Alhambra Palace Tour: Generalife, Alcazaba, Guide

Itinerary

Make your way to the Welcome Visitor Centre (located just 200 meters from Alhambra Parking 1), where you will meet your expert guide.

You will tour the three main parts of the Alhambra Palace: the Royal Palace, the Gardens of Generalife and the fortress of Alcazaba.

The Royal Palace:
The Royal Palace's interior is lavishly decorated. Surfaces are adorned with intricate geometric designs skillfully executed in marble, glazed tile and alabaster. The Palace is divided in three sections. The first is the Mexuar where business, government, and palace administration took place. This section includes the Oratory and the striking Golden Room.

The second section is the Serrallo, where the sultans held court and entertained their ambassadors. In the heart of the Serrallo is the Court of the Myrtles with its long pool flanked by myrtle trees. The decorative tiles here are said to be some of the finest in the Alhambra. The Serrallo is also home to the Hall of the Ambassadors, which has a spectacular carved throne and a domed cedar-wood ceiling.

The third section of the Palace is the Harem, which in its time was entered only by the sultan, his wives and concubines, young children and eunuchs. The delightful Court of the Lions lies at the harem’s heart. The courtyard is named after the 12 lions, thought to represent the months or signs of the zodiac.

The Alcazaba:
The Alcazaba is the Alhambra Palace’s original fortress. You will be able to walk up the steps to the watchtower for some splendid panoramas of Granada. You will also see the Royal Baths, where the sultans' favourite beauties once relaxed in brightly tiled pools, and the Renaissance palace of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

The Generalife:
The Generalife was the summer retreat for the Moorish kings. Here you will stroll through the spectacular gardens, said to have been inspired by the Koranic description of Paradise. You will see tall columnar cypress trees, roses, orange trees, oleanders and other flowers as well as tranquil pools and tinkling fountains.