Palacio de Comares, Granada

Palace in Granada

The Palacio de Comares, the official residence of the Nasrid sultans, is one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles in the entire Alhambra Complex. Built and decorated primarily under Yusuf I and completed by his son Mohammed V, it surrounds the serene Patio de los Arrayanes with its reflective pool, elegant porticoes, and richly ornamented halls. This is one of the top attractions in Granada for anyone wanting to understand the political and ceremonial heart of the Nasrid court.

At the north end of the patio rise the Sala de la Barca and the legendary Salón de los Embajadores, housed inside the monumental Torre de Comares. These spaces hosted royal audiences, diplomatic receptions, and moments of profound political significance, making the palace a highlight of any walking tour of Granada that explores the Alhambra's royal history.

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

History and Significance of Palacio de Comares

The Palacio de Comares was created as the Sultan's official residence and the centre of government for the Nasrid dynasty. Yusuf I envisioned a palace whose decoration would astonish visitors, commissioning exquisite plasterwork, carved wood, ceramics, and geometric ornamentation. Although he initiated much of the construction, inscriptions reveal that Mohammed V finished the works and added the magnificent façade in the Patio del Cuarto Dorado.

This palace contained the throne room of the entire Nasrid kingdom, making it the political heart of the Alhambra. The decorative schemes throughout the palace—Quranic inscriptions, poetic verses, muqarnas, and geometric motifs—express the cultural and spiritual worldview of its rulers. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra to grasp the ambition and artistry of Nasrid Granada.

Things to See and Do in Palacio de Comares

The palace is organised around the Patio de los Arrayanes, also known as the Court of the Myrtles. Its long central pool reflects the porticoes, the tower, and the sky, creating one of the Alhambra's most iconic views. Two porticoes with seven arches each frame the patio, with lattice windows and upper galleries rising on the southern side.

From the northern gallery, visitors enter the Sala de la Barca, whose ceiling—a 19th-century replacement of the original destroyed in a fire—evokes the Arabic notion of baraka, or blessing. Beyond it lies the Salón de los Embajadores, a vast throne room inside the Torre de Comares. Its glazing, stucco décor, and wooden dome symbolise the seven heavens of Islamic cosmology. According to legend, both the decision to surrender Granada and Columbus's appeal to the Catholic Monarchs took place inside this hall.

Other highlights include the Sala de los Embajadores' small oratory, the façade of the Cuarto Dorado, and the subtle details of the palace's inscriptions and woodwork.

How to Get to Palacio de Comares

The Palacio de Comares is located within the Palacio Nazaríes area of the Alhambra Complex. Visitors flying into Granada typically arrive via Granada Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's train station connects easily to major Spanish cities, making arrival by rail a convenient option before heading up to the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, dedicated parking areas near the main Alhambra entrance provide access to the palaces through a short walk. 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 Palacio de Comares

Suggested tips: Take your time inside the Hall of the Ambassadors to appreciate the poetic inscriptions and intricate wooden dome.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for softer light over the Court of the Myrtles.
Entrance fee: The Palacio 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 Palacio de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 40–60 minutes to explore the patio, halls, and tower interior.
Accessibility: Narrow passages, steps, and uneven surfaces may present difficulties in some areas.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere within the Alhambra.
Photography tip: Capture the reflections in the Patio de los Arrayanes’ long pool during calm weather.
Guided tours: Many tours focus on the Nasrid Palaces and include detailed explanations of the Comares ensemble.
Nearby food options: On-site cafés and restaurants are located closer to the main entrances.

Where to Stay close to Palacio de Comares

For an immersive stay near the Nasrid palaces, the historic Parador de Granada offers unmatched proximity. A charming mid-range choice is Hotel América, located within the complex. For a modern stay just outside the walls, Eurostars Washington Irving provides stylish comfort inspired by Alhambra themes.

Is Palacio de Comares Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Palacio de Comares is absolutely essential when visiting the Alhambra. As the ceremonial and political nucleus of Nasrid power, it combines exquisite artistry with historic significance, offering some of the most memorable spaces in the entire monument. Its patios, halls, and tower are among the finest expressions of Islamic architecture in Spain.