Visiting Granada? Don’t miss the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra! These palaces are the architectural jewel of the complex, representing the apogee of Hispano-Moorish art. We were dazzled by the ultimate sophistication of Nasrid architecture, testimony to Spain’s last Muslim dynasty.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit to the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra in Granada and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra
Are the Nasrid Palaces worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the Nasrid Palaces are absolutely worth a visit, and for us they’re the most beautiful part of the Alhambra complex. The Nasrid Palaces represent the apogee of Hispano-Moorish art. These palaces, built mainly between the 13th and 15th centuries, embody the ultimate sophistication of Nasrid architecture, Spain’s last Muslim dynasty. You’ll discover a highly refined decor combining geometric motifs, Arabic calligraphy and arabesques in an exceptional architectural setting.
This is one of Granada’s best activities!
Why are the Nasrid Palaces so famous?
The Nasrid Palaces are famous for embodying the apogee of Western Islamic art, and are a masterpiece of Mudejar-style architecture, room after room. We were impressed by the delicate ornamentation and technical innovations such as moucharabiehs and muqarnas (decorative stalactites), which bear witness to the architectural genius of the period.
Our favorite moments
You’ll find out more about our tour in a moment, but in our opinion, these are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
- The Cour des Lions with its marble columns and emblematic fountain,
- The Hall of the Two Sisters and its dome of exceptional muqarnas,
- The Cour des Myrtes and its magical water mirror (photo below)
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History in brief
The history of the Nasrid Palaces reflects the evolution of Spain’s last Muslim dynasty. Here are the key dates in their construction:
- 13th century: Construction begins under Muhammad I
- 14th century: Architectural apogee with Yusuf I and Muhammad V
- 15th century: Completion of the last palaces
- 1492: Capture of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs
- 19th century: Beginning of modern restorations
How to get there: Nasrid Palaces, Granada
Where are the Nasrid Palaces?
- At the heart of Granada’s Alhambra
- 20min walk from Alhambra main entrance
To give you a better understanding of the complex, we’ve created a simplified map showing the places to see inside the fortress:
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How to get there?
From the center of Granada, you can reach the Nasrid Palaces on foot via 2 routes:
- To the south, via the Puerta de las Granadas, a shady historic path with a gradual climb (800 m ascent), benches for resting and views that gradually reveal themselves over the Alhambra.
- To the north, via the Cuesta del Rey Chico, which is longer but less steep, offering other views of the ramparts.
By public transport, the C3 bus runs every 10-15 minutes, and the C30 and C32 minibuses offer a day pass. The tourist train is pleasant, but you’d be better off with a 1-day ticket if you want to get on and off at the various stops, anticipating possible afternoon queues.
You can also choose to come by car.
Please note, however, that access to the Alhambra by car from the center is prohibited. Access to the rest of the center is restricted to residents.
If you’re starting with the palace before visiting the rest of the Alhambra, we suggest you put the Puerto de Justicia entrance on your GPS, as it’s closer.
Parking
The Alhambra parking lot (400 spaces) is located near the monument’s main entrance. It is open 24 hours a day for a fee. We advise you to arrive early to avoid parking complications.
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Best time to visit
Visits to the Nasrid Palaces are subject to strict time constraints.
We recommend you choose an early morning or late afternoon slot to take advantage of the beautiful light. But don’t be fooled, there will always be crowds in your photos, as the site is extremely touristy!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 1h to 1h30 for a complete tour of the Nasrid Palaces.
Access is limited to a few steps, but you’ll need good shoes to visit the entire Alhambra site.
Visiting the Nasrid Palaces can be a real challenge, as the crowds and the sometimes cramped spaces can make you feel a little cramped. For added convenience, leave your large backpacks in the backpack locker.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot, ideally 30 minutes, because despite your reservation time, a queue is often unavoidable.
Please note that any delay will prevent you from entering the palaces, so make sure you have a printed ticket.
Advice on how to visit
The tour of the Nasrid Palaces follows a compulsory signposted itinerary. You’ll follow an itinerary designed to highlight the succession of courtyards and rooms according to their historical importance. Note, however, that the route follows a one-way path with no possibility of turning back.
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Visiting with children
We didn’t notice any special features for children, but you can turn the visit into a game by asking them to count the columns or spot the different carved animals.
Schedules and rates
Access to the Nasrid Palaces is included in the full Alhambra ticket (Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba, gardens) at €19.09 , but requires a reservation with a specific time slot.
If you don’t want to book a guided tour with a ticket-cutter, get your tickets on this official website. Book up to 3 months in advance. Tickets go fast for summer!
ATTENTION: a valid identity card is required for entry.
Please note thatdiscounts are available for the following groups: Children aged 12-15, Seniors (+65), disabled persons, under 12: free, Students with card. Visit the official website for more info here.
The number of visitors is limited and you must start queuing 30min before your entry time. Be careful: any delay will prevent you from entering the palaces, so make sure you have a printed ticket.
Guided tours
Audio guides are available to enhance your understanding of the Nasrid Palaces.
If you want to go further, we recommend you book a guided tour.
They also mean you don’t have to queue or worry about the time of day for your visit. Several options are available: accelerated or premium… – see tours and availability.
Catering
There are no catering facilities inside the Nasrid Palaces.
We advise you to bring a snack before or after your visit to the other areas of the Alhambra, where cafeterias are available.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated, as the visit can be intense in the heat.
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Exceptional architecture and refined decor
The Nasrid Palaces reveal a succession of strikingly beautiful architectural spaces, testifying to centuries of Muslim artistic refinement.
Mexuar: the antechamber of power
We began our tour at the Mexuar, the reception and courtroom of the Nasrid sultans. This room struck us with its Mudejar ceiling and walls adorned with delicate geometric motifs. You’ll notice the Christian modifications made after the Reconquest, testifying to the historical stratification of the site. The adjoining oratory, with its mihrab (niche in the wall of a mosque facing Mecca) preserves the authenticity of the Muslim faith. We particularly appreciated the view from the windows, which offer a glimpse of the Albaicín, establishing a visual dialogue between the palace and the city.
The Comares Palace: a symbol of power
The Palacio de Comares represents the apogee of Nasrid art, with its Courtyard of Myrtles (photo below) dazzling us with its geometric perfection. We were fascinated by the perfect reflections of the Torre de Comares in the central basin, creating a visual symphony of absolute beauty. Here you’ll find out:
- The Salle des Barques, where every architectural detail recounts the grandeur of the kingdom of Granada.
- The Throne Hall itself, with its starry dome representing the seven Islamic heavens, is a jewel of decorative art.
The Lion Palace: a masterpiece of royal intimacy
The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the Lion Palace, with its famous Lion Court that literally transported us into an architectural dream. We were captivated by the perfect harmony between the 124 white marble columns and the central fountain supported by twelve lions, symbols of strength and power.
Inside, you’ll be amazed by..:
- The Salle des Deux Soeurs and its dome, a veritable lace of stone that defies the laws of gravity (photo below)!
- The Salle des Abencérages recounts tragic legends.
- The Salle des Rois features unique leather paintings.
Nasrid decorative art in all its splendor
Every surface of the Nasrid Palaces bears witness to an exceptional artistic mastery that transforms architecture into a total work of art.
Geometric patterns and calligraphy
Nasrid palaces are captivating for the extraordinary refinement of their decorations: mathematically precise geometric motifs, Arabic calligraphy combining verses and poems, arabesques that seem to dance on the walls. Each wall becomes a manuscript in stone and plaster, where technique and poetry meet. These ornaments create a subtle balance between spirituality and aesthetics, embodying the Islamic idea of beauty as a reflection of divine perfection.
Technical innovations in decor and acoustics
The technical innovations of the Nasrid Palaces particularly impressed us with their ingenuity and beauty. We gazed at length at the muqarnas, decorative stalactites that transform the domes into celestial vaults of astounding geometric complexity.
You’ll also be amazed by the moucharabiehs that filter light while preserving privacy, creating incomparably poetic interplays of light and shadow. These technical elements reveal an architectural mastery that combines functionality and aesthetics in masterly fashion. We observed how the acoustics of the rooms were carefully calculated to amplify the recitation of the Koran and private conversations.
Water and light: essential elements of harmony
The masterful use of water and light lends the Nasrid Palaces a unique atmosphere that transcends mere architecture.
Hydraulic system and water features
The hydraulic system of the Nasrid Palaces is impressive in its ingenuity: fountains, canals and pools are animated by a continuous flow that accompanies the visit with soothing music. Each pool reflects the architecture and enhances its beauty, while discreet piping ensures comfort that was astonishing for its time. Omnipresent, water is not only utilitarian: it symbolizes paradise, in the Muslim faith, and lends palaces an atmosphere of freshness and harmony.
The play of light and solar orientation
Note also that light is an actor in its own right: every window and archway is designed to catch the Andalusian sun and turn it into a spectacle. Changing reflections, shifting shadows and flashes of gold animate the decorations as the hours pass, revealing in turn the finesse of the ornamentation. This subtle staging infuses the walls with a poetic vibrancy and gives the architecture a spiritual dimension, offering visitors a renewed experience.
We also really appreciated the Palace’s views over the city of Granada, allowing us to get a bit of height after this already stunning visit!
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Frequently asked questions
What to do if tickets for the Nasrid Palaces are sold out?
- Check out the night tour options
- Just the ticket with the other attractions is good enough
- Take one of the official guided tours (they have a separate quota) – see options
- Choose another date…
Is it possible to take photos in the Nasrid Palaces?
Yes, photos without flash are permitted in the Nasrid Palaces. We advise you to respect this rule to preserve the fragile scenery and enjoy the atmosphere of the site without disturbing other visitors.
Where to take the best photo of Granada’s Alhambra?
Head to the Mirador San Nicolas for a bird’s-eye view of the Alhambra!
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