Paseo de los Tristes in Granada - a Beautiful Walkway in the Shadow of the Alhambra

The Paseo de los Tristes is a square that connects the Carrera del Darro with the Cuesta del Chapiz. This popular pathway begins right where the Carrera del Darro ends, in the interesting Casa de las Chirimías, next to the bridge that bears the same name.

On the Paseo de los Tristes you will enjoy impressive views of the Alhambra.

Departing from the narrow Carrera del Darro street, we're met with an expansive esplanade unveiling the magnificent views of the forest of the Alhambra, its walls, the imposing Comares Tower and the Nasrid Palaces.

The Generalife Palace stands in the distance, completing the picturesque scene.

Typically, it is the route to ascend to Albaicín or Sacromonte.

Here, we will guide you on what to see, where to eat in this area and how to reach the Paseo de los Tristes.

The House of the Chirimías

Until the 17th century, this esplanade was a venue for grand celebrations and festivities, featuring bullfights and cane shows.

Occasionally, the Darro riverbed was covered with scaffolding to create additional space for these events.

To animate these festivities, the Casa de las Chirimías was built in 1609, thanks to the donation of land that made by the lords of Castril whose palace was located a little further down and is now the Archaeological Museum).

From the balcony of this small building, musicians animated the festivities with their shawms and trumpets.

The shawms were a type of typical flute used in the seasonal celebrations.

This house is still preserved, and from the outside, you can see its tall, square turret shape and the shields of Granada adorning its facade.

We know that only the bailiffs, who stayed on the ground floor, had access to its interior, and the city authorities ascended to the first floor.

The top floor was reserved for the musicians who emerged onto the balcony to perform.

In front of the Casa de las Chirimías stands the monument to the singer Moreno, who honed his craft dancing in the caves of Sacromonte and achieved worldwide success with his flamenco artistry.


The fountain that occupies the center of the Paseo de los Tristes was also made in 1609.

The Bridges of the Paseo de los Tristes

On the Paseo de los Tristes, you'll encounter two bridges that traverse the Darro River.

The first one we encounter is the Chirimías Bridge located next to a house bearing the same name. The structure we see today dates back to 1882, as the original medieval bridge has completely vanished.

What remains in its vicinity and is worth seeing are the remnants of the Zirid wall that once traversed this area.

Hotel Reúma

If you cross the bridge, you'll come across a peculiar abandoned building that captivates attention with its phantasmagorical appearance.

It's known as the Hotel Reúma, though in reality, its name was the Hotel Bosques de the Alhambra

The hotel was inaugurated in 1910 but didn't remain operational for long. Apparently, its wooden structure was ill-suited for the humidity prevalent in this riverside area.

Today, it contributes to the romantic landscape of this area and is intertwined with several legends of Granada.

Aljibillo Bridge

Near the end of the walk lies the other bridge, known as the Puente del Aljibillo, dating back to the Zirid period, likely constructed around the 11th century. However, it retains few original elements.

Its last reconstruction occurred in 1861.

Today, on the left bank of the river, among other remnants, you can observe the ashlars of the southern abutment of the Islamic bridge.

On the other side of the bridge lies Paseo del Aljibillo. In medieval times, this served as the entrance to Granada for travelers coming from the Guadix region, hence it was named Puerta de Guadix (Gate of Guadix).

The Axares Neighborhood

On the left side of the Paseo de los Tristes lies the old neighborhood of the Axares or de la Salud.

Muslim poets praised this picturesque neighborhood, where influential families of the city lived among its lush groves, flowing fountains, and vibrant gardens.

It was watered by the Acequia de Axares, now San Juan, which originated from the Puente del Cadí and extended to the Guadix Gate, where the protective wall concluded.

Even today, we can still find remnants of Arab houses and several Moorish residences, constructed shortly after the conquest.

The Golden Furnace House

Of all these, we recommend visiting the Casa Horno de Oro, at number 14 on the same-named street.

Entrance to this Nasrid-origin house is included in the Dobla de Oro pass.

Where to Eat near the Paseo de los Tristes

The Paseo de los Tristes is a place frequented by both locals and tourists alike.

Starting in spring, you can relish the views at any time of day or night, while seated on one of the numerous terraces installed here, which are particularly popular in the summer.

It's a vibrant area, especially during the summer, with plenty of bars and restaurants to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

What to see near the Paseo de los Tristes?

On or near the Paseo de los Tristes, you'll find several monuments and beautiful spots of significant historical value:

the Alhambra, the Albaicín and Realejo neighborhoods, the Bañuelo arab baths, the Archaeological and other museums, the House of Zafra and convent, the Carrera del Darro, the Plaza Nueva, and the Church of Santa Ana and many other attractions.

Often, you can also enjoy street performances or busking by local artists and those from other parts of the world.

Location and How to Get to the Paseo de los Tristes in Granada

You can reach the Paseo de los Tristes by a minibus number C31, C32 or C34.

More information in: Alhambra Buses.

You can also reach Paseo de los Tristes by taking a bigger bus on lines 4, 8, 11, 21, 33, getting off at the Catedral stop (Gran Vía 1), and walking for about 5 minutes.

More information at: Urban Buses of Granada.

You cannot reach the Paseo de los Tristes in your own vehicle. This area is only open for residents, buses and taxis.

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