Visit the Heart of Alhambra | The Nasrid Palaces

The showstopper at Granada’s Alhambra, the Nasrid Palaces is an awe-inspiring example of Islamic architecture in Europe. Throughout the 14th century, the Nasrid Emirs, who ruled Granada, lavished attention on the Nasrid Palaces, creating a series of stately monuments from which they ruled and lived. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the Palaces are heavily decorated with stucco, brightly coloured tiles, and intricate wood and vaulting work that shine a light on the might of Moorish artistry. Here is everything you need to know about the Nasrid Palace before your visit.

Essential information while visiting the Nasrid Palaces

Why you must visit Nasrid Palaces

You’ll find it hard to name a more stunning piece of still-standing Moorish architecture in all of Europe that surpasses Granada’s Nasrid Palaces. The star attraction at the Alhambra citadel, the ornate Nasrid Palaces unabashedly celebrate the artistry and grandeur that flourished under the Islamic rulers. Navigating the vast area of the outer and inner rooms, salons, patios and courtyards of this architectural wonder, you are bound to be spellbound by the soaring walls covered in stucco and colourful tiles, the wooden ceilings covered in intricate geometric patterns, and the carved vaulting that looks like the most breathtaking marble lacework. Nasrid Palaces is an unmissable Granada fixture and a visit here is bound to snag a place of pride in your memories.

Know before you purchase tickets to the Nasrid Palaces

• Visits to the Nasrid Palace are time-slotted. Miss your slot and you miss your chance to explore this spectacular architectural wonder. So, make sure you queue up at the entrance at least half an hour in advance and get in on time.
• You will need to show your passport or a reliable ID to gain entry into the Palaces. Make sure you carry these on your visit.
• Only 300 visitors are allowed into the Nasrid Palaces every 30 minutes. Since entry is limited, we recommend you book your tickets well in advance.
• The larger Alhambra complex along with the Nasrid Palaces are sold out months in advance. If you are visiting Granada, make sure you book your tickets well in advance especially if you are here during peak tourist season (July – September).
• The Nasrid Palaces are open for day and night visits. If you have the time, sign up for both to soak in every bit of its beauty.
• If you love history and architecture, the Nasrid Palaces are truly a treasure trove. Sign up for a guided experience so you learn about all the small and big details of this wonder.

Recommended tickets to Nasrid Palaces

Nasrid Palaces history

Once the Nasrid rulers conquered and fortified the Alhambra they turned their attention to building a royal abode worthy of kings! While the actual dates of when the Nasrid Palaces were built remain somewhat hazy, most historians agree that the grand structure dates back to the 14th century. Abu l-Walid Ismail, the fifth of the Nasrid rulers, is believed to have made notable contributions to the Palaces – shaping the Comares Towers and the Court of Myrtles. Later, Mohammed V fashioned the Palace of the Lions and also added extensions to the existing structures, bringing about a cohesiveness to the Nasrid Palaces.

Nasrid Palaces’ unique architecture

Visually stunning, the Nasrid Palaces remain to this day a highlight of Moorish architecture in all of Europe. At Granda’s Alhambra visitors flock, by the millions each year, to soak in the sheer brilliance of the largely Islamic structure complete with endless and detailed stucco work, ceilings covered in handcrafted wood and marble vaultings, and walls covered in colourful tile work.

Architecturally, the Nasrid Palaces were largely divided into three main sections – the Mexaur – where the public affairs of the court were conducted. There is the Palacio de Comares (Comares Palace) which served as the king’s private chambers and there is the Palacio de los Leones (Palace of the Lions) – which was inhabited by the royal family and included the harem.

While the Mexaur and the Palace de Comares exclusively feature Islamic architectural elements, the Palace de los Leones also incorporates European influences (supposedly owing to the friendship between Mohammed V, the Nasrid ruler who built the Palace, and Pedro I, the Cruel, the Castilian and Christian ruler).

Your Nasrid Palaces tour deconstructed

Best time to visit Nasrid Palaces

When you sign up for a visit to Granada’s Alhambra complex, which the Nasrid Palaces are a part of, you should aim to visit the Palaces first. This is because entry into the Palaces is timed and you will have to queue up on time in order to explore the Palaces. If you want to make the most of your time here, ensure you book your entry early in the morning. However, if you prefer lesser crowds, then, we recommend an early afternoon visit. The Nasrid Palaces are also open for evening visits.

In terms of season, the weather between June and September is pleasant and ideal for a visit.

All you need to know before visiting Nasrid Palaces

Nasrid Palaces day opening hours

You can visit the Nasrid Palaces during the day and even in the evenings. The timings are as follows:

From April 1 to October 14

• Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 8pm
• Ticket office: 8am to 8pm

From 15th October to 31st March

• Monday to Sunday: 8:30am to 6pm
• Ticket office: 8am to 6pm

Nasrid Palaces night visit opening hours

From April to October 14

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10pm to 11:30pm
• Ticket office: 9pm to 10:45pm

From October 15 to March 31

• Friday and Saturday: 8pm to 9:30pm
• Ticket office: 7pm to 8:45pm

Nasrid Palaces entrance

The Nasrid Palaces are part of the larger Alhambra complex which has two main entrances. There is the main pavilion entrance as well as the Gate of Justice entrance. If you have pre-booked your tickets, however, you will have to come through the Gate of Justice. You will also have to queue up at the entrance of the Nasrid Palaces and only 300 visitors are allowed in every 30 minutes. Make sure you get there on time as they are pretty strict about allowing visitors their entry only during their timing slots.

Nasrid Palaces directions

To access the Nasrid Palaces, you will have to get to the Alhambra complex. The best ways to get to Alhambra are listed below:

• By Bus: A list of buses that will take you to Granada’s Alhambra complex:
  C30 (Alhambra – Centro)
  C32 (Alhambra – Albaicín)
  C35 (Cementerio - Barranco del Abogado – Centro). Get off at Paseo de la Sabica to access Alhambra.
  
• By Taxi: Taxis are an easy, comfortable way to access Alhambra from the main city area of Granada.
• By Car: Since private transport is not allowed to access Alhambra from the city centre, you will have to take N-323/ A-44 to reach Ronda Sur (A-395). From here, you can simply follow the directions to reach the Alhambra complex.

Nasrid Palaces map

Here is a map of the Nasrid Palaces located at the Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain.

Insider tips for your visit to the Nasrid Palaces

• Plan your visit so that you tour the Nasrid Palaces first at the Alhambra. This will help you get to the Palaces on time and you won’t miss your slot.
• The walk from the entrance to the Palaces is a bit lengthy so make sure you have enough time on your hands to get to the entrance.
• Alhambra and the Nasrid Palaces sit on over 35 acres and there are several places where the incline is a bit steep. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing during your visit.
• When touring the Nasrid Palaces, it is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the endless details of the place. Pace yourself, take breaks for rest, and you’ll be able to soak in much more.
• Don’t have the budget for a guided experience? Then, we recommend you pick up an audio guide to enhance your experience.

Ready to visit Granada?

The Alhambra complex

Sure, the Nasrid Palaces are the star attraction at the Alhambra complex but there is plenty more to evoke awe in you at this centuries-old citadel. There is the Alcazaba – the fortress and the oldest bit of the complex that traces its origins back to the 9th century. There is the Charles V Palace that came up after the Spanish Reconquest. You can also head up to the serene Generalife – a royal summer retreat that serves up spectacular views of Granada and the surrounding rocky environs.

Granada Cathedral

A must-visit during your stopover in Granada, this ornate Cathedral was once the site of a Moorish-era Mosque. Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Incarnation, the Cathedral was built in the 16th century and features Gothic and Spanish Renaissance styles. Walking in, you’ll encounter a heavily embellished altar, soaring, crisscrossing naves, and a dome dotted with golden stars against a blue background. The Cathedral’s main chapel is marked by Corinthian columns, stained glass windows, effigies of significant, Spaniard royals, and remarkable sculptures.

Flamenco Show

One of Andalusia’s greatest cultural creations – the flamenco is an unmissable experience when in Granada. While there are plenty of options to choose from, we point you in the direction of the historic Palacio de los Olvidados which stages mesmerising flamenco shows.

Frequently asked questions