Palacio del Partal, Granada
Palace in Granada
The Palacio del Partal is one of the most atmospheric corners of the Alhambra, blending archaeological remains, elegant Moorish architecture, and sweeping views over Granada and the Generalife. Built during the reign of Muhammad III between 1302 and 1309, it preserves some of the earliest surviving palace structures in the complex. Its open portico, reflecting pool, and surrounding terraces make it one of the best places to visit in Granada and a highlight of any walking tour of Granada.
Although much of the original residential quarter fell into ruin after the Christian conquest, the surviving arcade, pond, and tower create a picturesque setting that captures the quiet charm of the Nasrid world. Modern terraced gardens, created in the 20th century, soften the archaeological remains while allowing visitors to imagine the grandeur of the historic palace landscape.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Palacio del Partal
- Things to See and Do in Palacio del Partal
- How to Get to Palacio del Partal
- Practical Tips on Visiting Palacio del Partal
- Where to Stay close to Palacio del Partal
- Is Palacio del Partal Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Palacio del Partal
- Nearby Attractions to Palacio del Partal
History and Significance of Palacio del Partal
The name Partal comes from an Arabic term meaning “the portico,” referring to the palace's defining feature: its elegant, five-arched portico overlooking a large reflective pond. The site later became the residence of Sultan Yusuf III, making it the northernmost of the Nasrid palaces.
Over the centuries, the surrounding stately homes fell into decay, largely because they stood too far from the new Christian palace and were not incorporated into Renaissance garden designs. Excavations now reveal the outlines of former houses and courtyards, offering a rare look at the urban layout of medieval Alhambra life.
Today the Partal area represents one of the Alhambra's most harmonious blends of history, landscape, and architectural remains. It also forms a transitional space between the Nasrid Palaces and the pathway leading toward the Generalife.
Things to See and Do in Palacio del Partal
Begin with the Torre de las Damas, the iconic Tower of the Ladies. Its reflecting pool creates a perfect mirror for photographs, capturing the arches and sky in serene symmetry. From here, you can enjoy views of the Albaicín, the lush Partal gardens, and the orchards of the Generalife.
Explore the remains of the Palacio de Yusuf III, built between 1408 and 1417. Although demolished in the 18th century, its footprint suggests a palace of great beauty and scale. Today, visitors can follow a path along the battlements, passing archaeological remains and well-kept flower beds maintained by the Alhambra's gardeners.
Near the pond stands the Mezquita del Partal, one of the most charming buildings in the entire complex. This small mosque-barely wide enough for four people to kneel-stands atop the ramparts and is the only free-standing mosque preserved in Granada.
You may also encounter several surrounding towers, including the Torre de la Cautiva, the Torre de las Infantas, and the Torre de los Picos. Each tower carries its own story and architectural beauty, often linked to legends, royal women, or historic fortifications.
How to Get to Palacio del Partal
The Palacio del Partal lies to the north of the main Nasrid Palaces, forming the transition toward the towers and pathways leading to the Generalife. The closest 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 offers convenient connections from Málaga, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona, making rail travel an easy choice before heading into the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, be aware that parking near the Alhambra is limited and should ideally be booked in advance or approached early in the morning. 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 Partal
- Suggested tips: Walk slowly around the pond for the best reflections of the portico and tower.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the light softens across the water.
- Entrance fee: The Palacio del Partal 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 Partal see [link_post post_id="3786" anchor="opening" type="link"]Alhambra Opening Times[/link_post]
- Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/edificios-lugares/the-partal
- How long to spend: 20-30 minutes exploring the gardens, pond, mosque, and surrounding towers.
- Accessibility: Some paths include slopes and uneven ground but most garden areas are accessible.
- Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are elsewhere in the Alhambra complex.
- Photography tip: Capture the portico reflected in the pond for a classic Alhambra image.
- Guided tours: Many tours include the Partal area when continuing toward the Generalife.
- Nearby food options: Dining options can be found near the Alhambra entrance or in the Albaicín.
Where to Stay close to Palacio del Partal
For an unforgettable experience inside the monument itself, the historic Parador de Granada offers atmospheric rooms within a former monastery. Just outside the grounds, Áurea Washington Irving provides refined comfort inspired by literary history. For a more traditional and cosy stay, Hotel América sits conveniently near the palace approach.
Is Palacio del Partal Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Palacio del Partal is absolutely worth visiting. Its tranquil pond, elegant portico, surrounding towers, and scenic gardens offer a peaceful contrast to the busy Nasrid halls. The combination of archaeological remains and surviving architecture makes it one of the most atmospheric parts of the Alhambra.
What Other Travellers Say...
El Partal, tucked in Granada's Alhambra complex at Callejon Guindo 2T, is a peaceful, open-air pavilion from an early Nasrid palace where a delicate tower and arcaded porch with five arches sit beside a large reflecting pool surrounded by terraced gardens; visitors praise its photogenic water reflections and mountain views, find it a quieter spot to escape the busier palaces, and note the exterior architecture and garden details are beautiful even if restoration is less complete than elsewhere.
FAQs for Visiting Palacio del Partal
Nearby Attractions to Palacio del Partal
- Torre de las Damas: The iconic tower and reflecting pool of the Partal Palace.
- Mezquita del Partal: A small, beautifully preserved Nasrid mosque.
- Palacio de Yusuf III: Archaeological remains of a once-grand palace.
- Torre de la Cautiva: A richly decorated Nasrid tower filled with legend.
- Torre de las Infantas: A 14th-century tower linked to Nasrid princesses.
The Palacio del Partal appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
For opening times of the Palacio del Partal see Alhambra Opening Times
The Palacio del Partal is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Torre de las Damas (0.0) km
Palace and Tower - Mezquita del Partal (0.0) km
Mosque - Sala de los Reyes (0.1) km
Historic Room - Habitaciones de Carlos V (0.1) km
Historic Room - Sala de los Ajimeces (0.1) km
Historic Room - Jardín de Daraxa (0.1) km
Courtyard - Mirador de Daraxa (0.1) km
Viewing Point - Sala de Dos Hermanas (0.1) km
Historic Room - Palacio de los Leones (0.1) km
Palace - Torre del Peinador de la Reina (0.1) km
Palace and Tower
