Mezquita del Partal

Mosque in Granada

The Mezquita del Partal or Mosque of the Partal is a mosque in the Palacio de Partal. The Palacio de Partal is one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It is also known as the Oratory of the Partal.

The Oratory of the Partal is attached to what was the house of Astasio de Bracamonte, squire of the Count of Tendilla. It dates from the time of  Nasrid Sultan Yusuf I (1333-1354),  some years after the construction of the house of Astasio de Bracamonte and the Palace of Partal, which was built under Sultan Muhammad III (1302-1309). Together with the Arab houses of the Partal and the house of Astasio de Bracamonte, they form a group of buildings related to the daily operation of the Palacio del Partal in the 14th century.

From 2013 to 2017 the Mezquita del Partal was being restored by Granada-born architect Federico Wulff Barreiro.

What does the Mezquita del Partal look like?

The Mezquita del Partal was built atop the ramparts and is barely wide enough for three or four persons to kneel in side by side. It is the only free-standing mosque conserved in the city. The center of the mosque is occupied by the mihrab, which is in the shape of a horseshoe arch, with three golden shells on it. There are five panels which represent the five commandments of the Koran.

It has intricately decorated timber frame and wooden ceilings, and its plaster-work  presents a sophisticated decorative program of epigraphic or calligraphy and vegetal elements

It has windows on two if its sides, that allow you to contemplate the beautiful views and landscapes that surround it. Some people think that having side windows is something abnormal in this particular mosque, since the exterior beauty that surrounds it could be a distraction to prayer. But we cannot forget that for Muslims nature represents the existence of God and Paradise.

Where is the Mezquita del Partal located?

The Mezquita del Partal is located to the east of the Torre de las Damas or Tower of the Ladies.


The Mezquita del Partal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

Other names of Mezquita del Partal

The Mezquita del Partal has the following names: Mezquita del Partal, Mosque of the Partal, Torre del Oratorio, Tower of the Oratory, Oratorio del Partal and Oratory of the Partal.

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Visiting Mezquita del Partal

Hours:

For opening times of the Mezquita del Partal see Alhambra Opening Times


Price:

The Mezquita del Partal is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.

Address: Oratorio del partal 18009 Granada Spain
Duration: 10 minutes

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