The Casa de Zafra - Jewel of Nasrid Domestic Architecture in Granada
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.Although it is not as well-known as the Alhambra, it has several unique and interesting features that make it stand out.
You can observe Nasrid, Christian, and Renaissance architectural elements within a single building, illustrating how it was adapted over the centuries.
A Glimpse into History
Origins and Construction
Built in the 14th century, during the height of the Nasrid Kingdom, the Casa de Zafra was home to several families of Muslim nobility.Its design and decoration reflect the refined aesthetic tastes of the time and illustrate how domestic life was organized in Nasrid culture.
Transition and Changes
After the conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, the house passed through several hands and underwent important modifications.
In the 16th century it was acquired by Hernando de Zafra, its most illustrious owner,
who served as the secretary to the Catholic Monarchs.
Throughout its history, the House of Zafra has been divided and sold in parts multiple times, which is why it no longer preserves its original structure.
Albaicín Interpretation Centre
Casa de Zafra has become the Interpretation Centre dedicated to the fascinating Albaicín neighborhood and the history of life in Nasrid Granada.
The centre offers permanent and temporary exhibitions that explain the evolution of the neighbourhood throughout
history and highlight the significance of Casa de Zafra.
There are models, audiovisual displays, and information panels that help to explain its historical and cultural context.
The exhibition inside the house also features a series of photographs documenting the history of Granada, although they are not directly related to the building.
Did you know?
- Secret refuge: It is believed that during the Morisco rebellion in the 16th century, Casa de Zafra may have served as a secret hideout for the Moorish resistance.
- Underground connection: It is rumored that beneath the Casa de Zafra there are underground passages that may have served as escape routes or secret connections to other parts of the Albaicín.
Architecture and Design
The main entrance to the Casa de Zafra is adorned with a beautiful horseshoe arch, characteristic of Islamic architecture.
Upon entering, you'll find a central courtyard around which the various rooms are arranged.
This layout, characteristic of Nasrid architecture, not only facilitated ventilation and natural lighting but also provided a private and cool space at the heart of the house.
There are two floors and a viewing tower that offers impressive views of the Albaicín and theAlhambra.
Highlights
- Stuccos: The plaster decorations with geometric and vegetal motifs are a testament to Nasrid art. These stuccos adorn the walls and ceilings, adding a sense of elegance and sophistication.
- Pool: The small pool in the courtyard not only served the practical function of cooling the environment but also symbolized purity and life - crucial elements in Islamic culture.
- Lookout tower: It not only offered beautiful views but may also have had a defensive purpose. The tower’s location provided a strategic vantage point for monitoring routes and access to the neighborhood.
Restoration and Current Use
In 1985 the Granada City Council acquired the house and undertook an exhaustive restoration process to recover its original splendor.During the centuries following the Christian conquest, many of the stucco decorations of the Casa de Zafra were covered. During the restorations, these decorations were discovered beneath layers of plaster and paint, revealing the artistic splendor of the Nasrid period.
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Plan your visit
The influx of visitors is low, which means that you can explore it at a leisurely pace.
Entrance Prices
The visit to the Casa de Zafra is included in the Dobla de Oro (a voucher that provides entry to six monuments from the Nasrid period) and in the Granada Card.You can also access the Casa de Zafra by purchasing a ticket directly at the entrance.
By the way, 'Dobla de Oro' was an ancient gold coin used during the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.
- General admission for adults: 3 euros.
- Reduced admission (for students, children from 6 to 16 years old, pensioners and unemployed): 1 euro.
- Sundays: free admission.
Payment method: credit cards are only accepted for payment at the entrance.
Casa de Zafra Opening Hours
Winter opening hours (15 Oct - 14 Mar):
- From Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00.
- Sunday: 10:00-14:00.
- Monday: closed all day.
Summer opening hours (15 Mar - 14 Oct):
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30-13:30 and 17:00 -20:00.
- Sunday: 9:30-13:30.
- Monday: closed all day.
Special opening hours:
- December 24th and 31st: closed in the afternoon.
- December 25th, January 1st and 6th: closed all day.
Location, Contact Data and How to get there
La Casa de Zafra is located in the Albaicín district near the Carrera del Darro and Plaza Nueva. It can be a bit challenging to find due to the narrow streets.You can get to Casa de Zafra on Granada urban buses: line C31, C32 and C34. Get off at the stop 'El Bañuelo' or walk for 2 minutes from Plaza Nueva or 4 minutes from Granada Cathedral.
Address: Portería Concepción streed, 8, Albaicín, 18010 Granada. Telephone: 958 180 079.
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Page Updated: Aug 25, 2024
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Opinions about House of Zafra in Granada
Original architecture
I’m no expert, but it looks like there’s hardly anything left of the original architecture.
You can barely spot some old paint here and there, and the walls have been smoothed out or
replaced with new materials. The original design has pretty much disappeared through all the
renovations. Still, you can get a bit of an idea of what Nasrid houses were like.
Worth a visit if you’re in the area
The house gives you a glimpse into what a typical well-off home in Andalusia and the Albaicín neighborhood would have looked like. It’s not a top tourist spot, but it’s interesting if you want to see what a
Moorish house was like back in the day. It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area and have some time to spare,
but it might not be a must-see with so many other attractions around.
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