Alcázar

Most of the Moorish part (the Alcázar) dates from the 14th century. The palace of the Emperor Charles V, one of the finest Renaissance structures in Spain, was designed and begun in the 16th century. It now houses a museum of pieces from the Alcázar and a fine-arts collection of religious painting and sculpture.

The magnificent tile-and-plaster geometric decoration is an expression of Moslem art at its zenith. The stunning patios and gardens with their perfectly symmetrical design will dazzle you as you stroll through the various halls and chambers. Equally appealing are the cool, green gardens of the Generalife, the summer palace. Countless fountains—now, as then, moved by gravity only and surrounded by sumptuous flower gardens, orange trees, and cypresses—testify to a desert culture’s appreciation of water.

Several spots on the north side of the grounds offer splendid views of the old Moorish quarter (the Albaicín) across the River Darro, as well as of the city of Granada. The same is true of the towers of the Alcazaba (fortress), which is the oldest part of the complex.

Try to schedule a nocturnal visit to the Alhambra grounds. Some nights it is totally illuminated and others only partially (ask at the hotel for the current schedule). Either way, the experience is unforgettable and dramatically different from a daytime visit. Also, inside the grounds are two good dining spots located in hotels: the Parador de Granada and the Hotel America.