Alhambra History - the Origin, the Construction, and the Transformation

history of the alhambra presented on the sealing of sala reyes

The origin of this fantastic Nasrid palace, one of the greatest masterpieces of Arab art in the world, dates back to a simple fortress built in the ninth century and called 'Alhambra', meaning 'The Red', the colour of the material used in its construction.

arab architecture, part of the alhambra history

arab architecture, part of the alhambra history

A good way to get to know Granada and its history is by taking a tour. There are several interesting free and private tours offered by Civitatis:

Free Tour of Granada: What better way to get to know the hisotric centre of Granada than on a free walking tour with a local expert guide?!

Private Tour of Granada: Discover the hidden treasures and secrets of Granada exclusively just for you and your partner, friends, or family.

Work for transforming the fortress into a palace was undertaken during the Nazari dynasty. It was specifically Muhammad Ibn al-Ahmar, or Muhammad I, who moved his residence from Albaicin to the neighbouring hill in 1237.

muslim decorations on the cieling of the salon of kings

muslim decorations on the cieling of the salon of kings

At a time of relative peace with the Christian kingdoms, his grandson Muhammad III (1302-1308) raised the Grand Mosque of the Alhambra.

He was deposed and killed, after which followed a series of internal struggles that weakened his power.

During the reign of Yusuf I (1333-1354), work on the construction of the Palace of Comares was continued.

cannons and carlos v palace in the background

cannons and carlos v palace in the background

His son, Muhammad V (1354-1359), determined the design the Patio de los Leones and the adjacent rooms, which is considered to have ended the purely Arab style of the buildings in the Alhambra.

On January 2, 1492, Boabdil, delivered the Alhambra and his kingdom to Ferdinand and Isabella, thus ending eight centuries of Arab rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

From that day forward, the transformation of the palace for the Christian kings was begun.

close view of the lions in the patios of leones in the alhambra

close view of the lions in the patios of leones in the alhambra

Alhambra Tickets

Information about where and how to get a ticket to the Alhambra in Alhambra tickets.

Guided Tours of the Alhambra

If you want to learn more about the history of the Alhambra accompanied by an expert local guide you can take the Alhambra Guided Tour.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Page Updated: May 14, 2021

If you find this information useful, please share it

© Copyright • LoveGranada.com • The reproduction of the whole content or parts of it is prohibited

Personal data protection policy.

Opinions about History of the Alhambra

Breathtaking in beauty

I absolutely loved the Alhambra, it was breathtaking in beauty, when walking within its walls I could feel the history and felt very peaceful, as it was built by a peaceful man.

The gardens are beautiful, and I hope I may have the pleasure of going again soon (Yvonne).

Relevant Information

Sierra Nevada

The station, ski lessons, ski pass, parking, equipment rental, where to eat, how to get there and where to sleep.

Guided Tours

Alhambra Tickets

Where and how to buy tickets for the Alhambra and where to collect them, what to do if tickets are sold out.