Palacio del Partal

Palace in Granada

Torre De Las Damas, Alhambra, Granada 1 — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wolfgang Pehlemann

The Palacio del Partal or Partal Palace is one of the Palaces of the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It was built by Muhammad III of Granada who ruled from 1302 to 1309.

Where does the Palacio del Partal get its name?

El Partal comes from an Arabic word meaning “the portico”, and is the name given to the remains of the residence of Sultan Yusuf III, the northernmost of the Nasrid Palaces.

What does the Palacio del Partal look like?

The stately Moorish homes which once filled this part of the Alhambra Hill were allowed to fall into ruin because they were not close enough to the new Christian palace to be conveniently used, by its intended inhabitants, as recreational areas and decorated gardens, of the type so popular during the Renaissance. All that is left now are the archaeological excavations of several of these homes visible among the terraced gardens (planted in the 20th century) – and the picturesque arcade, tower and pond of El Partal.

What to see in the Palacio del Partal

Torre de las Damas: The Torre de las Damas or Tower of the Ladies had a beautiful reflecting pool in front where you can take a great picture of the building itself and it’s reflecting in the water. From here you can see the gardens of the Partal, the Albaicin and the orchards of the Generalife. The pillars of the building had to be replaced since the original pillars were in bad shape. The Tower of the Ladies was built between 1302 – 1309 during the reign of Muhammad III.
Palacio de Yusuf III: The Palacio de Yusuf III or Palace of Yusuf III was built between 1408 – 1417. It was the residence of the governors of the Alhambra until 1718. Afterwards the Palace of demolished. The Palace has now been transformed in a maze. There is evidence that suggest that the Palace had a similar design and grandeur than other Palaces in the Alhambra. You can now follow the path which leads alongside the battlements from the Nasrid Palaces to the Generalife. Along the way you can see the remains of buildings. These days the gardeners maintain some nice flower beds in the gardens.
Mezquita del Partal: Near the pond stands a small mosque, one of the most charming buildings of the Alhambra. It was built atop the ramparts and is barely wide enough for three or four persons to kneel in side by side. The “mezquita del Partal” is the only free-standing mosque conserved in the city.
Torre de los Picos: The Torre de los Picos, located in the historic city of Granada, Spain, is a striking example of Moorish architecture. Dating back to the 14th century, this tower features a distinctive design characterized by its pointed merlons, or “picos” in Spanish, which give it its name. Originally part of the Alhambra complex, the Torre de los Picos offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular attraction for visitors exploring the rich history of Granada.
Torre del Cadí: Situated in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, the Torre del Cadí is a medieval tower that once formed part of the defensive network of the Cadí Moixeró Natural Park. Dating back to the 11th century, this tower served as a strategic lookout point and refuge for travelers navigating the rugged mountain terrain. Today, the Torre del Cadí stands as a testament to the region’s storied past and offers visitors a glimpse into Catalonia’s medieval history.
Torre de la Cautiva: Nestled within the Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain, the Torre de la Cautiva, or “Tower of the Captive,” is a symbol of the city’s Moorish heritage. Named after a legendary tale of captivity and romance, this tower features intricate stucco decoration and ornate windows that reflect the artistic splendor of Al-Andalus. Visitors to the Alhambra can explore the Torre de la Cautiva and learn about its fascinating history as they wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Torre de las Infantas: The Torre de las Infantas, or “Tower of the Princesses,” is a historic tower located in the heart of the Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain. Dating back to the 14th century, this tower is renowned for its elegant architecture and exquisite tilework, which reflects the influence of Moorish design. Once used as a royal residence, the Torre de las Infantas offers visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Nasrid dynasty and is a highlight of any tour of the Alhambra.