Visiting ‘The Alhambra’ is more than just touring the Nazari Palace…
Perched on a steep hill overlooking the charming Andalusian city of Granada, in Spain, is the historic Moorish and Medieval architectural treasure, The Alhambra. It’s more of a property with beautiful grounds and historic buildings than just a single site. The Alhambra fortress houses palaces, churches, gardens, trails and more. It deserves more than just a quick stop to visit the Nazari Palace (which is the main attraction).
Though Granada is a destination in itself, The Alhambra is the #1 tourist attraction in the city. It pulls people from all over Spain and the world, luring them in with it’s uniquely preserved Moorish architecture and history.
What makes Granada and the Alhambra so unique?
Granada, having been originally invaded by the Muslims in the 8th century, was the last Muslim city in Spain to fall to the Christians in 1492. Later, when the area was used as a fortress, it was almost destroyed, but has since been lovingly and authentically restored.
The Alhambra houses palaces that once were inhabited by Sultans, and then later worshiped in by Christians.
The layering of one culture and religion over the other, as cities and civilizations rose and fell, is intriguing to me as someone left with only ruins and history books to divulge to me the secrets of the past.
I get lost in my own mind when I start to try to imagine how the people were and what life was like, that long ago.
Booking tickets in advance to visit the Nazari Palace
My much anticipated visit to this spectacular historic site, almost didn’t happen.
Before I left for Granada, I spoke to a lot of Spaniards who all told me I MUST VISIT The Alhambra. I was also warned I should purchase a ticket ahead of time.
Unfortunately when I went online to book my ticket, there were none available so I left for Granada with no Alhambra reservation. I figured there must be a way to get a ticket once I was physically present there.
After some research (and some days in Granada) I was informed that I could go to the Alhambra visitor’s center on one of the main streets and purchase tickets there in person. So I made my way down to the office early one morning and stood in line. I got a ticket! However the only time slot available was late afternoon on my absolute last day in Granada (3 days later). So if I’d had less time in Granada, I would not have been able to visit the Nazari Palace. Good thing I am a slow traveler!
You don’t need a reservation to visit the grounds of the Alhambra-only to visit the palaces!
The fact that I was told I needed to make a reservation, gave me the impression that I needed to wait until the day of my reservation to go and visit the entire Alhambra property. I was wrong!
I had no idea what the grounds of The Alhambra held. I kicked myself when I finally got there (about two hours earlier than my appointment) and realized that I could have been visiting it every day, FOR FREE. Only certain sites, such as the Nazari Palace, require reservations. The grounds are extensive, and the uphill climb from the center of Granada, up into the trees and trails that serve as the entrance-way are perfect for a morning hike or run.
I would have loved to spend a few days exploring the paths, gardens, buildings, and fountains that sprawl across the miles of land that encompass The Alhambra. As it was, I only had one day and an evening, and I utilized it to the best of my ability. Before visiting the spectacular Nazari Palace I explored as much as possible.
My time visiting Granada and the Alhambra was magical. The city itself was quaint yet full of life. Old fashioned in all the right ways (cobblestones and black iron street-lamps…..beautiful old buildings and ornate churches….) and full of bars serving substantial free tapas with every drink. I found great food at affordable prices in the restaurants, reasonably priced accommodation (paid $35/night for a budget pension style hotel which included breakfast and was very conveniently located) and plenty to keep me busy. It was a wonderful respite from the noise and pollution of the big city (Madrid) where I had been staying for the few previous weeks.
I wrote a few useful tips about visiting The Alhambra for those of you who’ve never visited before and might be going soon, here: 5 Helpful Tips For Planning Your Visit to the Alhambra
I highly recommend making both Granada and The Alhambra a priority to see if you’re in Spain. It was my favorite stop thus far during my first three months in Spain.
