Nasrid Palaces
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Why go
- The Court of the Lions, with columned galleries, two opposite porticoes and water channels marking the cardinal directions.
- The Hall of the Ambassadors, the sultans’ throne room inside the Comares Tower.
- The Palaces of the Lions contain the complex’s most elaborate vaults.
Opening hours
Today08:30 – 18:00Show all
Don't miss
- Fountain of the LionsThe twelve lions and basin were made together from Macael marble in the 14th century.Centre of the Court of the Lions14th century
- Raised screened chamberThe sultan could listen unseen from this chamber.Mexuar Hall
- Original stucco and colorsThe Hall of the Abencerrajes retains original stucco and colors alongside a 16th-century tile dado.Hall of the Abencerrajes16th century
- Interlaced wooden ceilingColored crystals are set into the ceiling.Mirador de Lindaraja
Know before you go
- Open daily from 08:30 to 18:00.
- Tickets can be bought online.
Legends and hidden details
- According to legend, 36 members of the Abencerrajes tribe were beheaded in this hall.
What's inside
- From west to east, the complex is arranged as the Mexuar, Comares Palace and the Palaces of the Lions.
Tips for your visit
- In the Sala de las Dos Hermanas, the name comes from two matching white marble slabs beside the central fountain.
- The Pabellón de Carlos V blocks the former view from the Mirador de Lindaraja toward the Darro valley and distant city.
- The Mexuar Oratory has been extensively restored, so its present appearance is not wholly original.
Interesting facts4
-
The Comares Palace bath dates to Yusuf I’s era and remains almost intact.
Palacios nazaríes - Wikipedia -
The baths had an upstairs gallery for musicians and singers, followed by cold, warm and steam rooms.
Palacios nazaríes - Wikipedia -
Only a few original marble floor slabs remain beside the right-hand wall of the Patio del Mexuar.
Palacios nazaríes - Wikipedia -
The Hall of the Abencerrajes has an eight-pointed star dome with sixteen screened windows.
Palais nasrides de l'Alhambra - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The complex grew over several generations. The Mexuar Hall may have belonged to an earlier structure, while the Comares Palace was completed under Mohamed V in 1370.
- Early 14th centuryThe Mexuar Hall, the complex’s oldest room, may have belonged to an earlier structure and may have been built under Isma’il I. It later underwent alterations under Mohammed V.
- First third of the 14th centuryThe palaces were built after the Alcazaba, Generalife and Partal.
- 1370Work on the Comares Palace began under Ismail I, continued under Yusuf I and was completed by Mohamed V, who inaugurated its facade.
- 1590An explosion destroyed the original muqarnas roof of the Hall of the Mocárabes.
- 1890A fire destroyed the Sala de la Barca’s original barrel vault.
Show all
- 2007–2012The Fountain of the Lions remained in place during restoration. Its lions were removed in 2007 and returned in July 2012 after the hydraulic system was rebuilt.
Photo spots
- Pool of the Patio de los ArrayanesThe large pool reflects the Torre de Comares.Patio de los Arrayanes
- View of the AlbaicínThe Mexuar Oratory has views of the Albaicín.North of the Mexuar
Sources: Palacios nazaríes - Wikipedia · Sitio oficial | Patronato de la Alhambra y Gene… · Directorio PAG - Patronato de la Alhambra y Gen… · Contacto - Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife · Palais nasrides de l'Alhambra - Wikipedia · Nasrid Palaces: tickets (its own site) · checked 10 Oct 2026
- Website
- alhambra-patronato.es/
- Phone
- 958027971
Questions and answers
Why is it called the Patio de los Arrayanes?
It takes its name from the myrtle bushes beside its pool.
What is the oldest room in the Nasrid Palaces?
The Mexuar Hall is the oldest room and may have belonged to an earlier structure.
Did Isabel de Portugal use the Cuarto Dorado?
It was adapted as a room for her, but she never occupied it.
Who cares for the Nasrid Palaces?
The Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife protects, administers and conserves the Alhambra and Generalife complex.
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