El Baño de Comares, Granada

Baths in Granada

Bano de Comares Palacio de ComaresAlhambra 5

CC BY-SA 3.0 / AdriPozuelo

El Baño de Comares in Granada is the bath suite of the Palacio de Comares, inside the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra. It is a medieval Islamic hammam, arranged in the traditional sequence of changing, cold, warm, and hot rooms.

The baths matter because they preserve the logic of royal bathing rather than just decorative spaces: underfloor heating ducts, star-shaped skylights, basins, and adjoining chambers still make the layout readable. Visitors usually see it from the surrounding gallery and adjacent viewpoints, so it suits travellers who are interested in architecture, palace planning, and daily life at court more than those looking for a long interior visit.

History and Significance of the Baño de Comares
Things to See and Do in the Baño de Comares
How to Get to the Baño de Comares
Practical Tips on Visiting the Baño de Comares
Where to Stay close to the Baño de Comares
Is the Baño de Comares Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Baño de Comares

History and Significance of the Baño de Comares

The baths were built in the 14th century between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones. They served not only hygienic and spiritual purposes but also social and ceremonial ones. Cleansing was an essential religious rite in Islamic culture, and hammams played an important part in daily life throughout Granada.

After the Christian conquest, the baths became the private bathing area of the Catholic Monarchs and were known as the Royal Baths. Their continued use meant the structure survived, even though many decorative elements were replaced or altered. Over time, other public hammams in Granada disappeared or fell into ruin, making the Baño de Comares uniquely valuable today.

Things to See and Do in the Baño de Comares

Visitors today cannot usually enter the baths, but much can be seen from the gallery overlooking the structure. The layout follows the Roman thermal sequence:

The Sala de las Camas (Apoditerium) is a two-storey resting and changing hall reached from the Patio de los Arrayanes level. At its centre is a fountain surrounded by columns, with alcove beds where bathers lounged. The king is said to have watched his wives from the upper gallery during certain ceremonies.

Moving deeper into the bath suite, the frigidarium (bayt al-bārid) acted as the cold room, followed by the warm tepidarium (bayt al-wasṭānī), a spacious chamber with triple horseshoe arches. The final room, the caldarium (bayt al-sajūn), contains basins for hot and cold water and evidence of the original copper boiler that heated the complex through underground channels.

The ceilings of the warm and hot rooms are perforated with star-shaped skylights, once fitted with coloured glass. These controlled both light and steam, opened or closed by bath attendants to regulate the environment.

How to Get to the Baño de Comares

The Baño de Comares lies between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones, accessed from the Lindaraja Courtyard. 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.
Travellers can reach Granada easily via its main railway station, with frequent links to Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, follow the Ronda Sur to reach the Alhambra's official parking before entering the complex on foot. 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 Baño de Comares

Suggested tips: Since the baths are usually closed, use the external gallery viewpoint and study the architectural sequence with the aid of maps or diagrams.
Best time to visit: Morning, when light filters through the courtyard and offers the clearest views.
Entrance fee: The El Baño de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Opening hours: For opening times of the El Baño de Comares see [link_post post_id="3786" anchor="opening" type="link"]Alhambra Opening Times[/link_post]. Entrance to this part of the Alhambra is usually restricted and cannot be visited during the ordinary visit of the Alhambra Complex. It may also be included in the "Space of the Month" program, where it will be open one month of the year.
Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/bano-de-comares
How long to spend: 10 minutes from the viewing area.
Accessibility: Certain viewpoints require climbing steps and navigating narrow passages.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located elsewhere in the Alhambra complex.
Photography tip: Aim your camera upward to capture the star-shaped skylights of the steam rooms.
Guided tours: Some specialist tours include detailed explanations from the external viewpoints.
Nearby food options: Cafés near the Palacio de Carlos V.

Where to Stay close to the Baño de Comares

For a memorable stay within the Alhambra grounds, choose Parador de Granada. Steps away from the Nasrid Palaces, Hotel America offers traditional charm. For modern comfort near the entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is another excellent choice.

Is the Baño de Comares Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially for travellers interested in Islamic architecture, bathing traditions, or palace life. Although interior access is restricted, even seeing the preserved layout from outside reveals the sophistication of Nasrid engineering and royal culture.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (211)

Patio de los Arrayanes at the Palacio Nazaries in La Alhambra is an elegant, tranquil courtyard framed by sculpted myrtle hedges and a long reflecting pool; visitors praise its symmetrical arcades and the way the buildings mirror in the water, call attention to fine stucco details, and recommend visiting in the soft light of early morning or near dusk for the best photos, while noting it can get crowded.

David Stanley

3 months ago

"The 14th century Comares Palace of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, was accessed via two symmetrical doorways off the Mexuar courtyard. The ComaresFaçade was the entrance to the sultan's private chambers. The stu ing Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of Myrtles) was the heart of the palace...."

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Anthony Chan

2 years ago

"The poster child and main highlight of the palace. The buildings reflect in the pool and the symmetry of the buildings is really good. You shouldvisit during early mornings or near dusk so you can get good photos with good angles of sunlight..."

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Bobby C

2 years ago

"Wonderful architecture! one of the two most photographed places in Alhambra. The reflecting pool and the arcades draw the attention of most but don'tmiss the details of the stuccowork which is equally beautiful. The courtyard can really fill up with people, so be prepared for masses of tourists...."

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Asad Lone

a year ago

"## Stepping into Paradise: A Review of the Patio de los Arrayanes The Patio de los Arrayanes, nestled within the heart of Alhambra's Nasrid Palaces,transcends the realm of mere courtyards. It's a sensory poem etched in water, marble, and sky, a masterpiece where Islamic artistry and nature co-mingle in breathtaking harmony. Stepping into this haven is like stepping into a bygone era, where Moorish sultans strolled amidst the whispering myrtle hedges and the sun played hide-and-seek on the still waters of the reflecting pool. **A Feast for the Eyes:** Imagine a long, rectangular canvas, delicately framed by colo ades adorned with intricate arabesques. Sunlight dances through the filigree, casting mesmerizing patterns on the cool, white marble floor. In the center, a mirror of water stretches languidly, its surface reflecting the grandeur of the surrounding architecture and the infinite expanse of the cerulean sky. The air hums with the gentle gurgle of fountains, while the scent of myrtle leaves infuses the atmosphere with a calming fragrance. **Tranquility Found:** Amidst the grandeur, an aura of serenity prevails. The rhythmic murmur of water and the soft rustle of leaves lull the mind into a state of quietude. Here, time seems to slow, inviting introspection and mindful appreciation. Whether you choose to sit on a cool bench, allowing the beauty to wash over you, or wander along the shaded arcades, absorbing the intricate details, the Patio de los Arrayanes offers a sanctuary for the soul. **Beyond the Beauty:** This courtyard is not just a feast for the senses; it's a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of a bygone era. The clever use of water and light creates an illusion of spaciousness, while the meticulous geometric patterns and delicate carvings whisper tales of a rich cultural heritage. Each element, from the glistening pool to the sculpted hedges, plays a role in the harmonious composition, making the Patio de los Arrayanes a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. **A Must-See for Every Traveler:** Whether you're an architecture aficionado, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a moment of tranquility, the Patio de los Arrayanes is an experience not to be missed. It's a place that lingers in the memory long after you leave, a reminder of the exquisite beauty and cultural richness that the world holds. So, if you find yourself in Granada, don't hesitate to step into this oasis of serenity and immerse yourself in its magic. It will leave you breathless, inspired, and forever changed. **Verdict:** More than just a courtyard, the Patio de los Arrayanes is a sensory journey, a historical tapestry, and a testament to human artistry. It's a must-see for any traveler seeking beauty, tranquility, and a glimpse into a bygone era...."

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Kamran Nobari

5 months ago

"Beautiful and breathtaking . We really enjoyed visiting this beautiful historical place"

FAQs for Visiting the Baño de Comares

No, access is restricted, but parts can be viewed from an exterior gallery.

They are the only fully intact medieval Islamic baths in the western world.

Between the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones, accessed via the Lindaraja Courtyard.

The El Baño de Comares appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

For opening times of the El Baño de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.

Entrance to this part of the Alhambra is usually restricted and cannot be visited during the ordinary visit of the Alhambra Complex. It may also be included in the “Space of the Month” program, where it will be open one month of the year.

Price:

The El Baño de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.

Granada: 1 km

Telephone: +34 958 027 971

Official Website