A towering and powerful symbol of its Moorish past, the fortress of Alcazaba and the adjoining Alhambra complex ensure that, even centuries later, Granada's unique history remains unforgotten. Visitors, from around the world, come here to experience one of the most enduring imprints of the Islamic world in Europe. With Alcazaba Granada proving to be a gateway into a new, multicultural dimension! Read on to find out everything about the grand Alcazaba Granada and learn why this ancient citadel is a must-visit on your trip to Spain.
In a nutshell: Alcazaba Granada
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 60 minutes |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | 8:30am |
| 💜 Must See: | Early Morning |
| 💜 Must See: | Torre de la Vela |
| 🎟️ Alhambra skip-the-line: | €14 |
⌚Opening hours and address
April 1 to Oct 14
Day visit: Mon-Sun: 8:30am-8pm
Evening Visit: Tue-Sat: 10am-11:30pm
Oct 15 to March 31
Day visit: Mon-Sun: 8:30am-6pm
Evening Visit: Tue-Sat: 10pm-11:30pm
Address: 18009 Granada, Spain
Get Directions
Things to know
Number of visitors per year: 2.6 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site designation: 1984
Established: 13th century (after 1238)
Built by: Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar
Architectural style: Islamic
Why you must visit Alcazaba Granada
The oldest historical site in Granada, the Alcazaba fortress – a triangular-shaped construction at the west end of the sprawling Alhambra complex – is a fascinating monument. With its origins going as far back as the 9th century, the Alcazaba Granada’s multi-layered walls, ramparts and towers have witnessed the region’s action-packed epochs – from the rise of the Nasrid dynasty to the reconquest of Spain. Visitors make their way through the inner complexes and high points of what was once a vital strategic fortification to admire its complex construction, learn about its inner workings, and take in sweeping views of Granada and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Know before you purchase Alcazaba Granada tickets
- The Alhambra complex – where Alcazaba Granada sits – sees millions of visitors every year. We recommend you book your tickets well in advance and online to ensure you don’t miss out on the experience.
- Alhambra has plenty of attractions and tickets, often, offer a set number of experiences. Make sure your ticket gets you access to all the places within the complex that interest you.
- One person can only buy a maximum number of 10 tickets. If you are travelling in a large group, make sure you distribute ticket-buying duties or buy bulk tickets through an authorised agent.
- Given the high volume of visitors, arrive at the site well in advance so that you are not left waiting in long queues.
- Children younger than 12 can get in for free but you will still have to reserve a free ticket and present it at the entrance.
- Since Alcazaba Granada is a fortification marked with towers, a lot of steep steps and climbing await you in this part of the complex. Make sure you are up for it!
- Guided tours are highly recommended by visitors and the site’s officials since there is a lot to see and learn about in this vast complex.
Recommended tickets
Alcazaba Granada history
The height of al-Sabika, a hill that sits strategically by the Granada Valley and to the left of the Darro River, made it the ideal vantage point for rulers and conquers to set up base and keep a watch on their enemies. The first rudimentary, fortifications in the area began in the ninth century and two centuries later the first fortress came up under the Zirid dynasty.
Construction of the Alcazaba Granada, as we see it today, began when Muhamad I Ibn al-Ahmar established the Nasrid dynasty and made Granada the capital of a new emirate. Under his rule, the construction of a daunting citadel began with the old fortress as a base. A wall that ran across the borders of the hill, that would house the entire Alhambra complex, took shape and the first of its iconic towers (Torre del Homenaje) was erected. Since it preceded others, Alcazaba Granada remains the oldest, still-standing site in the Alhambra compound.
Consecutive rulers further strengthened the walls and added the remaining towers before Granada and its Alhambra complex were conquered by Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492. On January 2 of that year, the flag of Castille was unfurled and flown over the Torre de la Vela – a commemorative event that continues to this day.
Alcazaba Granada’s architecture
While visiting Alcazaba Granada it is important to see it from the lens of a military construction. Jutting out in a triangular formation on the western end of the hilltop Alhambra complex, the citadel looms over the Granada Valley and makes for an impressive sight.
On your visit here, weave your way through layers of red-tinged walls made of rammed earth. The inner fortress, built on the original 9th-century structure, is marked by hard-to-find entrances and bastions to ensure maximum protection from spies and enemies. A second wall acts as a rampart and encloses Alhambra behind it while a third wall not just protects the whole complex but extends to the road that connects to the city.
The fortress is marked by towers that served as watch and command posts in the past but now offer stunning views of the valley and the mountains beyond. There are also the excavated remnants of a military, residential complex complete with houses, storehouses, hammams (bath houses) and dungeons. Finally, you can tour the gardens that sprung up once Alcazaba Granada’s military value diminished, post 16th century.
Your Alcazaba Granada tour deconstructed
Torre de la Vela
An imposing, square tower at the citadel’s western side, the Torre de la Vela’s terrace showcases wide-ranging views of the city below. Torre de la Vela (watch tower) is also fitted with a ginormous bell strung up after Granada was conquered and reintegrated with the rest of Spain.
Torre del Homanje
The pinnacle of your Alcazaba experience, Torre del Homanje (tribute tower) is the highest point in this sprawling complex and occupies the northeastern corner. Once the point from where the Nasrid king’s mighty army kept watch on the city and communicated with nearby towers, tourists can now climb steeply to gawk at the city’s rooftops and architectural highlights and even gaze into the distance at the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Plaza de Armas
Centuries ago, this square at the entrance level of the fortress formed its base area where the military encampment lived. Today, you can tour the remains of the dwellings – marked by homes of soldiers and military commanders, cisterns, bathhouses, and even a deep dungeon.
Jardin de los Adarves
As the citadel’s military significance declined in the 16th century, outdated features like the moat were closed up and the southern rampart was converted into a lush garden. Filled with well-manicure hedges, tall trees and fountains springing from engraved stones – these gardens now serve as a serene viewpoint for visitors.
Best time to visit Alcazaba Granada
Start your tour of the Alhambra early in the morning so you have plenty of time to discover this unique attraction. Once you have arrived, we recommend you wrap up your visit to the Nasrid Palaces before heading to Alcazaba Granada.
Want to steer clear of the crowds? Then a weekday may be better than the weekend.
In terms of months, the months between June to September are ideal. The weather is cool and pleasantly sunny.
All you need to know before visiting Alacazaba Granada
Opening Hours
📅 From April 1 to October 14
- Day Visit: Monday through Sunday
- Hours: 8:30am to 8:00pm
- Ticket Office Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm
📅 From October 15 to March 31
- Day Visit: Monday through Sunday
- Hours: 8:30am to 6:00pm
- Ticket Office Hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm
The Alhambra complex remains closed on December 25th and January 1st.
Alcazaba Granada Entrance
Those with reserved tickets should enter from the Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia) – Alcazanba Granda, the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife are all nearby. If you are buying a ticket on-site, head to Entrance Pavilion to make your purchase and access the premises.
Alcazaba Granada Directions
🚶 By Walk:
If you want to get your legs used to all the walking and climbing at Alcazaba Granada and the Alhambra complex, stroll uphill to the site from Granada. The strenuous but view-packed walk is worth the effort.
There are two routes to get to the site.
Route 1: From Plaza Nueva, in Granada, walk up Cuesta de Gomérez and while you go along you can stop to take in the Gate of the Pomegranates (Puerta de las Granadas) built in the 16th century. Then comes a long, line-up of trees till you reach Alhambra’s Gate of Justice .
Route 2: A shorter but slightly less scenic walk is through Cuesta del Rey Chico – the is to the left or Darro river.
🚌 By Bus:
The following buses will take you to Alhambra from various points around Granda:
C30 (Alhambra – Centro)
C32 (Alhambra – Albaicín)
C35 (Cementerio - Barranco del Abogado – Centro). Get off at Paseo de la Sabica to access Alhambra.
🚕 By Taxi:
Reasonably-priced taxis ferry visitors from Granada to the Alhambra entrance.
🚗 By Car:
Alhambra cannot be accessed by any private transport through Granada’s city centre. For those of you driving, you will have to take N-323/ A-44 to reach Ronda Sur (A-395) and then follow the directions to Alhambra.
Alcazaba Granada map
Insider tips for Alcazaba Granada
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll rake up a lot of steps while touring the complex. The stairs at the towers are especially steep but well worth the climb given the spectacular views that await you at the top.
- The time slots for the Nasrid Palace are non-negotiable. So, make this the first stop on the tour and then head to Alcazaba Granada.
- The parking lot at the complex fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, get here early and ensure a smooth start to your tour.
- Baby strollers are not allowed at Alhambra. Those with toddlers can hire portable baby backpacks at the Gate of Wine cloakroom.
- There are food and drink vending machines at the entrance pavilion, the Gate of Wine, and the parking lot.
- Heavy bags and strollers can be checked in for free at the cloakrooms at Access Pavilion or the Gate of Wine.
- While Alcazaba Granada might not be accessible for wheelchair users, the attraction does offer modified tours of the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife.
- Audio guides in several languages can be booked for a small fee at the Entrance Pavilion and the Palace of Charles V. Sign language guides, available in English and Spanish, are free of cost.
- Photography using heavy equipment, including tripods and flash, is strictly forbidden on all day and night tours.
- Want to visit for free? Every year on November 16 – International World Heritage Day – you can get free entry to the entire complex.
Ready to visit Granada?
Here are the star attractions at Alhambra, where Alacazaba Granada is located, and beyond.
The larger historical complex where Alcazaba Granada sits, Alhambra shows off Europe’s tryst with Moorish culture. Spread over 35 acres, you’ll wander awestruck discovering 13th and 14th-century citadels, ornate palaces, and fountain-filled gardens. Alhambra, derived from the Arabic word meaning ‘Red Castle’, witnessed a reconquest by the Spanish Christians in the 15th century who then built Renaissance-style palaces and churches that give the complex its unique flavour.
At the heart of the Alhambra experience sit the enchanting Nasrid Palaces – covered in intricate stucco work that showcases the Islamic aesthetic. Be prepared to be stunned as you make your way through the palace’s marked sections. The Mexaur – erected to host the council of ministers in the 14th century – features patterned and colourful tiles across its walls and an elegantly carved wood ceiling. From there, you walk over to the Comares Palace which spotlights brilliant tile and woodwork and is surrounded by patios and pools that are a lesson in pleasing symmetry.
Located nearby Alhambra, Generalife is a breezy summer palace, from the Nasrid period, surrounded by terraced gardens. Harking back to the 13th century, the palace’s charm lies in its sloping tiled roofs, arched windows, and greenery-packed courtyards and walkways. Since it sits pretty on a hill, the outward views on offer are equally enthralling.
A grand, 16th-century cathedral built on the site of a mosque, Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Incarnation or the Granada Cathedral, as it is commonly known, is one of the city’s most well-known sites. The rather understated exterior leads to a vast interior marked by five naves studded with massive, decorated pillars and a blue main dome sprinkled with stars. Take a moment or two to admire the tiered-gilded work showcasing paintings and glasswork. At the main chapel, the busts of Adam and Eve crafted by Alonso Cano are a must-see.
No trip to Granada can be complete without immersing yourself in a flamenco show. Having originated in Andalusia, which Granada is a part of, flamenco is one of the region’s greatest cultural highlights. Staged at the Palacio de los Olvidados – a centuries-old monument steeped in Moorish culture- you can spend an evening swept away by the rhythms of the guitar that accompany the passion-filled dance.
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