Often described as the highlight of Alhambra, the Nasrid Palace is a beautiful mansion that was built for the Spanish Muslim rulers. With its perfectly proportional rooms, detailed stucco walls, antique wooden ceilings, and brightly colored tiles, the Nasrid Palace is worth a visit. Within the Nasrid Palace, there are many places of interest, including the Palace of Comares, Lion's Palace, Golden Room Courtyard and more. Do note that entry to the Nasrid Palace is strictly controlled and only a fixed number of people are allowed in at a time so plan your visit to Nasrid Palace now!
Restored by Muhammad V, this hall known as the Mexuar served as a meeting room for the council of ministers where reunions happened after the Sultanate imparted justice. A beautiful space, the Mexuar features four majestic columns at the centre of the room decorated with muqarnas. The ceiling on the other hand has Christian origins and is decorated with paintings and gold motifs. The Mexuar also has a second level which has a courtyard that leads to the oratory.
With a beautiful collection of rooms located close to the Arrayanes Courtyard, the Palace of Comares is another highlight of Alhambra. Both ends of the palace feature porticoed galleries, adding to the beauty of the place. This palace functioned as the official place of residence of the Sultan, making it one of the many important palaces in Alhambra. During construction, special effort was put into making the palace as exquisite as possible. The northern end of the palace houses the Barca Hall and the Embajadores Hall.
The Golden Room is another highlight of the Nasrid Palace. The ceiling was painted in pure gold by Catholic Kings, lending it an aura of opulence. Apart from the room, there's also a courtyard through an arched portico with three arches. There's even a beautiful fountain made of marble in the middle of the courtyard. A gate links this royal courtyard with the Reja courtyard at the other side.
Built at an angle better than the Baths and the Arrayanes Courtyard, the Lion's Palace features private rooms belonging to the royal family. The palace features a central courtyard which is surrounded by beautiful galleries linked to different rooms. At the north of this courtyard, you can find the Ajimeces, the Dos Hermanas and the Mirador de Daraxa. On the south is the Harem and the Abencerrajes Hall, on the east is the Reyes Hall, and on the west is the Mocarabes Hall.
The Nasrid Palace is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture located within the Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain. It served as the royal residence of the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty to rule in Spain.
A typical visit to the Nasrid Palace lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, including time to explore the various rooms, courtyards, and gardens.
Yes, guided tours of the Nasrid Palace are available and can provide valuable insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the palace.
Photography is allowed inside the Nasrid Palace, but the use of flash and tripods is prohibited. Be respectful of other visitors and refrain from obstructing pathways while taking photos.
Must-see features inside the Nasrid Palace include the Court of the Lions, the Hall of the Ambassadors, the Hall of the Two Sisters, the Mexuar, and the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles).
While there is no strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the cultural and religious significance of the site. Avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing or inappropriate for a place of historical importance.
Yes, children are welcome to visit the Nasrid Palace. However, keep in mind that the palace contains delicate artwork and historical artifacts, so it's important to supervise children and ensure they treat the site with respect.
The best time to visit the Nasrid Palace is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can provide a more comfortable experience with milder weather and fewer tourists.