The Imposing Palace of Charles V, Renaissance Jewel in the Heart of the Alhambra
Enjoy a special day at the Alhambra with a guided tour
Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces: discover the wonders of the Alhambra with this all-inclusive tour: the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Alcazaba, and more.
Alhambra + Albaicín + Sacromonte: a perfect combination of a guided tour of the Alhambra in the morning and a guided tour of the Albaicin and Sacromonte in the afternoon.Commissioned by Emperor Charles V, the construction was entrusted to the esteemed painter and architect Pedro Machuca, a disciple of Michelangelo, who commenced the project in in 1533.
The palace faced numerous delays and ultimately, the works were completely halted in 1637.
It remains unfinished as his son Felipe II shifted his focus towards the construction of the Escorial Monastery in Madrid.
Architect Leopoldo Torres Balbás initiated its restoration in 1923, a process that extended until 1970.
What is the architectural style of the Palace of Charles V?
The architectural style of the Palace of Charles V is characterized by the Classical Renaissance, emphasizing perfect forms such as squares and circles.
This style sought to harmonize with the grandeur of imperial Rome, to which the emperor felt a strong connection.
The palace is designed as a square, each side measuring 63 meters, with a stunning circular courtyard at its center spanning 30 meters in diameter.
The only facades that are fully adorned are the two main ones.
The facade of the Palace of Charles V features a rustic cushioned padding akin to that found on Italian Renaissance palaces.
How Many Columns Does the Palace of Charles V Have?
The stunning courtyard is encircled by 32 Doric columns, and the gallery is capped by a ingeniously designed ring vault.
Machuca architect envisioned the building being divided by a diagonal line into two distinct
sectors—one dedicated to the emperor and the other to the empress.
The Form and Facade of the Palace of Charles V
The western facade, dedicated to the emperor, is characterized by the predominant use of the Doric order. Conversely, the southern facade, adorned with Ionic and Corinthian orders, was designed for the empress.
Each sector possesses its own staircase that converges at the corner of the chapel, where both spouses would meet.
Regrettably, the construction of this sector led to the partial destruction of Nasrid Palaces.
Presently, the Palace of Charles V hosts the Alhambra Museum on the ground floor, and the Museum of Fine Arts on the top floor. Additionally, there is a temporary exhibition room in the chapel area.
Prices and Opening Hours
Entrance to Palace of Charles V is free, and it can be visited during regular opening hours of the Alhambra.
Where is the Palace of Charles V located?
The Palace of Charles V is situated in the heart of the Alhambra complex. To reach the palace, you must pass through the the Gate of Justice. Alternatively, you can take city bus routes C30 or C32 to get to the Alhambra. For further details, refer to Alhambra Buses.Where is Charles V Palace Located?
The Charles V Palace is situated just next to the Nasrid Palaces and the entrance gate to the Alcazaba.
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Page Updated: May 13, 2025
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