[2025 Granada Attraction] Travel Guide for Palacio de los Leones (Updated May)

Alhambra | Granada, Spain The "Red Palace" in Andalusia in southern Spain is the pinnacle of Islamic architectural art and the only well-preserved medieval Islamic palace complex in Europe. The entire complex is like a poem, a painting, and a dream - full of the sound of water, light, shadow, and geometric beauty. ⸻ Historical background • Built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Nasrid dynasty, it was the royal palace of the last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula. • After the Catholic Monarchs reconquered Granada in 1492, the Alhambra was taken over by the Christian royal family and Renaissance buildings were added. • “Alhambra” comes from the Arabic word “al-ḥamrāʼ”, meaning “red”, referring to the reddish-brown stone of the palace’s exterior walls that interweave with the setting sun. ⸻ Building highlights 1. Nasrid Palaces • The soul of the palace, a dreamlike interweaving of exquisitely carved Arabic calligraphy, mosaic tiles and translucent plaster window panes. • **The Hall of the Messengers and the Hall of the Two Sisters** are both built with honeycomb domes (Muqarnas), which make people stare in trance. • "Patio de los Leones": 12 lions surround the fountain, which is a rare animal sculpture in the Muslim world and represents royal power and wisdom. 2. Summer Palace and Gardens (Generalife) • Located on a hill, the summer palace of King Nasr is a real "paradise" with numerous canals and gardens. • Pools, arches, and flowers and trees are intertwined, creating places for meditation and tranquility everywhere. 3. Alcazaba • The oldest military defense area, climbing the tower offers a magnificent view of the entire city of Granada and the snow-capped mountains in the background. 4. Palace of Charles V • 16th century Renaissance architecture, in sharp contrast to Islamic styles. Surrounded by a circular atrium and colonnades, it is now a museum of fine arts and archaeology. ⸻ Cultural significance and literary legend • Washington Irving published Tales of the Alhambra in 1832, which made this place famous and became one of the spiritual symbols of European romanticism. • Santiago Calatrava, George Clooney, Hayao Miyazaki and others have mentioned the Alhambra as a source of inspiration. ⸻ Visiting suggestions • Tickets must be booked online in advance, and the number of visitors per day is limited. During the Nasr Palace period, you must enter on time. • It is recommended to set aside at least 4 hours (or half a day) to visit the entire area. • **Best time:** Early morning or dusk when the light is best and there are fewer tourists. • Bringing headphones for your tour or booking a live tour can improve your understanding. ⸻ Useful Information 📍Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain 🗓️Itinerary: 2-3 hours, you can take a bus or walk up the mountain (about 20 minutes) 💰 Average cost per person: About €19 (including Nasser Palace), Generalife and Garden area can also be visited separately (low price) 💞Recommendation reason: It is hot in summer, please prepare water and sunscreen; there are also special lighting viewing hours at night

Speaking of tourist spots in Granada, Andalusia, the Alhambra Palace is the place to be. I went to the Nasrid Palaces at night! This is the most beautiful and historically important part of the Alhambra Palace. A masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Among them, the courtyard called the "Palace of Lions" with 12 lion statues surrounding a fountain was very impressive. The view (night view) from this palace was also extremely beautiful. This time, I purchased a ticket for the night session of the Nasrid Palaces only, and a ticket to enter the Alhambra Palace during the day the following day. The palace at night is very beautiful, and I highly recommend this ticket. 📍Location: Inside the Alhambra Palace. #IntroducingOverseasBreathtakingViews #NasridPalaces #Granada

Speaking of the Alhambra, the beauty of the Nasrid Palaces at its center stands out. With its delicate arabesque patterns, elegant corridors, and fantastic scenery reflected on the water, it is truly a place worthy of being called a "masterpiece of Islamic architecture." What are the Nasrid Palaces? The Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaríes) were built by the kings of the Nasrid dynasty from the 13th to 14th centuries. This palace, which was both a royal residence and the center of politics, is filled with the essence of Islamic architecture. The exterior is modest, but once you step inside, you will find an amazingly gorgeous world. Decoration that looks like lace The plasterwork that decorates the walls and ceilings of the palace is as intricate as lace, and is so beautiful that it will take your breath away no matter where you look. In particular, the walls carved with arabesque patterns and the calligraphy-decorated decorations show the outstanding skill of the craftsmen of the time. In addition, the finely carved geometric patterns change their appearance depending on the amount of light, giving a different impression depending on the time of day. During the daytime, clear shadows were created, and in the evening, soft light enveloped the space. Main attractions The Nasrid Palace has several iconic areas, each with its own unique beauty. Patio de los Arrayanes A large courtyard located in the center of the palace, it features a rectangular pond. The surrounding corridors and columns are reflected on the water, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. Patio de los Leones One of the most famous places in the Nasrid Palace, it is symbolized by the fountain supported by 12 lion statues in the center. Surrounded by a corridor lined with slender columns, it has a perfect balance of beauty from any angle. Sala de las Dos Hermanas The ceiling is decorated with beehive-like stalactite decorations (muqarnas), which are eye-catching. When the light shines in, the patterns emerge and shine like jewels. Tips for visiting Advance reservations are essential Admission to the Nasrid Palaces is time-specific, making reservations a must, even among the Alhambra tickets. Popular times fill up quickly, so it's recommended to make arrangements early. Best time to visit is in the morning or evening There are a lot of tourists during the day, so it tends to be crowded, but early in the morning or in the evening, there are relatively few people, so you can take your time to explore. The lighting was particularly beautiful in the evening, and the shadows of the decorations stood out. The Nasrid Palaces are a space that brings together the best of Islamic architecture, and their beauty is beyond words. Every time you visit, you discover something new, and it's a place you'll want to see again and again. #Granada #AlhambraPalace #NasridPalace #IslamicArchitecture #WorldHeritage #SpainTrip #AmazingView #Spring0YenTrip

The Lion Courtyard (Patio de los Leones) in the Alhambra Palace is the most iconic courtyard and a pinnacle of Moorish architectural art. The central white marble fountain, surrounded by twelve exquisitely carved lions, symbolizes strength and protection, while the water channels around the fountain represent the 'Four Gardens of Paradise' in Islamic architecture. Looking around, the intricate carvings on the colonnades, the delicate Arabic arches, and the play of sunlight on the marble floor immerse you in the palace's luxury and tranquility. Every carving and every tile bears witness to the passage of time, as if you can still hear the whispers and music of the palace's past. Standing here, it feels like traveling back to the glorious days of the Moorish dynasty, experiencing the exotic charm of Andalusia.

Andalusian Tour: Granada The Courtyard of the Lions at the Alhambra in Granada is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that captivates all visitors. The central fountain is surrounded by twelve marble lions, and the elegant arches of the gallery reflect a perfect blend of art and engineering. The layout of the courtyard and the intricate decorative details, such as the muqarnas and delicate stucco, create an atmosphere of tranquility and majesty. This iconic corner is not only striking for its beauty but also for its ability to transport visitors to the golden age of the Nasrid dynasty.