Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo - History and Opening Hours

The Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo (Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo), called the Palace of Almanzarra by the Muslim Kings, was used for their retreat during the days of Ramadan, as it was surrounded by almunias or royal orchards, although within the city walls.


As in the case of the Casa de los Tiros, this building formed part of the wall in the potters' quarter.

In the same year as the conquest of Granada this place was given to the Dominican friars by the Catholic Monarch so that they could found a convent of their order, the Convent of Santa Cruz la Real.

In the 19th century, it passed into private hands, and a modern palace was built in its place.

Fortunately, in 1990 the Granada City Council bought it and began its restoration.

All that remains of the Moorish building is a tower, which today stands inside the 19th-century palace surrounded by gardens.

In front of it there was a portico with a tiled plinth and a pond, which no longer exists.

What to see in the Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo

Inside the tower, the reception hall or qubba has been miraculously preserved. The stunning entrance door, decorated with gold-coloured tiles, welcomes the visitors.

This square room, measuring 7 m on each side, is known as the Royal Room.

The entrance arch features a glazed tiled plinth with the inscription: "God is unique" in Kufic characters, surrounded by verses from the Qur'an.

On one side of the room, there are two alcoves with ornaments and inscriptions on their arches, plasterwork on the walls decorated with vegetal and geometric motifs, and 20 small arches with plaster latticework.

On top of these, there is a wooden framework that forms a loop, which is truly marvellous.

At the front of the room, there are three balconies, with the central one adorned by a hanging arch. The room is encompassed by a tiled pitched roof with simple decoration.

The plaster decoration, characterized by its varied carving and painted in a cool color palette, along with the absence of the Nasrid motto, suggests that this building dates back to the first half of the 13th century.

It may have been built during the reign of Muhammad II (1273-1302) and serves as an example of what Granada's palaces were like before the construction of the Alhambra.

Opening Hours and Entrance Price of the Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo

Opening Hours

Ticket Price

Adults: 2 euros, children: 1 euro. Free visit on Sundays.

Location and How to Reach the Royal Quarters

Location of the Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo

Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo is situated at the Plaza de los Campos, Realejo, Granada. Telephone: 958 849 111.

How to Get to the Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo

You can reach the Royal Quarters of Santo Domingo by using Granada city buses, routes C30, C32 and C35.

Alternatively, you can simply walk from the city center; it's just a 10-minute walk.

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