
King Charles V’ s Chambers
His visit to the Alhambra impressed him so much that he decided to build an “imperial suite” near the Moorish palaces
Make your selection to discover more places
On the eve of his departure from Flanders in 1517 to take possession of the throne, Emperor Charles V gave orders to “take measures to set up proper chambers for his royal majesty and his court…in a way that would be easy and not cause too much trouble in so doing…”.
In June, 1526, the Emperor arrived in Granada with his wife, Isabel of Portugal, staying in the Alhambra. Extremely impressed by what they saw, the royal guests decided to establish their Imperial headquarters and build their dynastic pantheon there.
Thus, in 1528 six “new rooms”, comprising an “imperial suite”, were ordered built on the Muslim palatial grounds, with a corridor leading to the rooms, on the left of which was the Bath of Comares (Baño de Comares), transformed ever since into an entranceway.
Behind the corridor lies the Emperor’s office, with a chimney and coffered ceiling designed by Pedro Machuca in 1532.
Over the door is a stone plaque, which was placed there in 1914 by the Council of the Alhambra in honour of the American man of letters, Washington Irving, author of The Tales of the Alhambra, who in 1829 lodged in the adjoining rooms, known as the “Halls of Fruit” (Sala de Frutas), in reference to the ceiling decoration that was done by Julio Aquiles and Alejandro Mayner, disciples of Rafael de Sancio and Giovanni de Udine.
It has been said since the seventeenth century that “in this chamber Emperor Charles begot and his wife Empress Isabel conceived the most wise King Philip II.”

The Alcazaba
It was the residential area of the royal guard in charge of the security of the palatial city
MORE INFORMATION
Comares Bath
The baths being essential Moorish urban elements, it is easy to understand why each palace in the Alhambra has its own baths.
MORE INFORMATION
Tower of the candle
The Candle's Tower, named Major tower in nasrid times and Sun's gate during the s.XVI as it reflects the sun in the front wall at midday, working as a sun clock for the city.
MORE INFORMATION
The chamber of the ambassadors
This throne room is the largest lounge of the compound, encircled by nine small bedchambers, reserved one of them for the sultan
MORE INFORMATION
The hall of the kings
Five bedchambers round a large room, scenery of receptions and festive representations, their painted domes are the most characteristic element.
MORE INFORMATION
The hall of the muqarnas
One of the halls of the Court of the Lions, must have served as a hall for its proximity to the entrance of the palace.
MORE INFORMATION