Information about the Alhambra in Granada | 09 FEB

The Alhambra in Granada is one of Spain's most valuable and essential heritage sites. Located in the city of Granada, in the province of Andalusia, this impressive fortress and palace is one of the country's main tourist attractions. Renowned for its architectural beauty, rich history and panoramic views, the Alhambra in Granada is a place that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.

In this article we will tell you all the essential information about this incredible World Heritage Site.

What is the Alhambra in Granada?

The Alhambra is an impressive palace and fortress located in Granada, Spain. It was built during the period of Muslim rule in Spain and is considered one of the most remarkable examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

The Alhambra is made up of a series of buildings, courtyards and gardens, including the Palace of Charles V, the Torre de la Vela and the Palacios Nazaries. Also of note are its splendid tile decorations, arches and fountains, which combine elements of Islamic architecture with influences from Mudejar and Renaissance art.

The Alhambra is a popular tourist destination in Spain and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

History of the Alhambra in Granada

The Alhambra was built during the reign of the Nasrid Caliphate in Spain, a period spanning from the 13th to the 15th century. During this time, the Nasrid kings created a series of impressive palaces, fortifications and gardens, making it one of the most important centres of the Islamic world.

Among the most emblematic areas of the complex are the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares and the Palace of the Lions, which contain some of the finest examples of Islamic art.

After the fall of the Caliphate, the Alhambra passed into the hands of the Catholic Monarchs, who made some modifications and additions to the original structure. Despite these changes, the Alhambra remains one of the most important examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

The monumental complex also has a separate palace opposite the Alhambra, surrounded by orchards and gardens, which was the residence of the kings of Granada, the Generalife.

Curiosities of the Alhambra of Granada

The Alhambra in Granada is a magical place, full of stories, myths and legends. In this section we tell you six curiosities that surround it:

1. The Alhambra has survived earthquakes for centuries thanks to the fact that the walls are made of rammed earth and the columns have a sheet of lead between the base and the column, which makes the building dance if there are tremors.

2. The Lions' Fountain had two cups - fountain bowls - from the 16th century until the 20th century, when it was restored to its original form by Mohammed V in the 14th century, although there are other theories.

3. It is said that, after recovering pomegranate from Boabdil, the Catholic Monarchs entered the Alhambra and were so fascinated that they decided to spend a long time there.

4. Through its various rooms, you can take a journey through its history. Each room tells a part of its history, albeit in Arabic.

5. The monumental complex is built in such a way that you can tell what time it is by the shade in the rooms.

6. Inside, the social classes did not cross paths. Each of the social classes had its own route to reach the sultanate.

Visit the Alhambra in Granada

As mentioned above, the Alhambra is one of the most visited and emblematic monuments in Andalusia. A private visit to the Alhambra allows you to enjoy an intimate and personalised experience of the monument and its history.

At Pancho Tours we offer private guided tours that include an exclusive guide for your group, which means you don't have to worry about following a strict schedule or sharing your time with a large group of people. In addition, a private guide can provide you with detailed and personalised information about the Alhambra and its history, and answer any questions you may have. Enjoy this fantastic monument at your own pace.

Please note that private tours of the Alhambra are usually more expensive than regular tours, but they can be an excellent option if you want a more personal and memorable experience.

At Pancho Tours we have a wide variety of tours if you are in Granada. Here are our Top 5 Tours.

7 tips for visiting the Alhambra in Granada

• Buy your tickets in advance: To avoid long queues and make sure you can visit the Alhambra, we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.
• Arrive early: Arriving early will allow you to enjoy the Alhambra before it gets too crowded and make the most of your time there. Remember that you have one hour entrance time.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The Alhambra is a vast place with many ups and downs, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes to enjoy your visit.
• Bring water: Especially if you are visiting in summer. Granada belongs to the south of Spain, so its climate is usually warm. It is therefore important to bring water to keep you hydrated.
• Use sunscreen: The Alhambra is an open place and it is important to use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun if you visit in summer.
• Use a map or guide: A map or guide will help you find your points of interest and help you understand the history and architecture of the Alhambra.
• Take advantage of the views: The Alhambra offers some breathtaking views of Granada, so don't forget to stop and admire the scenery. And if you want to get a panoramic view of the Alhambra, we recommend you go to the Mirador de San Nicolas.