Alhambra Hall is an ancient palace, fortress and citadel. This hall is located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. Alhambra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 along with two other related sites. That is  the Albaicín (or Albayzín) and the Generalife Garden. It is the last Islamic state in Western Europe that is a remnant of the Nasrid dynasty.

It’s easy to say Alhambra is the only surviving Palatine city from the Islamic Golden Age. Alhambra hall is the most magnificent hall of the palace. Alhambra’ is the Spanish adaptation of the Arabic word ‘qa’lat Alhambra’ which roughly translates to “red castle”. The name derives from sun-dried bricks. These bricks were used to build fortifications around the fort.

The Alhambra Complex

The Alhambra was initially planned as a military zone. It became Granada’s royal residence and court following the establishment of the Nasrid Kingdom in the mid-13th century after the first palace was built by the founding king Mohammed ibn Yusuf ben Nasr. It is known as Alhambra.

During the reign of the founding king, the Alhambra had three main divisions:

  1. the Alcazaba
  2. Palace area
  3. Medina

Alcazaba: Alcazaba was a military base. Guards and their families were housed here.

Palace area: The palace area was allocated where the sultan and his relatives were. There are several palaces here. 

Medina: This is a quarter where court officials lived and worked.

The Nasrid palaces (Palacios Nazaries) consisted of three independent areas.

These areas included:

  1. Mexuar: Mexuar is the semi-public part of the palace or Selamlik. It was used for administration of justice and state affairs.
  2. Comares Palace: Comares Palace or (Palacio de Comares) was the official residence of the King. Its facade is built on a raised three-stepped platform which serves as a sort of outdoor stage for the ruler. It consisted of several rooms that surrounded the Court of the Myrtles. It is an outdoor area with a large central pool lined with myrtle bushes.
    The centerpiece of Comares Palace was the Court of the Myrtles. The Court of the Myrtles is now known by this name. This is an outdoor area with a large central pond lined with myrtle bushes. The Salón de Comares (Hall of the Ambassadors) is located in the Comares Tower, the largest tower in Alhambra. A throne room built by Yusuf I (1333-1354). This room displays the most varied decorative and architectural art of the Alhambra.
  3. Palace of the Lions: The Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions) is located next to the Comares Palace. But it should be considered as an independent building. The two structures were connected after the Granada Christians took over. The Palace of the Lions (Palacio de los Leones) was the private area of the palace. Originally the harem was located here. Used as a private area of the palace for the Sultan and his family and concubines.

There are two more halls in the lion palace at the north and south ends. These are the Sala de las dos Hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters) and the Hall of Abencerrajes (Hall of the Ambassadors). Both were residential apartments with rooms on the second floor. Each has a large domed room. They are very elaborate and carved in the form of mukarnas with various star motifs.

The Alhambra complex consists of numerous structures. The most famous of these was the Lion’s Patio (or Lion’s Courtyard). The premises were named for the central fountain. It was surrounded by twelve lions. Twelve lions blew the water jets of the fountain.

The art of Alhambra: The Alhambra Palace is a crowning artistic achievement of Islamic civilization. Its calligraphic inscriptions, horseshoe archways and paradisal gardens have been enticing tourists and travelers for centuries. The visual and decorative art produced by the Nasrids in and around the Alhambra complex embodies what remains of Moorish rule in Spain.

A variety of Nasrid art is known from their coins, plasterwork and jewelry. Besides, ceramics, metal work, textiles give an idea of the different types of Nasrid art. The Alhambra’s paintings, artworks have made this fortress one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations for centuries. Alhambra Nasrid art was influenced by the cultural and geographical diversity of Islamic civilization.

The Alhambra’s plaster carvings, decorative designs, and decorative elements were polychrome. . These tiles, marquetry and plaster reliefs became exemplary of the creative and spiritual pluralism of Nasrid society.

Stuccoes and wall inscriptions, including arabesques, are the main decorative elements of the Alhambra. Still these color markings and some gold paintings allude to Quranic verses. A unique synthesis of vegetal, geometric and calligraphic motifs is expressed through the Qur’anic inscription, Naskh calligraphy.

History of The Alhambra Hall:

The Alhambra of Islamic civilization was not the construction project of a single ruler but the work of successive rulers of the Nasrid dynasty. Alhambra goes through many changes in history. In 1238, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben-Hamar (Mohammed I), secured the first royal site and laid the foundations of the Alhambra.

He subsequently established a new royal residence at the Alhambra. Al-Hamar’s sons and grandsons, Mohammed II and Mohammed III, carried out some activities, but no such records appear.

  • Major improvements were completed by Yusuf and Mohammed V. The annexation of Mexuar, the extension of the gallery known as the Machuca or the construction of the Palace of the Lions (Palácio de los Leones) is said to have been begun by Yusuf and finished by Mohammed V.The two kings who were most important in the construction, reconstruction and decoration of the Alhambra completed the palace and palace-related improvements. Ruler Mohammed V also built the Alhambra’s Grand Mosque and public baths. Most of the well-known structures of the Alhambra complex as known today were built by Yusuf I and Mohammed V.

  • In 1492, King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile conquered Granada, ending centuries of Islamic rule. Unified Spain under a Catholic monarchy.

  • The new Christian rulers began to make additions and changes to the palace complex. Charles V, who ruled Spain as Charles I. He decided to convert it into a royal residence for his use. So he ordered the demolition of parts of the complex to build a Renaissance-style palace, the Charles V Palace. He also built other structures, including the emperor’s chamber, the queen’s dressing room, and a church to replace the Alhambra mosque. The Museum of the Alhambra is located on the south side of the ground floor of the Palace of Charles V. There are seven halls. The first hall has thematic exhibitions. A large number have been restored since the Catholic Monarchs captured the city of Granada.
  • Later, the American writer Washington Irving took up residence at the Alhambra in 1829. He writes and publishes Tales of the Alhambra, a collection of essays and stories about the palatial city. 

ALHAMBRA GUIDED TOURS:

  • Tour travel finders will give you important information about Alhambra guided tours. Join a group of Tour travel finders to visit the Alhambra. Guided tours include: Alhambra tickets and official guided tours of the Alhambra.
  • Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Languages: available Spanish, English & French, Italian & German.
  • Departure times: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 y 17:00 hours
  • Reviews: 4,5/5 out of 1193 in Google.
  • Guided Tour: 30 people maximum.
  • Alhambra visit in small groups. Officials local guides with extensive experience.
  • It includes: Entrance and guided tour of the Alhambra.
  • The Hearing Aid System included, to listen clearly to the explanations of the guide.
  • You can get  Assistance at the meeting point.
  • Discount: Get an additional 10% discount on the visit after 2:00 p.m. by entering the code: AFTERNOON10

HOW TO GET TO THE ALHAMBRA: 

  • Public transport : Alhambra can be visited by public transport. You can buy a single journey ticket or travel card directly on the bus if you want. Taxi or City Microbus: There is a bus stop at Plaza Nueva. You can take one of the red minibuses called the Alhambra Bus. Its route is C30 or C32. It departs from Isabel Cattolica Square (Columbus Monument) every 8-12 minutes. If you plan to stay in Granada for a few days, it’s a good idea to buy a travel card called Bonobos to reduce your expenses on this trip.
  • ALHAMBRA ON Foot: If you want to walk, the easiest and most pleasant way to reach the Alhambra from Plaza Nueva Square is to walk up Cuesta de Gómez. This is a pleasant and pleasant walk that takes less than 30 minutes. Begin the walk at the Alhambra with views from the Plaza Nueva. This gate was built in 1536 by Emperor Charles V to replace an older Nasrid gate.

ALHAMBRA on private car or taxi:

Cars are not allowed in the Alhambra complex. But next to the monument look for the Alhambra (Ronda Sur) monument parking address, where we encourage you to leave your car. There is a large parking lot that can be accessed. You can reach the parking via the bypass road of Ronda Sur (N-323, A44), Granada.

Here head towards Sierra Nevada and keep in the left lane as you go through the Serallo Tunnel.

Parking: Tolls to Alhambra and Sierra Nevada cost around 2.82 euros/hour. The price can be a bit expensive

There is also parking space for buses and caravans. Alhambra’s parking has 500 spaces and is guarded 24 hours. There are four zones. One for a bus and one for a caravan, which is the first one you get when you enter. Lockers are also very close.

ALHAMBRA OPENING TIMES:

Tour travel finders will give you important information about Alhambra OPENING TIMES.

FROM APRIL 1 TO OCTOBER 14

DAY VISIT: Monday through Sunday

  • Hour Visit – 08:30 a 20:00
  • Hour ticket office – 08:00 a 20:00

EVENING VISIT: Tuesday to Saturday

  • Hour Visit – 22:00 a 23:30
  • Hour ticket office – 21:00 a 22:45

FROM OCTOBER 15 TO MARCH 31

DAY VISIT: Monday through Sunday

  • Hour Visit – 08:30 a 18:00
  • Hour ticket office – 08:00 a 18:00

EVENING VISIT: Friday and Saturday

  • Hour Visit – 22:00 a 23:30
  • Hour ticket office – 21:00 a 22:45

External Lighting Schedule:

There are three variations in the exterior lighting of the monument with the seasons:

Schedule for maintenance of light till 06:00 hours :

1 November to 28 February – Evening to 02:00 hrs.

From 1 March to 31 October – Evening to 04:00 hrs.

Easter week – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

The Saturday before Corpus Christi’s festival-show ends Saturday

Christmas – 24th December to 5th January

ALHAMBRA TICKETS:

Join a group of Tour travel finders to visit the Alhambra. Tickets can be purchased or booked up to a year in advance to make your vacation enjoyable. This offer is highly appreciated by tourists as they can plan their vacations well in advance. In addition, you can purchase entry to the Nasrid Palace up to two hours before the scheduled time on the same day of your tour.

Tour travel finders: explains many other tips.

  • How to buy official tickets for Alhambra,
  • Different ticket types, 
  • Which areas covered, 
  • Prices and discounts, 
  • How to make changes, refund policy etc.

ALHAMBRA MUSEUM:

The Alhambra is the most famous and visited monument in Spain. Alhambra Museum is located on the south side of the ground floor of the Palace of Charles V (Palladio de Carlos V). Dedicated to Muslim culture and art, it is divided into seven rooms in chronological order.


Permanent exhibition

Hall I: Science, Faith and Economics.

Hall II: Emirate and Caliphate Period.

Hall III A: Caliphal architectural decoration.

Hall III B: Art of the Nasrids from Taiphas

Hall IV: The Nasrid Period. Public buildings.

Hall V: The Nasrid Period. Alhambra and other city palaces.

Hall Six: Nasrid period. Rauda. Gorgeous ceramic.

Hall VII A: The Nasrid Period. Décor and household items.

Hall VII B: Nasrid Art. The Alhambra, Material Culture.

Time table:

  APRIL – 14 OCTOBER

  • Wednesday to Saturday: 8:30 a 20.00 h
  • Sunday and Tuesday: 8.30 a 14.30 h
  • Mondays: closed

15 OCTOBER – 31 MARCH

  • Wednesday to Saturday: 8:30 a 18 h
  • Sunday and Tuesday: 8.30 a 14.30h.
  • Mondays: closed

SATURDAYS IN THE MUSEUM (MAY TO SEPTEMBER)

  • 8.30 – 21.30 h

PRICE: Free entrance

  • Museum of Fine Arts (Carlos V Palace)

Museum of Fine Arts (Carlos V Palace)

The fine arts museum is located on the upper level of the palace. Here are Grenadine sculptures and paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries. These varied techniques stand in contrast to the almost exclusively religious themes of most works. It is decorated with masterpieces of Baroque, Neoclassicism, Romanticism and 19th and 20th century Grenadine paintings.

Hall I: A New Order, New Art.

Hall II: Alonso Cano: Painter and Sculptor

Hall III: Disciples of Alonso Cano

Hall IV: 17th Century Secular Paintings

Hall V: 19th century

Hall VI: Granada as a Theme

Hall VIII: 20th Century Revival

Hall IX: Contemporary Art 

Schedule

16th March to 15th June and 16th September to 15th October

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 to 19:30

Sundays and holidays: 9:00 to 14:30

Monday: Closed (except holidays) From 16 October to 15 March

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 to 18:00

Sundays and holidays: 9:00 to 15:30

Monday: Closed (except holidays) From 16 June to 15 September

Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 to 15:30

Monday: Closed (except holidays) off 24, 25 and 31 December 1st and 6th January May 1st 

Entry fee

Price: 1,50 €.

Free admission for EU citizens, international card holder students, ICOM members, over 65 years, pensioners and persons with at least 33% disability.

School and group visits: by appointment.

Museum Angel Barrios

Angel Barrios Museum is a small and intimate museum dedicated to composer and guitarist Angel Barrios Granada.

The Angel Barrios House Museum is dedicated to the musician’s life and work. On display here are personal memorabilia, furniture and paintings from the musician’s personal collection.

Schedule 

  • Monday to Sunday
  • From October 15th to March 14th: 8:30 to 20:00
  • From March 15th to October 14th: 8:30 to 18:00

ALHAMBRA MAPS:

  • The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is 3.5 km in length.
  • In front of the entrance pavilion is a map with the itinerary of the tour. Here are three bronze models that analyze the Alhambra. The map shows the Alhambra building, nearby places, streets, and suggested routes set at 45 degrees to the camera’s viewing angle. This is a larger two-dimensional map showing the Alhambra palaces. Three bronze models are:
  • 1.The Alhambra and the Islamic City of Granada.
  • 2.Historical evolution of the Alhambra.
  • 3.Alhambra and its surrounding palace city.

SERVICES IN THE AlHAMBRA:

Baby carrier:

Baby strollers are prohibited from entering the monuments while visiting the Alhambra. Alhambra offers a free service to secure strollers. Porta-Baby offers loans to carry backpacks (maximum 12 kilograms) during the trip.

First Aid:

Services are provided by Red Cross staff at The Royal Alhambra Palace. Located at the Alhambra’s Wine Gate, which services the pavilion.

Food and drinks:

There is a small cafe inside the Alhambra, where you can get drinks etc. Pavilion of Services next to the Gate of Wine (Puerta del Vino) and Alhambra parking there is also Food and drink vending machines. 

Rest Rooms: 

However, it is a very famous tourist spot. So it’s often very crowded. As a result, sometimes it becomes difficult to enjoy its beauty. Keep in mind during the visit that you will only find restrooms at the following locations:

1.Entrance hall (adapted for disabled).

2.Service Pavilion, next to the Wine Gate (Puerta del Vino). 

3.Lower Gardens of Generalife.

Wheelchair:

There are adapted restrooms for the disabled. here

Wheelchairs are available upon request. The Nasrid Palace is adapted to meet the needs of the disabled.

ALHAMBRA OFFICIAL GUIDES:

PHONE: 0034 958 22 52 26

MOBILE: 0034 677 41 77 90.

WEB SITE: https://www.guiasgranada.com

EMAIL: visitas@guiasgranada.com

Useful Tips:

  • You must show your national identity card (UE citizen) or passport to visit Alhambra. This allows access to the monument.
  • Save time wisely and visit Alhambra highlights and Generalife Gardens in one day.
  • Information is available at the entrances where lost property can be found.
  • Explore the palace complex and Generalife with a guide, so you don’t get lost.
  • Avoid waiting in long visitor lines with skip-the-line access
  • CASH POINTS are Available in two places. Entrance Pavilion and Services Pavilion next to the Wine Gate.

The Alhambra Palace is one of the most famous sites in Spain and its alluring architecture. It can be said that it will be a wonderful tour to explore a beautiful reminder of Islamic history.

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