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The Alhambra in Granada - Top Seven Things You Need To Know


"The Alhambra in Granada! Wonderful times!"
The Alhambra in Granada is the main reason many people come to Granada.

After all, it is the most visited monument in the whole of Spain. And even though I have been there more than a dozen times now, I still find something new on each visit!

It is no wonder that many people still think it should be listed as being one of the Wonders of the World.

The Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolas
The Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolas


It was less than 150 years ago that the Alhambra was declared a national monument. And it was then that restoration work began to bring it back to its former glory. But you wouldn't think that as you walk around its many porticos, gardens, streets, and, of course the Nasrid Palace and the King Charles the Fifth palace.

It just seems as if everything has been there - unchanged - since time began.

The Alhambra in Granada is situated on the top of the rocky Sabika hill with the River Darro running by. It overlooks the city of Granada and affords beautiful views over the city itself and the fertile vegas beyond.

From below, it looks like a castle, its walls showing a distinctive reddish hue that can be seen from miles away.

But once you get to go inside you really start to get a feel for its history.

And this "feeling of everlastingness" has been recognised. In November 2010, Queen Sofia of Spain presented the Europa Nostra Award to the Patron of the Alhambra.

This award is one of the most important in Heritage Conservation. It recognises the efforts made by the Alhambra in dealing with the challenges of tourism while, at the same time, caring for the fragility of the Alhambra itself.

To help you get the most out of your visit, here are the top seven things to bear in mind to make sure you have a wonderful experience.

Alcazaba at the Alhambra in Granadaalhambra across water
The impressive Alhambra in Granada


One. Prepare to be Impressed

The Alhambra has often been called the "most beautiful structure on earth". It was originally a town in its own right, so large that it would have taken you an hour just to walk around its perimeter. In fact, it is said that the Alhambra was so beautiful in its heyday that when its inhabitants died they even refused to go to heaven! Hence the reason for the ghosts that are said to wander its buildings and gardens.

Now, there is so much to see there that you could easily spend a whole day walking and looking - and you still wouldn't have seen all there was to see... but you can read more about it now by clicking on all about the Alhambra in Granada

Two. Get Your Tickets In Advance

More than 3.3 million people visited the Alhambra in 2010. As entries are limited on a day to day basis, it is recommended they are purchased in advance.

You can easily get tickets on the internet, by telephone, through various outlets in Granada itself or through the Caja Granada banks.

Normally, people arrange their visit for the day-time. But you can also visit the Alhambra at night as well. This is an enchanting time to enjoy the views by the light of the moon. You can purchase night-time tickets separately or in conjucntion with your normal ticket.

For everything you might want to know about buying tickets go to how to buy tickets for the Alhambra.

Three. Take Your Camera

Just as the Alhambra is the most visited monument in Spain, I am sure it is also the most photographed place in Spain as well.

No matter whether you want to capture some great photographs, or simply take some snaps to remind yourself of your visit.. you'll get plenty of opportunities here.

I have two cameras. A small pocket sized BenQ and a Canon digital SLR. And I enjoy taking photos. If you are interested, here is the link to a selection of the Alhambra photos I am relieved to be able to show.

Alhambra flamenco posterflamenco dancers at the Alhambra
Flamenco and beauty at the Alhambra in Granada


Four. See the authentic Flamenco Ballet shows

Every July and August something really special happens at the Alhambra. The Generalife's open air theatre comes alive each evening for a performance of Flamenco Ballet. These shows are really spectacular and the memories could well stay with you forever.

For full details of an experience to be savoured, click on Alhambra flamenco.

Five. Find Out the Full Story of The Alhambra

If you are going to see the Alhambra and the Generalife (or even if you are just thinking about it) then do yourself a favour and find something out about it before you go.

Granted, there are some people who enjoy wandering around ancient monuments, castles and palaces and just seeing what they see. But if you can find out a little bit about the history beforehand then everything you do see can "come alive" right before your very eyes".

One of the best sources of information I have found is the The Alhambra (Wonders of the World). And, as a big "plus", even though it is big on information, the copy I bought was small enough to take along with me so I can refer to it as I walk around.

As S. L. McInerney says:- "As I explored The Alhambra, every chapter, paragraph and sentence of this book came back to me, filling me with a sense of awe and understanding. Bare walls with chipped tiles became vibrantly coloured facades, covered with rich wall hangings. Cold, worn floors became luscious seating areas, with bold luxurious cushions strewn about. I was seeing the Alhambra as Robert Irwin wished for readers of his book."



Six. See the famous Lions From The Patio

The Patio of Lions is probably the best known area of the Alhambra. This is probably because of the iconic photo which shows the 12 lions supporting the dodecagon-shaped basin (12 sided) on top of their shoulders in the Patio de los Leones.

The lions have recently been restored and it's true to say that the restoration team developed a fondness for these lions during their two years of scraping and cleaning. They even gave them names such as Félix, Melanie, Olivia, Rey Gudú and Calimero.

But there is much more to know about these adorable animals. To find out more click on lions at the Alhambra.

alhambra lions
The famous lions at the Alhambra in Granada

Seven. Enjoy the Free Exhibitions

There are many regular exhibitions organised within the Alhambra. And it is a matter of principle by the Patronage that these exhibitions should be available without any charge for all citizens of the world.

Entry to the King Charles the Fifth Palace is included in the free charter, and so no matter whether you do or you do not buy tickets, you can always get into this part of the complex during opening hours.



If you only intend to visit the Alhambra in Granada once during your time here, it makes sense to make the most of your visit. Follow these seven top things you need to know and you will surely enjoy the occasion to its ultimate...

As for myself, I can feel another "Alhambra time" coming on! Perhaps I will see you during your visit..



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We have tried to bring you the best information about the Alhambra in Granada. It is one of the most popular places to visit for most people within travelling distance of my favourite city. Whether you go there for an hour, or for a whole day, it doesn't matter. The thing to do is simply to get there and enjoy!
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