If you're wondering about the origins of the monument visited by almost three million people every year, you need to know that its name comes from the Arabic: al-Hambra ('the red one'). It was designed between the 9th and 12th centuries as a military area (Qal'at al-hamra, 'Red Fortress'), but not only for that: the Alhambra was a stronghold, a Nasrid palace and a medina (small city) all at the same time. That was until 1492, when it became a Christian court after the reconquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs.
As the heritage site is enormous and full of details, a visit to the Alhambra is never short. Some people do it in one or two hours, but history lovers can take more than five hours. From the Alcazaba to the Royal Palaces, the charming Gilded Room, the majestic Comares Hall, the Renaissance palace of Charles V (now the Museum of Fine Arts) or the famous Courtyard of the Lions...
What's included
Alhambra Gardens and Alcazaba Entrance (Alcazaba, Generalife Gardens)
Official guide
Does not include Nasrid Palaces
What to expect
The Alhambra
2h · Admission ticket included
It is true that Andalusia has many World Heritage Sites; But the most spectacular and visited by far is the Alhambra, a monumental historical complex. Its success is understood if it is seen from the San Nicolás viewpoint, on the other side of the Darro River. Better if it is done at sunset, accompanied by the guitars and singing of street performers. The former president of the United States, Bill Clinton, only had a few hours there to declare that it was “the most beautiful sunset in the world.”
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Meeting point on the wall map located next to the Alhambra ticket offices
End point
Meeting point on the wall map located next to the Alhambra ticket offices
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
5.0(2)
Parts of this description were translated automatically.
