Jardín de Daraxa, Granada

Courtyard in Granada

Jardin De Daraxa Alhambra
CC BY-SA 3.0 / AdriPozuelo

The Jardín de Daraxa is one of the most enchanting corners of the Palacio de los Leones, offering a peaceful retreat framed by Renaissance galleries and Nasrid chambers. Its blend of cypresses, orange trees, acacias, and box hedges surrounding a central marble fountain creates an atmosphere of calm in contrast to the richly ornamented halls nearby. This quiet space is one of the best places to visit in Granada and a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada.

Although it feels like an open garden, the space is enclosed on all sides by arcaded galleries and upper chambers, giving it a cloister-like design that reflects both Nasrid and Christian influences. The mixture of architectural styles and its long history of adaptation make it one of the most evocative spaces in the Alhambra.

History and Significance of Jardín de Daraxa

The Jardín de Daraxa was constructed between 1526 and 1538, during the same period as the Emperor's Chambers (Habitaciones de Carlos V). Although a garden existed here earlier, the transformation into the enclosed courtyard seen today occurred after the Christian conquest when new galleries and rooms were added around it.

The garden's name comes from the Mirador de Daraxa (also known as the Mirador de Lindaraja), the viewpoint to its south. Variations of the name—Lindaraja, Jardín de los Naranjos, Jardín de los Mármoles—reflect the garden's long evolution, shifting uses, and changing appearance over the centuries.

The space also has an intriguing acoustic feature beneath it. Through the southern side, visitors can access the basement of the Hall of the Two Sisters, where a series of twelve rooms include the Sala de los Secretos. In this chamber, whispers transmitted into one corner can be clearly heard in the opposite corner.

Things to See and Do in Jardín de Daraxa

The central marble fountain is the garden's focal point, surrounded by manicured hedges and flowering plants. Its border once displayed a poem, similar to the inscription around the fountain of the Patio de los Leones. Created in 1626, the fountain originally featured a large Nasrid basin—now preserved in the Museum of the Alhambra—that may have been designed for the Court of the Lions.

Walk along the arcaded galleries that enclose the courtyard. These galleries were built using columns removed from other parts of the Alhambra and give the garden its cloister-like appearance. The blend of Renaissance masonry, Baroque fountain elements, and Nasrid fragments reflects the layered history of the palace.

Take a moment to look upward at the surrounding rooms—including those of the Emperor’s Chambers—to appreciate how this garden was integrated into the private spaces of royalty. The interplay of greenery, stone, and light makes this a perfect place to pause during your visit.

How to Get to Jardín de Daraxa

The Jardín de Daraxa is enclosed by the Mirador de Daraxa and the Sala de Dos Hermanas to the south, the Habitaciones de Carlos V to the north, and Renaissance galleries to the east and west. 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 train station connects the city with major Spanish hubs such as Málaga, Madrid, and Seville, making arrival by rail a convenient option before visiting the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Visitors arriving by car should be aware that parking near the Alhambra is limited and best reserved or approached early in the day. 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 Jardín de Daraxa

  • Suggested tips: Pause in the shade of the cypresses or orange trees to enjoy a calm moment between palace chambers.
  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the light softens across the fountain.
  • Entrance fee: The Jardín de Daraxa 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 Jardín de Daraxa see Alhambra Opening Times.
  • Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/patio-de-la-lindaraja
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes, depending on your pace.
  • Accessibility: Some nearby areas include steps and uneven floors.
  • Facilities: Toilets and cafés are located elsewhere in the Alhambra.
  • Photography tip: Capture the central fountain framed by the arcaded galleries for a classic image.
  • Guided tours: Many tours highlight this garden as part of the Nasrid and Renaissance transitions.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance and restaurants in the Albaicín.

Where to Stay close to Jardín de Daraxa

For a unique stay inside the monument, the elegant Parador de Granada is an excellent choice. A short walk from the complex, Áurea Washington Irving offers refined comfort with literary flair. For a cosy, traditional atmosphere close to the palace paths, Hotel América is also a great option.

Is Jardín de Daraxa Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Jardín de Daraxa is well worth visiting. Its serene atmosphere, gentle greenery, and cloister-like design make it a refreshing contrast to the richly decorated halls nearby. The blend of Nasrid and Renaissance elements, plus the connection to the historic Hall of Secrets below, makes this garden both beautiful and fascinating.

FAQs for Visiting Jardín de Daraxa

Why is it called Jardín de Daraxa?
It is named after the Mirador de Daraxa, also known as the Mirador de Lindaraja.

What trees grow in the garden?
Cypresses, orange trees, acacias, and box hedges surround the central fountain.

When was the garden created?
It was built between 1526 and 1538 during the construction of the Emperor’s Chambers.

What is beneath the garden?
The basement of the Hall of the Two Sisters, including the whispering chamber known as the Sala de los Secretos.

How long does it take to visit?
Around 10–20 minutes.

Nearby Attractions to Jardín de Daraxa

The Jardín de Daraxa appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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Visiting Jardín de Daraxa

Hours:

For opening times of the Jardín de Daraxa see Alhambra Opening Times.

Price:

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

Granada: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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