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There is no reference of the Alhambra as residence of kings until the XIII Century, although the fortification comes from the IX Century. The Ziries monarchs were probably who built the Alhambra. The history of the Alhambra starts in 1238 when Mohammed I conquered a fortress placed where nowadays is located the Alcazaba, so the Nasrid dynasty was created and in this way the Kingdom of Granada was constituted. This king chose this place to build a city as his and their successors´ residence.
The founder of the dynasty, Mohammed Al-Ahmar, started with the redesign of the old stronghold. His work was completed by his son Mohammed II, whose immediate successors continued with the repairs. The construction of the palaces (called Casa Real Vieja) comes from the XIV Century, and it is a work of two great kings: Yusuf I and Mohammed V. Yusuf I built the Comares Room (Cuarto de Comares) and the Justice Gate (Puerta de la Justicia), the Baths and some towers. His son, Mohammed V, completed the palaces building the Hall of the Lions (Sala de los Leones), as well as other rooms and fortifications.
The Alcazaba became the main political and aristocratic focus of the Arab west. Al-Ahmar, firstly installed in the Alcazaba, started to build a palace on the ruins of Sabika and built an irrigation ditch to bring water from the River Darro. The most refined and impressive enlargement was carried out by Yusuf I and Mohammad V, between 1333 and 1391. In the XV Century, when the Christian troops were in advance, the fight against two opposite sides started. The last sultan who governed in Granada was Abu Ibn Allah Mohammad, better known as Boabdil. The 2nd January 1492, after the signing of the capitulations, he handed the keys of the City of Granada to Fernando the Catholic.
The Alhambra became a Christian Court in 1452 when the Catholic Monarchs conquered Granada. Later, several structures were built to house prominent citizens, barracks, a church and a Franciscan Monastery.
The Emperor Carlos V, who stayed several months in Granada, started the construction of the palace of his own name and made some reforms inside the buildings. These measures caused a meaningful controversy due to political reasons. The following Monarchs, from the Austria dynasty, did not forget this monument and each of them left his sign, although in a more discreet way.
During the XVIII Century and part of the XIX Century, this monument was forgotten and its halls and rooms were used as bars and stables where bad habits people lived. If worst comes to worst, the Napoleonic troops occupied Granada from 1808 to 1812, and turned the palaces into barracks. During a withdrawal, the towers were mined and some of them were destroyed. Two of them, the Tower of the Seven Floors (Torre de los Siete Suelos) and the Water Tower became ruins. In this way, this carelessness continued until 1870 when the Alhambra was declared national monument. Artists and tourists from all over the world fought for the defence of this monument. From then until our days, the Alhambra has been restored, protected and even improved in many aspects for people admiration and enjoying.
Are you in Malaga and desire to visit the Alhambra? Do it comfortably by booking this excursion.
You will visit all corners of the Nasrid Monument accompanied by an official guide, including the Nasrid Palaces.
Do not worry about the tickets or the transport, since all is included in the price of this service.
Why miss this opportunity?
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* Prices for adults. Different fares apply for minors, European Youth Card holders, EU citizens over 65, large families members and people with a disability of 33% or more.
If you see any mistakes or want to add anything to this information, please contact us.
Are you in Malaga and desire to visit the Alhambra? Do it comfortably by booking this excursion.
You will visit all corners of the Nasrid Monument accompanied by an official guide, including the Nasrid Palaces.
Do not worry about the tickets or the transport, since all is included in the price of this service.
Why miss this opportunity?
Would you like to know truly Granada?
In this walking tour: Albayzin and Sacromonte we will take a walk through the Granada's Historical districts. We will discover the Granada's history and the artistic details of its buildings.
Don't join us?
6 reviews
A perfect free tour to understand how changed Granada at the end of 15th Century after Catholic Kings conquest is walking through the historical neighbourhoods. A tour guide will carry to you to stroll the labyrinth and stoned streets of the Albaicin and the picturesque gypsy Sacromonte. Both neighbourhoods are declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
You'll fall in love of Granada and its leyends from the best Alhambra viewpoints.
7 reviews
Tired of traveling with your luggage? Don't worry, here you can book your storage service in the heart of Granada. You'll leave your backpack or suitcase in a safe place, with expert staff who will help you make the most of the city.
All you have to do is leave your luggage and continue your route through Granada freely.
4 reviews
The Alhambra in Granada is one of the monuments you must visit at least once in your life. This is an architectural jewel bequeathed to us by the Nasrids on the hill of the Sabika or "Cerro del Sol", declared a World Heritage Site.
Don't miss the chance to visit it in the company of a tour guide, who will take you on a pleasant stroll through its visitable areas: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and its gardens, as well as the Baths of the Mosque and the Palace of Charles V.
While you enjoy each of its corners, the tour guide will explain its history, magic and symbolism. The entrance fee is included in the price of the tour.
5 reviews
In the incomparable setting of the Palacio de los Olvidados, in the heart of the Albaicín, a unique show awaits you every night.
Flamenco en Palacio offers you the opportunity to experience live the magic and enchantment of a show full of passion and talent. Make your reservation and experience a very special flamenco night, next to the Paseo de los Tristes in Granada.
6 reviews
The Alhambra in Granada is certainly a monument to visit with a tour guide. And, in this way you will know more directly why its architecture is so admirable, as well as you will understand the magic and symbolism of each of its enclosures and corners.
You will have your entrance fee to each of its visitable spaces: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Palace of Carlos V and the Baths of the Mosque.
In addition, you will go in a reduced group, being a more intimate visit.
Discover a different way of seeing the Alhambra.
A guided tour of the environment that surrounds it. We will go on a nocturnal route around every corner, to discover the stories and legends that are kept there.
An unforgettable night walk!
In the incomparable setting of the Palacio de los Olvidados, in the heart of the Albaicín, a unique show awaits you every night.
Flamenco en Palacio offers you the opportunity to experience live the magic and enchantment of a show full of passion and talent. Make your reservation and experience a very special flamenco night, next to the Paseo de los Tristes in Granada.
Would you like to know truly Granada?
In this walking tour: Albayzin and Sacromonte we will take a walk through the Granada's Historical districts. We will discover the Granada's history and the artistic details of its buildings.
Don't join us?
6 reviews
A perfect free tour to understand how changed Granada at the end of 15th Century after Catholic Kings conquest is walking through the historical neighbourhoods. A tour guide will carry to you to stroll the labyrinth and stoned streets of the Albaicin and the picturesque gypsy Sacromonte. Both neighbourhoods are declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
You'll fall in love of Granada and its leyends from the best Alhambra viewpoints.
7 reviews
Tired of traveling with your luggage? Don't worry, here you can book your storage service in the heart of Granada. You'll leave your backpack or suitcase in a safe place, with expert staff who will help you make the most of the city.
All you have to do is leave your luggage and continue your route through Granada freely.
4 reviews
The Alhambra in Granada is one of the monuments you must visit at least once in your life. This is an architectural jewel bequeathed to us by the Nasrids on the hill of the Sabika or "Cerro del Sol", declared a World Heritage Site.
Don't miss the chance to visit it in the company of a tour guide, who will take you on a pleasant stroll through its visitable areas: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife and its gardens, as well as the Baths of the Mosque and the Palace of Charles V.
While you enjoy each of its corners, the tour guide will explain its history, magic and symbolism. The entrance fee is included in the price of the tour.
5 reviews
In the incomparable setting of the Palacio de los Olvidados, in the heart of the Albaicín, a unique show awaits you every night.
Flamenco en Palacio offers you the opportunity to experience live the magic and enchantment of a show full of passion and talent. Make your reservation and experience a very special flamenco night, next to the Paseo de los Tristes in Granada.
6 reviews
The Alhambra in Granada is certainly a monument to visit with a tour guide. And, in this way you will know more directly why its architecture is so admirable, as well as you will understand the magic and symbolism of each of its enclosures and corners.
You will have your entrance fee to each of its visitable spaces: the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Palace of Carlos V and the Baths of the Mosque.
In addition, you will go in a reduced group, being a more intimate visit.
Discover a different way of seeing the Alhambra.
A guided tour of the environment that surrounds it. We will go on a nocturnal route around every corner, to discover the stories and legends that are kept there.
An unforgettable night walk!
In the incomparable setting of the Palacio de los Olvidados, in the heart of the Albaicín, a unique show awaits you every night.
Flamenco en Palacio offers you the opportunity to experience live the magic and enchantment of a show full of passion and talent. Make your reservation and experience a very special flamenco night, next to the Paseo de los Tristes in Granada.
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