Top 11 Things To See at the Alhambra in Granada in 2023

The Alhambra is a must-see attraction when you visit Granada, but do you know what to see there? It’s a huge complex, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the masses of people, the history, and its layout. No need to worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top things to see at the Alhambra written by a historian.

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Things You Shouldn’t Miss at the Alhambra

The Alhambra in Granada is a medieval fortress and palace and has been a Unesco site since 1984. It is best known for the Nasrid dynasty buildings of the 13th and 14th centuries.

Before we dive in, here are a few things to know about the Alhambra. The monument itself is called Alhambra and Generalife. The name “Alhambra” means red fortress or castle because of the red earthy building materials that characterize it. It’s not one big palace, but a complex of buildings, palaces, and gardens that don’t all date from the same period and didn’t serve the same purpose.

Visiting the Alhambra can be overwhelming. The estimated visit lasts at least 3 hours, so you need to make the most of this time. To help you, here’s a list of the Alhambra highlights and must-sees.

11. Take In the Views

Breathtaking Views | Panoramic Photo | Granada

There are several viewpoints in the Alhambra complex where you can admire the Alhambra itself, Granada, and the surrounding areas. I would recommend going to the highest point in the Alcazaba named la Torre del Homenaje.

You’ll get a general view of the Alhambra complex and its beautiful surroundings. It’d be like being transported back in time to be a guard in the Middle Ages doing security rounds.

Want to ensure you get inside the Alhambra? Book a tour with admission, this massive complex is best visited with a guide!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out how to visit the Alhambra.

10. The Gardens

Intersectional Spaces | Natural Beauty | Acequia Court

There are many gardens and green spaces throughout the Alhambra. In the Muslim world, gardens were (and still are) of great importance because they offered the opportunity to recreate paradise on earth.

According to Fairchild Ruggles, Islamic gardens are spaces where nature, design, history, and spirituality intersect. But they also fulfill the practical purpose of providing respite from the heat. It’s definitely worth taking a moment to stop and appreciate these spaces for their beauty and the shade they offer.

9. Alhambra Museum

Nasrid Art | Jarrón de las Gacelas | Palace Charles V

The museum is in the same building as the Charles V Palace. Here, you can find some of the best examples of Nasrid art. These come from archaeological excavations in the Alhambra complex or the restoration work in the palaces.

It also exhibits pieces that help contextualize Nasrid art in the wider Muslim world and show the evolution of art through history. Don’t miss Jarrón de las Gacelas (the Vase with Gazelles) in the 5th room.

8. Palace of Charles V

Casa Real | Moriscos Rebellion | Unfinished

According to Cabanelas Rodriguez, we have Catholic kings to thank for the Alhambra’s survival. Most Muslim royal palaces were destroyed or repurposed during the Reconquista (Reconquest). However, the Alhambra was declared a Casa Real (Royal Accommodation), so it survived destruction.

Of all the Christian kings who could have lived here, Charles V seems to have been the only one who sincerely intended to do so. The construction of the palace started in 1533.

The palace, however, was never finished, and Charles and the court never properly moved into the premises. When the Moriscos rebelled in Andalucia during his reign, the project was halted as it would have sent the wrong message to the population. The Muslim past of Spain was no longer a priority for Spanish politics.

7. El Partal

Reconstructed | Palace Remains | Photo Spot

This is one of the parts of the Alhambra that has been most heavily reconstructed, according to Vilchez. It only has one of its four sides left, which often leads people to mistake it for a garden pavilion. In fact, according to Zaki, it would have been more like a townhouse.

The gardens around it are mostly from the 20th-century transformation of the Alhambra. It’s a great spot to take a picture with a beautiful balance between architecture and nature.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Granada Guide for more resources.

6. Unique Inscriptions

Muslim Caligraphy | Nasrid Motto

There are over 900 tiles with this inscription in the Alhambra, which reads: “there is no conqueror but Allah” (Wa-la galiba illa Allah). This was the personal motto of the Nasrid dynasty. Compared to other Islamic palaces, this type of decoration is unique to this site.

5. Alcazaba

Oldest Buildings | Military Defence | Zirid Dynasty

This is one of the oldest parts of the complex and did not belong to the Nasrid dynasty. According to Cabanelas Rodriguez, it dates to the early Middle Ages. The Torre de la Vela would likely have been the original defensive tower from the 10th or 11th century.

However, there are mentions of a castle in this area as far back as the ninth century. It was abandoned until the Zirid dynasty did some reconstruction and development in the mid-11th century when the Alcazaba started taking the shape you see today.

Planning your visit to the Alhambra in Granada? Check out the incredible history of the Alhambra, where to eat nearby, and where to stay in Granada.

4. Generalife

Summer Palace | Orchards | Water Stairway

This was the summer palace of the Nasrid rulers of Granada. The dating is still vague. However, according to Aben and Wit, it dates from the 14th century. One of its main functions, Irwin proposes, was that of an orchard, which explains the gardens in the area. In fact, these are some of the oldest Moorish gardens in the world, according to Button and Cavendish.

Be sure not to miss the Water Stairway. It’s a four-story staircase with water features going down the staircase. According to Christopher Thacker, a fire broke out in the Generalife in 1958 destroying several parts of the structure, so these have been rebuilt.

3. Palace of the Lions

Summer Palace | Muhammad V | Court of the Lions

The Palace of the Lions, along with Comares, is the only original palace of six that still stands in the Alhambra. According to Cynthia Robinson, historians thought Muhammad V built it as a “victory palace”—a space to show off the prowess of the ruler.

Others think it served different purposes. Ruiz and Irwin propose that it may have been intended as a madrasa space or center dedicated to learning. It would also have included a zawiya (center for devotion and veneration) and a burial site for Muhammad V. Yaqub Zaki proposes that the palace was a leisure venue for the sultan and guests, unlike Comares.

One of the key attractions of this monument is The Court of the Lions in the palace. The lion fountain and water channels are quintessential Alhambra and Al-Andalus. Furthermore, Yaqub Zaki states that the arcades show clear Persian influences beyond the Arabic style that feeds into al-Andalus.

Unfortunately, according to Fairchild Ruggles, we still don’t know exactly what the original purpose of this part of the building may have been. Some historians think it may have been a garden, while others that it was a courtyard. It’s currently difficult to restore it to its original form because French troops meddled quite a bit with the original evidence in this area.

2. Hall of the Abencerrajes

Winter Room | Muqarnas

According to Cynthia Robinson, the Hall of the Abencerrajes was likely conceived as a mausoleum. Again, there is little consensus. Yaqub Zaki states this was a musical venue due to the elaborate acoustic ceilings and likely dedicated to winter use because of it being less open.

The Hall of the Abencerrajes is known for its famous ceiling vaults with their honeycomb-style decoration or muqarnas. They are a beautiful sight to behold!

1. Palace of the Comares

Throne Room | Cuarto Dorado | Court of Myrtles

This is another original palace that still stands mostly complete at the Alhambra. According to Cynthia Robinson, historians agree that this was a throne room for the sultans Yusuf I and Muhammad V.

The area was extensively renovated during Muhammad V’s reign as it would also have been a space used for specific festivities. Ruiz proposed that this area could also be interpreted as a place that reflects the increasing patronage and support of Sufism in the Muslim court of Granada.

Against popular belief, Yaqub Zaki states the Comares Palace does indeed have a facade—but on the interior. It is one of the most decorated in the whole of the Alhambra, and you can see it on the south side of the Patio del Cuarto Dorado.

Don’t miss the patio now known as the Court of Myrtles for its myrtle bushes. It also has another famous feature of the Alhambra—the large body of water. Back in the day, it would have helped cool the most important apartments in the palace. The sultan and his wives and concubines’ chambers would all have connected with this patio somehow, so enjoy this special place!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out how to visit the Alhambra.