Alhambra Entry: Tickets

Alhambra FAQs

• Do you need to buy tickets for Alhambra in advance?
• Although it isn't compulsory, we do suggest it, yes. It's easy and convenient and guarantees your tickets and helps you avoid the queues that can form, especially during peak season.
• What is the Alhambra?
• The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex in Granada. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 AD and later converted into a royal palace by the Nasrid Emirs in the 13th century. Today, it is one of Spain’s most famous historical sites, known for its stunning Islamic architecture.
• Who built the Alhambra?
• The Alhambra was primarily constructed by the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim rulers of Spain. The most significant building efforts occurred under the reign of Sultan Muhammad I in the 13th century, followed by other Nasrid rulers who expanded and beautified the complex.
• What is the meaning of the name 'Alhambra'?
• The name 'Alhambra' comes from the Arabic word "Al-Ḥamrā'" (الحمراء), which means "The Red One." This likely refers to the reddish hue of the walls and towers, which glow red in the sunlight.
• What architectural style is the Alhambra?
• The Alhambra is an example of Moorish architecture, which is heavily influenced by Islamic art and design. Its intricate tilework, calligraphy, stucco carvings, and ornamental gardens make it a masterpiece of Islamic art.
• What are the most famous parts of the Alhambra?
• Some of the most famous parts of the Alhambra include the ‘Court of the Lions’ (a beautiful courtyard with a central fountain surrounded by carved marble lions), the ‘Hall of the Ambassadors’, the ‘Generalife Gardens’, and the ‘Alcazaba’, which is the oldest part of the fortress.
• Why is the Alhambra significant in Spanish history?
• The Alhambra represents the last stronghold of Muslim rule in Spain before the Reconquista. In 1492, the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella captured Granada, marking the end of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. The Alhambra became a symbol of this pivotal moment in Spanish history.

Alhambra Fun Facts

• It was almost destroyed: After the Christian conquest of Granada in 1492, the Alhambra fell into neglect and was nearly demolished by Napoleon’s army in the early 19th century. Fortunately, it was saved by a soldier who defused explosives that had been set to destroy it.
• It has hidden Islamic messages: The walls of the Alhambra are covered in intricate Arabic calligraphy, much of which contains religious verses from the Quran, poetry, and philosophical sayings. Some of the carvings say things like, "There is no victor but God."
• It’s built on a natural fortress: The Alhambra sits on a rocky hill called Sabika, which overlooks the city of Granada. Its elevated position made it easier to defend and provided the rulers with strategic views of the surrounding area.
• A royal palace and a military fortress: The Alhambra was not just a palace for Nasrid rulers; it also functioned as a military stronghold. The Alcazaba, the fortress section of the Alhambra, served as a defensive point with towers like the Torre de la Vela to watch for enemy attacks.
• It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Alhambra, along with the Generalife gardens and the Albayzín district of Granada, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. This designation recognises its cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
• ‍The Alhambra inspired Washington Irving: American author Washington Irving, who wrote ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’, fell in love with the Alhambra. In 1829, he lived in the palace for a time and later wrote ‘Tales of the Alhambra’, which is a collection of essays and stories inspired by its beauty and history!