Palacio del Mexuar, Granada

Palace in Granada

Patio De Machuca Palace Of Mexuar Palacio Nazaries Alhambra 2

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rumomo

The Palacio del Mexuar is the atmospheric gateway into the Nasrid Palaces, the first space visitors enter before reaching the more private royal residences of Comares and the Lions. Originally a 14th-century ministerial council chamber, it served as the public administrative heart of the Nasrid court. Here, ministers met, justice was dispensed, and petitioners awaited audiences with the sultan. This richly layered history makes it one of the best places to visit in Granada for travellers who want to understand how the Alhambra functioned as both palace and government. Its mixture of Islamic, Nasrid, and later Christian elements reveals centuries of adaptation and reinvention.

From the Sala del Mexuar with its central columns and muqarnas, to the Cuarto Dorado and its celebrated Nasrid façade, every corner tells a story of power, ritual, and artistry. This palace area is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada, as it sets the tone for the splendour that follows deeper into the complex. Its oratory, tiled halls, and restored courtyard spaces give an intimate glimpse of the earliest and most transformed of the Nasrid palaces.

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

History and Significance of Palacio del Mexuar

Built under Yusuf I and restored by Muhammad V, the Mexuar served as a public administrative centre where the sultan met his ministers, listened to petitions, and carried out judicial duties. It was a space where ordinary subjects could approach their ruler, unlike the more private Palacios de Comares and de los Leones. The court poet Ibn Zamrak praised it as a haven of mercy and counsel, a description that highlights its diplomatic and judicial function.

Over the centuries, the Mexuar experienced more alteration than any other part of the Nasrid Palaces. After the 1492 conquest, the Catholic Monarchs repurposed its chambers as a Christian chapel, adding painted ceilings, choir balconies, and other architectural transformations. Later Baroque interventions and 17th-century restorations left an enduring imprint. The Cuarto Dorado area, once part of a larger Palacio Real, preserves the finest façade surviving from this earlier palace after many rooms were destroyed by Yusuf I or Muhammad V.

The Mexuar’s layered identity—public court, chapel, administrative centre, and architectural relic—makes it an essential stop for understanding the Alhambra’s evolution across Islamic and Christian eras.

Things to See and Do in Palacio del Mexuar

Begin in the Sala del Mexuar, the council chamber completed in 1365. Its four central columns and muqarnas draw the eye upward to the richly painted ceiling from the Christian period. This room once echoed with petitions, judgements, and ministerial debates.

At the back of the hall lies the Oratorio del Mexuar, angled precisely toward Mecca. It is one of the palace's many intimate prayer niches, retaining an atmosphere of devotion and quiet reflection. Nearby, the Cuarto Dorado displays exquisite Mudéjar woodwork and introduces you to the aesthetic transition between Nasrid and Christian decorative styles.

Step into the Patio del Cuarto Dorado to admire one of the most remarkable façades of the entire Alhambra. Its refined stucco, symmetry, and inscriptions showcase the palace's ceremonial grandeur. From here, you can also explore the Torre de Machuca and Patio de Machuca, connected to the architects of the Palacio de Carlos V, and visit the Madrasa de los Príncipes, once an elite school for royal children.

How to Get to Palacio del Mexuar

The Palacio del Mexuar is within the Alhambra's Nasrid Palaces, accessed through timed-entry tickets. 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 Railway Station provides convenient connections from cities such as Málaga, Seville, and Madrid. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, follow the Ronda Sur and use the designated Alhambra parking areas before walking to the palaces. 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 del Mexuar

Suggested tips: Arrive early for your timed Nasrid Palaces entry to fully appreciate the Mexuar before the crowds.
Best time to visit: Morning slots offer quieter viewing and softer indoor light.
Entrance fee: The Palacio del Mexuar 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 del Mexuar see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website:
How long to spend: 20–40 minutes exploring its rooms and courtyard.
Accessibility: Some narrow passages and steps may limit access.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located elsewhere within the Alhambra.
Photography tip: Capture the façade of the Cuarto Dorado from the patio for perfect symmetry.
Guided tours: Many Alhambra tours include detailed explanations of the Mexuar's political and architectural significance.
Nearby food options: Restaurants and cafés near the Palacio de Carlos V and within the Alhambra's visitor areas.

Where to Stay close to Palacio del Mexuar

For a truly immersive experience, the historic Parador de Granada places you inside the grounds of the Alhambra itself. Nearby, Hotel America offers traditional décor and intimate charm just steps from the palace entrances. A modern option just below the complex is Eurostars Washington Irving, with comfortable rooms and easy pedestrian access.

Is Palacio del Mexuar Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Palacio del Mexuar is an unmissable part of the Alhambra. Its blend of Nasrid artistry, administrative history, Christian adaptation, and architectural beauty offers a unique and layered experience. As the oldest—and most transformed—section of the Nasrid Palaces, it provides essential context for everything you will discover deeper inside the complex.

FAQs for Visiting Palacio del Mexuar

What was the Mexuar used for originally?
It served as a public council chamber where the sultan heard petitions and conducted administrative and judicial business.

Why does the architecture look mixed?
The rooms were heavily altered after the Christian conquest, including being converted into a chapel in 1632.

Can you visit the oratory?
Yes, the oratory at the far end of the Sala del Mexuar is accessible and notable for its orientation toward Mecca.

Nearby Attractions to Palacio del Mexuar

Palacio de Comares: The ceremonial residence of the sultans with the famous Court of the Myrtles.
Palacio de los Leones: Home to the iconic Courtyard of the Lions and Nasrid craftsmanship.
Cuarto Dorado: A richly decorated chamber with one of the palace's finest façades.
Torre de Machuca: Residence of the architects of the Palacio de Carlos V.
Patio de Machuca: A historic courtyard featuring a pool inspired by Roman nymphaea.

The Palacio del Mexuar appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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