The Alhambra was once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada, now it is one of Spain's major tourist attractions. Here you can see the country's most famous Islamic architecture, together with Christian 16th century and later interventions.
The Alhambra is extremely popular with tourists and tickets to visit can be tricky to organise.
There are three types of tickets: Daytime visit, Garden visit and Evening or Night time visit.
Most international visitors will be interested in the Daytime visit which includes the areas of the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Mosque baths and Gardens. You either book a morning or afternoon visit. Morning (Monday to Sunday) is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. while Afternoon is from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (from November to February) and 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 (from March to October.) The Daytime visit costs 12.00 €.
If you are in Granada the ticket office is located inside the Entrance Pavilion of the Monument but note that tickets purchased at the ticket office are only valid for the day of purchase. It is possible to buy tickets in advance between a year and a day before the visit. They can be booked by telephone (in Spain: 902 88 80 01/ abroad: (34) 93 4923750). In this case the payment will be made by credit card. Tickets can also be purchased at www.alhambra-tickets.es.
The Alhambra resembles many medieval Christian strongholds in its threefold arrangement as a castle, a palace and a residential annex for subordinates. In this entry I am just discussing the Royal Palace. It is important to understand that access to the Nasrid Palaces is different from the rest of the monument, because it is strictly limited to the half- hour indicated on the ticket due to the restrictions on maximum capacity in this area (300 people). If you do not visit the Palaces within the half- hour indicated, you will lose the right to visit.
The Royal Complex consists of three main parts: Mexuar, Serallo, and the Harem. You need to see all sections. The Mexuar is more modest in decor and houses the functional areas for conducting business and administration. The ceilings, floors, and trim are made of dark wood and are in sharp contrast to white, plaster walls.
Serallo, built during the reign of Yusef I in the 14th century, is the heart of the complex. It contains the Patio de los Arrayanes with its marvellous pool and several reception rooms where negotiations would have been held. Brightly colored interiors feature highly decorative wooden ceilings and other woodwork. This area is quite stunning.
Lastly, the Harem is also elaborately decorated and contains the living quarters for the wives and mistresses of the Arabic monarchs. This area contains a bathroom with running, hot and cold water, baths, and pressurized water for showering. The bathrooms were open to the elements in order to allow in light and air. The highlight here is the marvelous Lion Courtyard with its marble fountain. The courtyard gallery with the beautifully ornamental pavilions at its ends is supported by 124 slender marble columns. This was perhaps the area that impressed us most. It is really beautiful.
You are allowed to wander around by yourself but unless you have done extensive reading before hand, a guide is very useful. These can be arranged at the ticket office.