Jardines Bajos, Granada
Gardens in Granada
The Jardines Bajos, also known as the Lower Gardens or Jardines Nuevos, form one of the most inviting and varied green spaces within the Generalife. Designed and planted during the early 20th century, these gardens combine historical sensitivity with creative landscaping. With ponds, rose-lined pathways, cypress walls, theatres, and sweeping views of the Alhambra and the Albaicín, they are one of the best places to visit in Granada and often visited on walking tours of Granada.
Created through decades of excavation, restoration, and landscape design, the gardens transform what was once a transitional space between the Alhambra and the Generalife into a serene and beautifully organised park. Each section has its own character, offering a gentle progression from theatre to classical Islamic-inspired space to a charming labyrinth garden.
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History and Significance of Jardines Bajos
The Jardines Bajos developed after the Generalife was acquired by the Spanish State in 1921. The intention was to create a public park that stitched together the Alhambra and the Palacio del Generalife. This required consolidating archaeological remains, reviving ancient pathways, and using landscape architecture to unify the space.
The result—completed across the 1930s, 1950s, and later—became a carefully curated set of gardens reflecting both historical styles and modern sensibilities. Their layout preserves sightlines to the Alhambra’s towers while offering new garden experiences inspired by Nasrid aesthetics, Andalusian traditions, and European landscaping principles.
Things to See and Do in Jardines Bajos
Begin with the Teatro del Generalife, built in 1952 for the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance. Since then, it has hosted world-class performances each summer, with the Alhambra walls providing a majestic backdrop.
Continue into the Muslim-style garden designed by architect Prieto Moreno in 1951. This area features four ponds arranged around a central fountain known as the Carmen, shaded by four towering cypresses. To the west, the pergola walkway and cypress-lined walls offer exceptional views toward the Alhambra and the city.
The final major section is the Labyrinth Garden, laid out in 1931. Its four “green boxes” of tall cypress hedges create small rooms and winding passages where it is easy—and delightful—to get lost. Rose archways, cypress trees, and traditional pebble mosaics using stones from the Rivers Darro and Genil add both colour and texture. The original planting included hundreds of roses, myrtles, orange trees, gladioli, dahlias, and cypresses, creating a lush environment still maintained today.
How to Get to Jardines Bajos
The Jardines Bajos stretch between the Paseo de los Nogales to the southwest and the Paseo de los Cipreses and Paseo de las Adelfas to the northeast. 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 well with Málaga, Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, making rail travel a convenient way to arrive before visiting the Generalife. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, note that parking near the Alhambra and Generalife is limited and best arranged early or in advance. 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 Jardines Bajos
- Suggested tips: Walk each section slowly to appreciate how the landscape changes from theatre to ponds to labyrinth.
- Best time to visit: Late spring or early summer when roses and seasonal flowers are in bloom.
- Entrance fee: The Jardines Bajos is part of the Generalife 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 Jardines Bajos Generalife see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/edificios-lugares/the-lower-gardens
- How long to spend: 20–40 minutes depending on how much of the labyrinth and ponds you explore.
- Accessibility: Some paths are level, but others include slopes or pebbled surfaces that may be uneven.
- Facilities: Restrooms and cafés can be found within the Generalife complex.
- Photography tip: Capture the Alhambra rising above the gardens from the pergola area at golden hour.
- Guided tours: Many tours covering the Generalife include these gardens as an introduction to the upper palace.
- Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance or options in the Albaicín.
Where to Stay close to Jardines Bajos
For a unique overnight stay within the monument, choose Parador de Granada, offering historic charm steps from the gardens. A short walk away, Áurea Washington Irving blends literary heritage with modern comfort. For a cosy, traditional option near the palace approach, consider Hotel América.
Is Jardines Bajos Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Jardines Bajos are absolutely worth visiting. Their blend of theatrical space, Islamic-inspired ponds, and intimate cypress labyrinths creates a refreshing and varied experience that complements the historical architecture of the Generalife. They provide one of the most peaceful and scenic garden walks in the Alhambra.
FAQs for Visiting Jardines Bajos
Why are they called Jardines Bajos?
Because they lie below the higher Jardines Altos and were created in the early 20th century as new landscaped gardens.
What is the most distinctive area?
The labyrinth section, with rose arches and cypress rooms, is especially memorable.
Is there a theatre in the gardens?
Yes, the Teatro del Generalife has been used for music and dance festivals since 1952.
How many ponds are in the Muslim-style garden?
Four ponds surround the central Carmen fountain.
How long does a visit take?
Around 20–40 minutes depending on your pace.
Nearby Attractions to Jardines Bajos
- Palacio del Generalife: The summer palace of the Nasrid sultans.
- Paseo de los Cipreses: A shady walkway lined with ancient cypress trees.
- Paseo de las Adelfas: A tranquil path with flowering oleanders.
- Jardines Altos: The upper gardens with views over the orchards.
- Alhambra Monument Complex: The broader network of palaces, walls, and towers surrounding the gardens.
The Jardines Bajos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
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Visiting Jardines Bajos
For opening times of the Jardines Bajos Generalife see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Jardines Bajos is part of the Generalife of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Paseo de las Adelfas (0.1) km
Gardens and Walk in Granada - Gardens of Generalife (0.1) km
Gardens in Granada - Generalife (0.1) km
Gardens and Palace in Granada - Teatro del Generalife (0.1) km
Theatre in Granada - Paseo de los Nogales (0.1) km
Walk in Granada - Jardines del Palacio del Generalife (0.1) km
Gardens in Granada - Torre de las Infantas (0.1) km
Tower in Granada - Patio del Descabalgamiento (0.1) km
Courtyard in Granada - Albercones (0.1) km
Reservoir in Granada - Casa de los Amigos (0.1) km
Historic Building in Granada
