History of the Alhambra - Origin, Arab Kings and Catholic Monarchs

The origin of the Alhambra, one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic art in the world, can be traced back to a simple fortress erected in the ninth century.


It was called the 'AlHamra', meaning 'the Red', due to the color of the earth that was used in its construction.

The transformation into the grand monumental complex that graces Sabika hill today took place during the establishment of Nasrid dynasty in Granada.


Here, we present a list of the major historical events that took place in the history of Alhambra.

Who built the Alhambra?

It was Muhammad I or Ibn al-Ahmar who relocated his court from the Albaicin to the hill of the Sabika in 1237, commencing the construction of the Alhambra, which included buildings like Torre de la Vela, the Torre del Homenaje and the Acequia Real.

Muhammad II came to strengthen the dynasty and oversaw the construction of the Generalife Palace.

During a period of relative peace with the Christian kingdoms, his grandson Muhammad III (1302-1308) commissioned significant projects, including the Great Mosque of the Alhambra, the Royal Bath and the Palace of the Partal.

However, he was later deposed and assassinated, marking the beginning of a series of internal struggles in the court of Granada.

With the reign of Ismail I, there was a shift in the dynastic line.

Under his rule, the Puerta de Armas was constructed, and he also built his own palace, the Palacio de Comares.

Yusuf I (1333-1354) undertook masterful works during what could be considered the golden age of the Alhambra, such as the Gate of Justice, the Throne Room in the Tower of Comares and the Oratory of the Partal.

His son, Muhammad V (1354-1359), during a similarly prosperous reign, overseeing the construction of the magnificent Palace of the Lions with its renowned courtyard, the Mirador de Lindaraja, and completing the Palace of Comares.

This effectively marked the conclusion of the Nasrid constructions in the Alhambra.

The Catholic Monarchs at the Alhambra

On January 2, 1492 Boabdil relinquished control of the Alhambra and his kingdom to the Catholic Monarchs, an act that signaled the conclusion of eight centuries of Arab presence in the Iberian Peninsula.

From that moment, the adaptation of the Alhambra for the Christian kings began. They established their court here and chose this city as their eternal resting place.

Decorative enhancements were executed throughout Nasrid palaces, with the royal emblem prominently featured.

Oratories were transformed into chapels, and mosques into churches. The walls and towers were meticulously restored, and new entrances to the Alhambra were inaugurated.

During the reign of the Emperor Charles V, Catholic Monarchs's grandson, construction in the Alhambra persisted.

Part of the Nasrid Palaces was dismantled to make way for the construction of the Emperor's Chambers and the Palace of Charles V from 1533.

Although the emperor held the Alhambra in high regard, he never relocated his court here. However, he did contemplate establishing the royal mausoleum for his family in Granada.

Period of Abandonment and French Invasion

Regrettably, the Alhambra experienced a period of neglect beginning in the reign of Philip V and was subsequently invaded by Napoleonic troops during the French invasion of Spain.

At this tragic juncture in Alhambra's history, a substantial portion of the monument teetered on the brink of destruction due to explosions set off by retreating French forces.

Years of complete abandonment followed, during which the Alhambra was occupied by people without homes, who even built bonfires inside to keep warm.

Romantic Travelers and International Diffusion

During the 19th century, romantic travelers arrived and were captivated by the enduring magic and beauty of the Alhambra.

During this time, the American writer Washington Irving penned 'Tales of the Alhambra' while enjoying his stay in the Emperor's Rooms.

Additionally, notable French and English painters, along with European architects, visited the monument, capturing their impressions in their works.

All of them played a significant role in the history of the Alhambra, implementing measures to halt the deterioration and ensure the preservation of the monument.

Period of Restoration and Conservation

It wasn't until the establishment of the First Republic in 1870 that the Alhambra was declared a National Monument.

Following years of plundering and neglect, the restoration and conservation of this monumental complex commenced in the 19th century, a process that met with varying degrees of success.

In 1914 the Patronato del la Alhambra was founded and in 1923 the great Leopoldo Torres Balbas assumed responsibility for the restoration efforts.

In 1984 the Alhambra and the Generalife were designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, acknowledging their exceptional cultural value.

Also see: History of Granada and History of the Alpujarra.

10 Significant Dates in the History of the Alhambra

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