For those who are looking to enjoy some of Spain’s magnificent historical monuments and ancient citadels as well as palaces, Granada is the best place to start.
The Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain is arguably the most popular tourist spot in the city and one of the must-see sights in the country. A visit to Spain wouldn’t be complete unless you’ve seen this palace complex.
Location
The Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain sits atop the Assabica hill located in the SE border of Granada.
Getting There
To reach the Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain, you can take a taxi or a public bus.
If you will be taking the taxi, you can simply direct the driver to take you to the palace complex. On the other hand, if you will be taking the bus; you can take either bus number 30 or bus number 32.
You can get off right at the ticketing office which is also where you will find the main entrance into the palace complex.
What to See and Do
The Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain is a sprawling palace complex, hence; a guided tour is recommended. On the other hand, you can also visit the complex on your own.
First stop is the Alcazaba or what is known as the fortress. This is situated on the most elevated section of the hill, giving you views of the city down below particularly from atop the Vela Tower.
The Alcazaba also has two other towers: the Armas Tower and the Tribute Tower. There is likewise the Adarves Garden within the fortress walls.
The most interesting part of your visit will be the palaces in the complex. The Nasrid Palaces are categorized into 3 distinct sections: the Mexuar, where the Sultan consulted his team for government issues; the Serallo, which is the official home of the Sultan; and the Harem, constructed for Muhammed V.
Lastly, there is the Generalife. This section of the complex has gardens, a waterway, observation point and ponds.
Brief History
The Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain was built some time in the middle of the 14th century. Officially called the Calat Alhambra, the palaces and the fortress was constructed for the Muslim nobility in the country during the reign of the Nasrid Dynasty.
The last addition to the palace complex was a palace for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V constructed in the year 1527. The palace and the fortification fell into disrepair after years of neglect before it was European explorers came across it some time in the 19th century.
Restoration followed thereafter.
Today, it serves as a prime example of the Islamic architectural style. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1984.
Cost
The cost to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada – Spain varies, depending on the time of day that you will be entering the premises. There is a ticket for a day visit and a ticket for a night visit. There is also a ticket for visiting the gardens only.
Day visits cost 13 Euros, nigh visits cost 8 Euros while garden visits cost 7 Euros.
Other Information
Day visits are divided into two timeslots: mornings, from 8:30 AM up to 2 PM; and afternoons, from 2 PM up to 6 PM between the months of November and February; and up to 8 PM between March and October.
Night visits are from 8 PM up to 9:30 PM between November and February; Fridays and Saturdays only; and from 10 PM up to 11:30 PM between March and October; Tuesday thru Saturday.
