Marvel at the exquisite Nasrid Palaces and learn more about the Alhambra from a local guide. Admire ancient architecture of the Palaces and the beauty of the Gardens. Enjoy a great eating experience, try authentic local food in a traditional restaurant.
On a rocky hill that is difficult to access, on the banks of the River Darro, protected by mountains and surrounded by woods, among the oldest quarters in the city, the Alhambra rises up like an imposing castle with reddish tones in its ramparts that prevent the outside world from seeing the delicate beauty they enclose. Originally designed as a military area, the Alhambra became the residence of royalty and of the court of Granada in the middle of the thirteenth century, after the establishment of the Nasrid kingdom and the construction of the first palace, by the founder king Mohammed ibn Yusuf ben Nasr, better known as Alhamar. The fortress became a citadel with high ramparts and defensive towers, which house two main areas: the military area, or Alcazaba, the barracks of the royal guard, and the medina or court city, the location of the famous Nasrid Palaces and the remains of the houses of noblemen and plebeians who lived there.
The habitual residence of the kings of Granada, their construction began at the beginning of the 14th century. The Nasrid Palaces are a palatial complex formed by three buildings: - The Mexuar is the oldest hall. It was employed for meetings between the ministers of the king and as a courtroom. - Next, we come to the Palace of Comares, which dates back to the era of Yusuf I. This dwelling was erected around the Patio de los Arrayanes (Courtyard of the Myrtles), and its side exits lead to the Sala de los Embajadores (Hall of Ambassadors) and the Sala de la Barca (Hall of the Boat). The Hall of Ambassadors is located inside the Tower of Comares. - The Palace of the Lions, dating back to the era of Muhammed V, is also a royal residence. It is composed of a central courtyard, the Courtyard of the Lions, and halls along each side, the Hall of the Mocarabes, the Hall of the Kings, the Hall of the Two Sisters, the Hall of the Ajimeces, leading on to the mirador Daraxa viewpoint, and the Hall of the Abencerrajes, along with the Harem.
The Generalife is composed of a series of large gardens, where every corner holds a novelty and a pleasant surprise for the eyes, with a minimum of obtrusive buildings.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Alhambra guided Tour: at 9.45am at our Welcome Visitor Centre (Paseo de la Sabica, 15) next to the Alhambra. The time slot you have chosen is not available, the supplier will book you into a new time slot. • It is mandatory to present the original Id card or passport to access the monumental complex. It is mandatory to provide full names and id or passport number. Traditional Meal: Be at the restaurant “ El Pescaito de Carmela” (located in Calle Marques de Gerona 12) between 2.15pm and 2.30pm. If you prefer to book a different time, please call the restaurant (+958 255 797) the day before to change the meal time. • On occasion the Alhambra Trust may alter the order of the visit and restrict access to certain areas. In this case, the tour will be adapted accordingly without reducing the visiting time. The starting time might be changed. In that case you will be contacted by the tour operator and informed of the new starting time the day before the tour. • Please contact the local supplier to confirm your final start/pick up time • The visit may be given in two different languages • Please note: the Alhambra requires that all passengers provide the full name, and passport details for each participant when booking. If not provided, the Alhambra may deny access to their premises. The customer must bring the original passport or id card to the monument. • For reasons of sustainability and cleanliness we do not provide headphones. We can provide them for the price of 1€.