Commanding Heights – The Alcazaba

Our guided exploration begins at the Alcazaba, the military citadel that represents the oldest surviving section of the Alhambra. Constructed from reddish rammed earth, this area formed the core defensive system of the fortress and enclosed the palace of the Nasrid Caliphs.

Your guide will lead you through the former military quarter, where the elite guards of the Alhambra once resided in houses organized around internal courtyards with water elements. We highlight the military architecture, including the massive Torre de la Vela (‘Watch Tower’). Climbing this tower rewards you with extraordinary, commanding views over the city of Granada and the surrounding landscape. It was here, in January 1492, that the banner of Castile was first hoisted, symbolizing the Christian Spanish conquest.

Architectural Splendor – The Nasrid Palaces

Next, we proceed to the Nasrid Palaces, the intimate royal residence built for the sultans. These delicate buildings exemplify Moorish architectural mastery. The decorative focus is inward, often organized around a courtyard featuring a pool or fountain.

We explore the transition from the administrative spaces of the Mexuar to the formal Comares Palace. In the Patio de los Arrayanes (‘Court of the Myrtles’), you will admire the long, wide reflective pool that dominates the space. From here, we visit the impressive Salón de los Embajadores (‘Hall of the Ambassadors’), the grand throne room located inside the large Comares Tower.

In the neighboring Palace of the Lions, designed for private life, your guide will point out the famous central courtyard featuring a unique arrangement of slender columns surrounding the Fountain of the Lions. Inside the halls surrounding the court, the walls are covered in intricately carved stucco (yesería) and Arabic inscriptions, frequently repeating the Nasrid motto, “And there is no victor but God”. You will witness the stunning three-dimensional sculpting known as muqarnas, particularly noted on the vaulted ceilings. Within this central area, we view the imposing Palace of Charles V, a massive Renaissance structure built after the conquest that intentionally juxtaposes the surrounding Islamic architecture.

 Tranquil Retreat – The Generalife

The final part of the tour takes us outside the main walls to the Generalife, the Nasrid country estate and summer retreat. This site highlights the rulers’ sophisticated control over water, supplied by channels from the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Here, the experience culminates in the Patio de la Acequia (‘Courtyard of the Water Canal’), the core of the palace complex. This long courtyard, divided by a channel of water, reflects the Moorish vision of a disciplined, earthly garden. We also visit the celebrated Water Stairway (Escalera del Agua), an exceptional four-flight staircase where water runs along the balustrades, providing both cooling and aesthetic pleasure.