Alhambra Walking Tour (Self Guided), Granada

One of the first places a tourist wants to visit in Granada is Alhambra, the region’s most iconic sight. By far not a typically Spanish attraction, this enormous fortress encompasses palaces, gardens, courtyards, and is the greatest surviving relic of Andalusia’s 800 years of Moorish rule. The sprawling complex sits forbiddingly atop the Darro valley, against a dramatic backdrop of the striking peaks of Sierra Nevada, and is visited daily by more than 6,000 people.

Originally a small fortress, it was built in 889 AD on the remains of ancient Roman fortifications, and was later extensively rebuilt, in the mid-1200s, by the then Moorish Emir of Granada, Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar. The name Alhambra derives from the Arabic al-Ḥamrāʼ, which means "the red one" and refers to the red clay of which it is made.

After the Christian Reconquista in 1492, the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella, with minor renovations done to bring about Renaissance style. Today, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibiting Spain's most significant and well-known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions.

Gate of Justice is the original entrance to the complex, built in 1348. Often described as the highlight of the Alhambra, the Nasrid palaces comprise many objects, including the Mexuar Palace – renowned for its internal decorations, the Comares Palace – the former official residence of the Sultan, and more.

Among other notable sights here are The Palace of Charles V – an illustrative example of the later part of Renaissance architecture, the Alcazaba Fortress – raised as a symbol of the Spanish conquest in 1492, and the beautiful Generalife Gardens – offering a stunning view of the old Arabic neighborhood of Albaicín, to mention but a few.

For a more detailed acquaintance with the gorgeous Alhambra, take this self-guided walking tour and enjoy yourself!