La
Alhambra

Discover the Alhambra

Entering this architectural complex will fully immerse you in Andalusian culture. Through its gardens, its palaces, its towers and its doors you will be able to transport yourself to a time of great splendor and connect with a civilization that left its mark on the city in a decisive way to become what it is today.

There are several ways in which you can discover this monumental complex. You may opt for a visit with an official guide and expert on the monument or a visit at your own pace with an audio guide. But, without a doubt, the experience that will leave you speechless is the night visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Alhambra!

Visit the Alhambra

With the Alhambra tickets, it is possible to access the site from three different entrances: North, South and East. This last option connects to the Generalife, access to which is restricted to those who do not have an admission ticket. This is the main entrance for visitors.

At the North access is the Puerta del Arrabal, which is located just below the tower of the same name. It was formerly the route used to reach the Generalife and it was reached from the slope known as Cuesta de los Chinos.

The South entrance, finally, is the one we recommend you take to begin your tour of the Alhambra. It is accessed, always on foot, from the square Plaza Nueva and the first view leads through a beautiful alameda from which to contemplate the extraordinary and majestic architecture that surrounds the splendid view.

Still on the outside, some of the parts that should be seen are: the Gate of Bib-Rambla, the Gate of the Chariots, the Gate of the Pomegranates, the Gate of Justice, the Pillar of Charles V and the Monument of Angel Ganivet. Each of them has its own particularities and of course its own history.

Inside the Alhambra

Once you have accessed the interior, the different parts of which it is made up, and whose visit is a must, are: the Alcazaba, the Bath of the Mosque, the Generalife, the Partal, the Palace of Carlos V and the Nasrid Palaces.

The Alcazaba

According to historians, this is one of the oldest parts of the building along with the Torre de los Bermejos. It is estimated that it was built in the 9th century, many years before King Muhammad ordered the construction of the fort, as well as the residence for his family, which dates back to the 12th century.

Partal Palace

The Nasrid monarch Muhammad IV, who met a century later, ordered the construction of this palace, which has the honor of being the oldest of those still standing today

Generalife

Under the command of Sultan Muhammad II, this space was built, which was conceived as a place of recreation for royalty, as well as the royal garden. It is outside the walled area in a place that was baptized as Cerro del Sol.

Mosque bathroom

Muhammad III ordered the construction of a public bath in front of the mosque, although only a few rooms remain. In this mosque a church was built, already in the 16th century.

Nasrid Palaces

You have to go forward a century in time and place yourself in the reign of Ismail I to know that it was at that moment that the works of these palaces began. The Royal Palace of the Alhambra is divided into three very characteristic areas: the Palace of the Lions, the Palace of Comares and the Mexuar.

Palace of Charles V

Already in the 16th century, the monarch Carlos V announced the construction of his particular Palace after his marriage with Isabel of Portugal. At the time it was left unfinished and it was not until the 20th century that it was resumed and finished (1953).

Buy Alhambra tickets

Going to the Alhambra to contemplate all its splendor is simple as long as you organize your presence there in advance. And it is that to access the facilities it is necessary to buy a ticket in advance, since the visits are organized and arranged in advance – you can also enter without a guide. In other words: if you come looking for a ticket on the same day, you will most likely have to turn around and stay with the desire.

Due to the great demand that exists, especially on dates as marked as Easter, Christmas or even in summer, finding a pass to visit the different places that make up this building is a very complicated task, but not impossible. So now you know, if you are thinking of visiting Andalusia and passing through Granada with the intention of entering the Alhambra, make sure you buy your ticket online.

Alhambra timetable

This monument is open to the public every day of the year except for 1 January and 25 December. From 1st April to 14th October, opening hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, while between 15th October and 31st March, the doors close earlier at 6:00 pm.

Management estimates that in order to be able to visit the different areas of the Alhambra, whether on your own or on a guided tour, you will need 3 hours. It is advisable to be punctual during your visit to the Alhambra in Granada, otherwise you run the risk of losing the right to enter the complex.