Casa de los Amigos, Granada
Historic Building in Granada
The Casa de los Amigos is one of the quieter historical corners of the Generalife, offering a glimpse into the private world of the Nasrid elite. Though in ruins today, the site once housed friends and trusted relatives of the sultan, making it one of the must-see places in Granada for travellers curious about the domestic side of palace life. Its location, slightly apart from the main palace yet close enough for convenient access, reveals how hospitality and hierarchy were woven into the fabric of the Alhambra Complex.
Built around multiple patios on different levels, the Casa de los Amigos follows a layout similar to that of the Nasrid houses within the Alhambra. Wandering through the remains, you can imagine the daily rhythms of guests who found both seclusion and proximity to the sultan's residence. It is often visited on walking tours of Granada, especially by those who enjoy exploring the lesser-known layers of the complex.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Casa de los Amigos
- Things to See and Do in the Casa de los Amigos
- How to Get to the Casa de los Amigos
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Casa de los Amigos
- Where to Stay close to the Casa de los Amigos
- Is the Casa de los Amigos Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting the Casa de los Amigos
- Nearby Attractions to the Casa de los Amigos
History and Significance of the Casa de los Amigos
The Casa de los Amigos served as a residence for close companions and relatives of the Nasrid ruler. While separate from the Generalife Palace itself, it stood near enough for guests to attend audiences and take part in court life. Its southern entrance opened onto a rising cobbled street connecting the hamman alley with the orchards of the Generalife, situating the house strategically between service areas and cultivated landscapes.
The name derives from the medieval agricultural treatise Kitab al-Filaha (Book of Agriculture), written between 1282 and 1349. This text detailed the ideal layout of a gentleman’s estate, including a dedicated “house for guests and friends” with an independent entrance and discreet placement beneath sheltering trees. The surviving structure reflects these principles, with its patios arranged for privacy and auxiliary rooms—including stables and warehouses—placed along the west side.
Historians generally agree that the building dates to the Nasrid period, though some place its origins even earlier, in the Almohad era of the 13th century. The house underwent changes at the end of the 15th century and into the 16th, reflecting the shifting needs and tastes of later inhabitants.
Things to See and Do in the Casa de los Amigos
Visitors can walk through the remains of the two-level courtyard layout, noting how the architecture reflects the typical Nasrid approach to domestic residence. The square main patio would once have formed the heart of the house, with warehouses, service quarters, and stables lining its western edge. It is one of the top attractions in Granada for travellers who enjoy exploring the understated but historically rich remains scattered around the Generalife.
Pay attention to the southern entrance, where the cobbled street once linked the home to both the hamman alley and the surrounding orchards. This connection reveals much about how guests moved discreetly between cultivated landscapes and the sultan’s residence. The layering of architecture, daily life, and carefully chosen placement makes the site a rewarding stop for those curious about how elite hospitality functioned in the Nasrid world.
Because the Casa de los Amigos is partly ruined, it takes a bit of imagination to picture its past activity—but this is also part of its charm. The setting, just south of the main Generalife compound, allows you to step momentarily out of the palace gardens and into an area once reserved for trusted companions of the court.
How to Get to the Casa de los Amigos
The Casa de los Amigos is located just south of the Generalife compound. After leaving the Jardines Altos through the Póstigo de los Carneros, visitors will see the remains of the house nearby, positioned on the slope leading toward the orchards and service paths.
The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's main train station connects with major Andalusian and Spanish cities, offering easy access before travelling up to the Alhambra Complex. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, parking is available near the Alhambra entrances, though spaces may be limited during peak periods. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Casa de los Amigos
- Suggested tips: Walk slowly through the remains to appreciate the layout of the two patios and their relationship to the surrounding landscape.
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for comfortable temperatures.
- Entrance fee:
- Opening hours:
- Official website:
- How long to spend: About 10–15 minutes as part of a wider Generalife visit.
- Accessibility: Uneven ground and ruined structures make access difficult for visitors with mobility limitations.
- Facilities: No facilities at the site; services are located near the main entrances to the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the lines of the surviving walls with the orchards or hillsides behind them.
- Guided tours: Some in-depth Generalife tours include this area, especially those focused on lesser-known sites.
- Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance provide convenient refreshment choices.
Where to Stay close to the Casa de los Amigos
For a unique immersive experience within the monument grounds, Parador de Granada offers the closest accommodation. Nearby, Áurea Washington Irving provides luxurious rooms inspired by Granada’s literary heritage. A charming boutique-style stay is available at Hotel América, ideal for travellers who prefer intimate and atmospheric lodging.
Is the Casa de los Amigos Worth Visiting?
Yes. Although it is a ruin today, the Casa de los Amigos provides valuable context for understanding how the Nasrid rulers hosted close companions and relatives. Its patios, strategic position, and historical layers make it a rewarding stop for travellers who enjoy venturing beyond the main palace spaces to explore the quieter corners of the Generalife.
FAQs for Visiting the Casa de los Amigos
What was the Casa de los Amigos used for?
It served as a residence for trusted friends and relatives of the sultan.
How old is the structure?
It dates primarily to the Nasrid period, with possible Almohad origins and later modifications.
What does the house look like today?
It consists of remains spread across two patios on different levels, reflecting Nasrid domestic design.
How do I reach the site?
Exit the Jardines Altos via the Póstigo de los Carneros; the remains will be nearby.
Why is it called the House of Friends?
The name comes from medieval guidelines for noble estates described in the Kitab al-Filaha.
Nearby Attractions to the Casa de los Amigos
- Jardines Altos: Elevated gardens overlooking the Generalife's orchards.
- Póstigo de los Carneros: A small gate linking upper terraces with service paths.
- Palacio del Generalife: The summer residence of the Nasrid sultans.
- Patio de la Acequia: The celebrated courtyard of the Generalife with its long water channel.
- Casa de los Alijares: Another lesser-known but historically interesting domestic structure near the complex.
The Casa de los Amigos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
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Visiting Casa de los Amigos
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