century, the Powder Tower, The Vela Bell Tower and the main Arms Gate.

The views from the ramparts overlooking Granada and the Alhambra complex are simply spectacular, this is where people come to marvel at the vistas and watch the sun go down.

Comares Palace – Palacio de los Comares

This palace is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Alhambra.

A passage from the Façade leads onto a covered patio that surrounds a large courtyard with a pretty pond, known as the Myrtles Patio as it is flanked by hedges of Myrtle.

The elaborate Façade was built on a three-stepped platform and it is thought to have been used as an outdoor stage for the ruling Moorish king.

The ornate hand-carved patterns on the walls are awe-inspiring as are the views over Granada from the double-arched windows.

The Lions Patio ( Patio de Los Leones )

Alhambra Palace Granada — Alhambra Palace

The Lions Patio is located next to Comares Palace and although they were originally two separate structures they were connected during the rule of the Christian Kings.

A popular place within the Lions Palace is the courtyard with an elaborate fountain consisting of a marble basin with 12 carved lions situated in the intersection of two water channels.

The Lions Palace consists of arched patios, the Muqarnas Chamber, the Lions Patio, the Hall of Kings, the Hall of Two Sisters and the Grand Ambassadors Hall.

Here you will be treated to high vaulted ceilings, ornate slender pillars, stucco carvings, multiple alcoves, large domes, and star motifs.

Carlos V Palace

This grand palace built for the emperor King Carlos V is one the finest examples of Renaissance architecture.

Construction of the palace started in 1527 and wasn’t truly completed until the mid-20th Century due to problems caused by funding, war and other issues.

The palace’s façade measures 63 meters wide by 17 meters high with a large central circular courtyard.

Generalife Gardens

Generalife was built by the Morrish rulers as a relaxing and welcoming retreat from the main palaces and is located just outside the walls, Generalife comes from the Arabic word, Jannat al-Arifa.

Here you will find picturesque gardens, ornate fountains and water channels.

The centrepiece of the Generalife gardens is a long narrow patio with a water channel and two rows of fountains

Interesting Facts About The Alhambra Palace Granada

The Alhambra Granada was named after the colour of its walls, which are reddish. The word in Arabic is al-qal’a al-hamra.
In 1492 the Spanish Catholic Kings ended a 10-year war by conquering Granada and setting up a Catholic Court within the Alhambra Palace.
The Alhambra palace is home to an intricate watering system that feeds the fountains and water channels that run throughout the complex.
The Palace of Charles V was built in 1527 by The holy roman emperor Charles V.
Many of the buildings of Alhambra were originally painted in white, over time the sun's heat turned them reddish in colour.
Alhambra Castle has been part of the city's ramparts since the 9th Century.
The Alhambra was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1984.
The Alhambra is located on Al-Sabiki Hill, to the west of the city.
The complex spans some 26 acres.
Many of the modern-day restorations were carried out from 1828 by architect Jose Contreras followed by his sons and a grandson.
The Alhambra is the second most visited attraction in Spain after the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.In 1829, American author Washington Irving took up residence at the Alhambra where he wrote "Tales of the Alhambra"

Visiting the Alhambra Palace

Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada

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Getting There

By Car:

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There is a large parking area close to Alhambra. It costs around €2.80 an hour to park for normal vehicles ( Max Daily €19.25 ). The car park can accommodate buses, caravans and motor homes as well as cars.

By Bus::

There are minibusses ( Alhambra Bus ) that leave every 8 to 12 minutes from the Columbus Monument ( Plaza Isabel La Catolica ). Look for routes C30 and C32.

You will need to get off at the last stop for the C30 bus called "Alhambra Generalife 2'. The other bus C32 continues to Albaicin so keep a lookout for the Alhambra stop.

The standard bus fare is €1.40 although if you plan to stay in Granada for a few days you can buy a BonoBus ticket and the standard fare would then drop to around €0.82 cents. Tickets can be purchased from the green and blue vending machines located around the city center.

On Foot:

A great way to reach the Alhambra is on foot. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from the Plaza Nueva square, the cities oldest plaza in central Granada.

During the walk up to the Alhambra complex, you will see sites such as Sabika Hill, The Paseo de Generalife, the Fuente del Tomate monuments and the Bibarambla Gate,

By Taxi:

There are always plenty of taxis available. The cost of the taxi fare will depend on your place of departure. As a rough guide, it will cost around €7 from Plaza Nueva, €9 from the Palacio de Congresos, €12 from the main Granada bus station and €7 from the Cathedral.

Opening Times & Alhambra Tickets

General Day Visits

From 1st April to 14th October: Mon to Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ticket office: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
From 15th October to 31st March: Mon to Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket office: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

» Reserve tours and entrance tickets.

Generalife Gardens Day Visits

From 1st April to 14th October: Mon to Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ticket office: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
From 15th October to 31st March: Mon to Sun: 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket office: 8 am to 6 p.m.

» Reserve tours and entrance tickets.

Nasrid Palaces Night Visits

From 1st April to 14th October: Tues to Sat: 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Ticket office: 9 p.m. to 10.45 p.m.
From 15th October to 31st March: Frid and Sat: 8 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Ticket office: 7.00 p.m. to 8.45 p.m.

» Reserve tours and entrance tickets.

Generalife Gardens Night Visits

From 1st April to 31st May: Tues to Sat: 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Ticket office: 9.00 p.m. to 10.45 p.m.
From 1st September to 14th October: Tues to Sat: 10 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Ticket office: 9.00 p.m. to 10.45 p.m.
From 15th October to 14th November: Frid and Sat: 8 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Ticket office: 7.00 p.m. to 8.45 p.m.

» Reserve tours and entrance tickets.

The Alhambra is closed on 25th December and 1st January.

Important Visitor Information

Entrance to the Nasrid Palaces is limited to the time slot indicated on the ticket.
Admission to the Palaces will finish an hour before closing time.
All visitors will be asked to leave promptly at closing time.
Tickets for the Alhambra are available to purchase online via the Internet.

» Hotel Alhambra Palace, First-rate hotel inspired by the Alhambra. Enjoy a sense of culture, aristocracy and elegance. Unwind on one of our terraces with a refreshing drink or taste our outstanding gastronomy.

» Granada Parador This Parador hotel allows guests to enjoy a stay in the gardens of the Alhambra, among fountains, trees and large arched windows. A former convent built by the Catholic Monarchs. Highly recommended.

» Hospes Palacio de Los Patos is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of the historic centre of Granada. Located close to the Cathedral, other well-known attractions plus some great eateries such as Bar Los Diamantes, Bodegas Castañeda, and El Mercader.

Alhambra Granada