Alhambra
★ 4.9🇪🇸 GranadaSuggested visit 3-4 hoursBest season March to May and September to November, with mild weather
World HeritageHistoric siteArchitecture
The palace city the Moors left in Iberia, its carved arcades and reflecting pools the peak of Islamic architecture.
Overview
Built in the 13th and 14th centuries as the palace and fortress of the Nasrid dynasty, the Alhambra is famous for the Court of the Lions, the Court of the Myrtles and the Hall of the Ambassadors, where stucco carving, carved ceilings and tilework cover the walls in geometry and Arabic calligraphy. The Generalife gardens and water channels step down the hill over Granada and the Sierra Nevada. It joined the World Heritage List in 1984.
History
Begun in 1238 by Muhammad I of the Nasrid dynasty, it became a Christian royal residence after Granada fell in 1492 and was systematically restored from the 19th century.
Highlights
- •The Court of the Lions and its fountain
- •The carved ceiling of the Hall of the Ambassadors
- •The reflecting pool of the Court of the Myrtles
- •The Generalife gardens
Practical tips
- •The Nasrid Palaces need a timed ticket, often sold out weeks ahead
- •Summer midday is hot — book an early slot
Practical information
- Best time
- March-May, September-November
- Tickets
- General ticket about EUR 19
- Opening hours
- 8:30-20:00 (March to October); night visits separate
- Local food
- Salmorejo, jamón, tapas
- Getting around
- About 3.5 hours by high-speed train from Madrid, 2.5 from Seville.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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