Nasrid Palaces in Granada, History and Tour
Nasrid Palaces in Granada was our last halt for the day on our third day of Spain and Portugal Vacation. It was after a nail biting wait at the queue for tickets to Alhambra that we got this last slot for the day. How to plan the visit to Nasrid Palaces? What to see in Nasrid Palaces Granada? Read on to know more about my visit to the fairy tale like Palacios Nazaries in Alhambra.
Nasrid Palaces History
The first historical documents about the Alhambra date back to 9th century. In the year 889, Sawwar ben Hamdun had to seek refuge in the Alcazaba, a fortress. The castle of the Alhambra was added to the city’s area within the ramparts in the 9th century. It became a military fortress with a view over the whole city.
The first king of the Nasrid dynasty, Mohammed ben Al-Hamar (Mohammed I, 1238-1273) arrived in the 13th century. The royal residence Nasrid Palaces, a group of palaces and buildings, was established then in the Alhambra. They were constructed during the reign of the Nasrid dynasty (1238-1492), making them some of the oldest Moorish buildings in Spain.
Nasrid palaces Interior – Palacios Nazaries in Alhambra
This event marked the beginning of the Alhambra’s most glorious period. Yusuf I (1333-1353) and Mohammed V (1353-1391) are responsible for most of the constructions of the Alhambra that we admire today.
The last Nasrid ruler Muhammad XII of the Emirate of Granada was exiled to Fez (Morocco) in 1492. After that the remaining Muslim population was given the status of mudéjar. The Catholic Monarchs settled in these Nasrid palaces, making some modifications. Emperor Charles V built his own palace in the place of the Mosque.
The complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
What to See in Nasrid Palaces
The crumbling exteriors of Palacios Nazaries in Alhambra made me wonder, what is it that will be inside for which we struggled so hard from morning to see? Is Nasrid Place worth it, the time, effort and money? 5 to 10 minutes into the tour of Nasrid Palace I understood why this is the topmost must see place in Granada.
I was reminded of the majestic exteriors of Jodhpur palace which had really grand interior. The exterior of Nasrid Palace didn’t look half as big, only when I began touring inside I could sense the vastness of the area. The layout of several small palaces inside is random and it will be good to study it well once before you start the tour.
The skeletal exteriors of wood and bricks, covered with tiles at some places may seem drab but they definitely define Islamic architectural style.
Nasrid Palaces Night visit
Nasrid palaces mosaic pattern I surely need a a similar Nasrid Palace mosaic wall paper
Verses from Quran on Walls of Nasrid Palace
The unique feature of the first room Mexaur that we toured was its low ceiling. Tall tourists definitely need to mind their heads; I managed to be within safe limits. This is where the kings of Granada received their subjects. The audio guide was very helpful to understand the sights with in Nasrid Palaces.
Initially the patterns on the wall looked like designs to me, but on close observation realized they were verses from Quran. They are written in fine calligraphy styles. Much of what is known about Alhambra is from these writings.
Nasrid Palaces Granada
Quran script
From Mexaur we moved on to ‘Court of the Golden Room’. Then ‘Court of Myrtles’ to the Hall of Ambassadors or Throne Room. And then proceeded to Courtyard of Lions, Hall of Kings, Hall of Two Sisters… more.
We were totally mesmerized and intoxicated by the beauty of the interiors. The best part is once you are inside you have no time restriction. You can move at your pace, halting several times on the way to take pictures. The tour takes around 30 minutes but may be a little loner if you wish to linger on at some of the spots.
Beautiful Ceiling
The Nasrid Palaces consist of three main palaces. They are: Palacio del Mexuar, Palacio Comares (Comores Palace), and Palacio de los Leones.
Gardens
The rooms have art work from roof to floor level. The art works include stucco (like stalactites), ceramic tiles in various colors and designs, walls plastered with designs, filigree windows. If anything was missing it was the furnishings.
At its height of usage these rooms must have been laid with Persian carpets, with plenty of cushions, the kings reclining on them puffing on hookahs, heavy curtains on windows and stylish ivory studded furniture.
Arched windows
Arched doors
These places were once upon a time colored with beautiful colors:
- Red for blood
- Blue for heaven
- Green for oasis
- Gold for wealth!
Hard to imagine the splendor the place had with all these colors.
Star shaped ceiling pattern – Nasrid Palaces Granada
Ceiling details – Nasrid Palaces Granada
Courtyard of Lions at Nasrid Palaces
Nasrid Palace at night has a charm of its own. Courtyard of Lions, named so obviously after those 12 lions standing around the fountain. Curious conquerors dissembled it to see how it works, but failed to get it working after reassembling it. It got functional in as recently as 2012. Notice the ‘8’o’clock in the evening’ sunlight in the picture?
Circle of Lions – Nasrid Palaces
Conclusion
This palatial complex represents the top of Islamic art and culture in Spain. Seeing it during the twilight hours of the day had a special charm. This was one of the satisfying day I thought as I left Nasrid Palaces Granada, not knowing what lay ahead and the miraculous end to the road trip from Granada to Seville.
FAQ
How much time for Nasrid Palaces?
The tour time is 1.5 hours approx. Take photographs as you tour because returning back to entrance of Nasrid Palaces will be a loss of time.
What is the best time to visit Nasrid Palaces?
Ideally the first slot, 8.30 AM, would be the best time to visit when Nasrid palaces shine in full glory reflecting the sun’s rays.
What is the best way to book tickets to Nasrid Palaces?
Always buy Alhambra tickets in advance. Buy them online.
What to wear in Nasrid Palaces?
There is no specific dress code for the Alhambra yet. It’s fine to wear clothes that don’t cover your shoulders or knees.
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It's an awesome place! Wonderful photos, Indrani.
Absolutely fabulous and the palace seems to be decorated throughout and work of art! The detail over the ceiling was terrific and the date back to history also put everything into wonder.
Excellent photography!
Wonderful palace. You have captured it well.
Oh! It'a virtual tour of gorgeous Nasrid Palace. The architecture and the art work is beyond imagination.
Perfectly captured pictures showing the beauty of the Palace. Its sad that we missed out on Granada during our Spain trip
Oh my! The amount of work that has gone into this. The details are so intricate.
Absolutely stunning. You've been putting pics from Granada for some time now. really feel like visiting the place.
enjoyed ur post !
Keep traveling , keep sharing.
Nice captures and a good read Indrani!!!
What a beautiful place – that architecture and stonework is amazing.
Awesome captures, and lovely description, Indrani. 🙂
Great tour of the Palace.
Wow – what a stunning place! Your shots are just gorgeous.
Such beautiful photos of Nasrid Palace, Indrani.
I especially enjoyed the ceiling views and the pond.
Have a Great Day!
Peace 🙂
The palace is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Awesome clicks Indrani.
It looks like it was in India, not Spain. Beautiful images Indrani.
As always you've provided such a wonderful mix of close-up and landscape photos that I feel like I've been right at your side on this tour. Enjoyed it as always!
Beautiful photographs..good to know about this place..
Great Architectural Views Indrani.. A Nice presentation!
Amazing details in the architecture! So many ceramic tiles!!
Hi Indrani – lovely to stop by and catch up, I'm sorry it's been so long, I've been away on my hols! Lovely visit with you today to Nasrid Palace, the intricacies of the artwork is astounding.
Have a great week.
Wren x
I agree with Purba. Fabulous shots. 🙂
Very interesting post and such a beautiful palace !!
Great architecture great style never surpassed again.
Lovely pictures. Another one on my list now that I have read through. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful photos and post
This place looks grand and majestic.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful images of these historical monuments.
Very nice..
Had a wonderful virtual tour.
Grandeur Architecture.Great shots.Thanks for sharing.
What an exquisite palace.
Fantastic clicks Indrani. Thanks for sharing.. 🙂
Amazing place… super article & pictures!
Very beautiful, a must visit. I liked the way you have captured. In one of the photos the prints on the dress worn by the lady matches the pattern on the wall 🙂
Liked the lion fountain.
Lucky you Indrani.. You get to travel & visit so many places.. Good thing is you keeping on sharing information & images so that we also get chance to know & see those places with the help of your posts 🙂
The palace is gorgeous from inside…
Beautiful place, beautiful pics, beautiful article. Thank you for sharing.
Marvelous!
It's amazing how similar architectural details it is with the ones I have seen in India. Amazing.
Hello Indrani, beautiful images of the Palace. It is a wonderful tour, seeing all the room and the beautiful details. It is amazing thinking how old the Palace is and it's history. Beautiful images, thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy week ahead!
Ah, you do visit some incredible places, Indrani!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!! Terrific captures as always!! Hope you have a great new week!!