The Alhambra and the Generalife

Urban Distribution

Located on the top of the hill, this huge “run-aground ship”, as it was described by classic historicists, was progressively erected with the addition of new constructions that were grouped in the form of cells, enriching the architectural and urban development of the enclosure. The Alhambra is the result of an evolutionary process over more than two and a half centuries, during the reign of the Nasrids, and includes structures predating that time as well as important contributions and modifications during the Christian era, which continues to this day

This is how the Alhambra we know today progressively acquired its present layout. Following, the most relevant milestones of this artistic historical monumental complex are described.

1. La Alcazaba

It is probably the oldest part of the Alhambra, or at least the oldest documented building. It is located on the top of the hill, a vantage point for the guarding and dominating the surroundings areas, including the valley, the city, and points of access. 

Its triangular ground-floor corresponds to construction in the eleventh century, although the only real evidence of this period is the wall of the inner rampart, on the north side, and the gate at the upper side of the enclosure. In the twelfth century the Almoravides did some construction work in the Alcazaba.

2. The fortified Alhambra.

The Alcazaba today is what the Nasrids built as of the 13th century, having added the towers to the fortress: The Tower of the Sentinel on the west side, and the Homage , Quebrada and Adarguero Towers on the east side. The complex is surrounded by a road, and the main access to the complex is through the Gate of Arms .

The wall around the Alhambra was built at that time, with the addition of some towers and gates, which converted it into a fortified locality.

3. Early Constructions

The first palaces were built inside the walled area. A large Mexuar with front courtyards preceded Isma’il’s Palace, now disappeared. The Generalife and the main core of the Palace of the Partal , representing some of the oldest remaining Nasrid constructions, established what would later become the palatine configuration of the site when palaces, houses and gardens were built.

4. The Palace of Comares

Because he constructed buildings over older structures, or altered already existing buildings, Yusuf I is considered the first big builder of the Alhambra. Although he died before it was finished, he is credited with having built the Palace of Comares, and the Gates of Justice  and of the Seven Floors , as well as many other structures. He was also responsible for decorating the Alhambra.

The Mosque, the Rauda, the Madraza and the Palaces of San Francisco and of the Abencerrages were built in the first half of the 14th century

5. The Palace of the Lions

In the second half of the 14th century the structure of the complex experienced a significant change. Coinciding with Muhamnad V’s second mandate, in the most fertile period of the Nasrid Dinasty, the Alhambra was richly decorated, and parts of it being redecorated. 

His largest construction, the Palace of the Lions , was a departure from the traditional architectural style, having incorporated new formal and aesthetic concepts which were also reflected in the official administration and in Court matters.

6. The Christian Alhambra

The latest and more radical transformation of the Alhambra occurred after the Christian conquest. New concepts and styles introduced altered the complex, transforming the old buildings and urban environment.

The main construction of the time was the Palace of Charles V , which though never finished added new volume to the buildings of the Alhambra and, like previous constructions, transformed the complex yet again.

In the 16th century the eastern outer wall of the Alcazaba and the round Tower of the Cube  were built, at the foot of which the large aljibe of Tendilla was also erected. In the 17th century the Garden of the Adarves  was built between the south walls of the complex.

The Courts of Lindajara  and of the Grated Window , the St Mary Church , the Monastery of San Francisco, Charles V’s Pillar  are some of the constructions of this period that contributed to the rich cultural profile of the complex.