Patio de los Leones, Granada

The Patio de los Leones, or Court of the Lions, is the dazzling centrepiece of the Palacio de los Leones in the Nasrid Palaces. Commissioned by Mohammed V, it is one of the most celebrated spaces in the Alhambra, famed for its marble fountain supported by twelve uniquely carved lions and its forest of slender columns. Its harmony, symbolism, and craftsmanship make it one of the best places to visit in Granada for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Islamic architecture. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada as it reveals the intimate beauty of royal Nasrid life through its geometry, water channels, and poetic detail.

A masterpiece of proportion and meaning, the Patio de los Leones weaves together myths, inscriptions, water symbolism, and artistic innovation. For centuries, travellers have been mesmerised by its blend of power, grace, and serenity.

History and Significance of the Patio de los Leones

Built during the reign of Mohammed V, the courtyard likely replaced an earlier garden and served as a private area for the royal family. Its design diverges from traditional Andalusian patio layouts, showing a unique conceptual approach focused on symbolic geometry, flowing water, and the organisation of palace rooms around an elongated central space.

The courtyard was part of Mohammed V's ambitious programme to transform the Nasrid Palaces into a refined complex of interconnected halls. Over time it became one of the most recognisable courtyards in Islamic architecture, admired for its mathematical precision, inscriptions celebrating divine protection, and the magical interplay of light and water.

The courtyard also inspired numerous legends, including the famous tale of Princess Zaira and the twelve lions-an imaginative attempt to explain the presence of sculpted animals in an Islamic palace.

Things to See and Do in the Patio de los Leones

Begin at the iconic Fuente de los Leones, the dodecagonal marble basin supported by twelve sculpted lions. Each lion is unique, carved with individual expressions, fur details, and even the triangular markings on the heads of two, which have prompted theories linking them to the tribes of Israel or to zodiac symbolism. The poetic inscription by Ibn Zamrak carved into the basin celebrates Mohammed V and the beauty of his palace.

Surrounding the courtyard are 124 slender marble columns arranged in fine symmetrical groups, supporting filigree pavilions and covered galleries. Their cubic capitals, scalloped arches, and mocárabe vaults create a delicate lacework of stone. At the centre of each long side stands a larger horseshoe arch adorned with stalactite-like details.

At the shorter ends of the courtyard are two projecting pavilions, each with intricately carved screens and wooden domes. These pavilions are believed to have been inspired by Cistercian lavabos and are some of the most refined architectural features in the Alhambra.

Look closely at the floor pattern and layout: the courtyard’s channels form a perfect cross radiating from the fountain, symbolising the four rivers of paradise described in Islamic tradition.

How to Get to the Patio de los Leones

The Patio de los Leones is located within the Palacio de los Leones in the Nasrid Palaces. 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 direct train connections from Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, take the Ronda Sur to the Alhambra car parks and continue into the complex on foot. 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 the Patio de los Leones

• Suggested tips: Walk slowly around the edges of the courtyard to take in the geometry and changing light.
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the sun highlights the arches and column shadows.
• Entrance fee: The Patio de los Leones 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 Patio de los Leones 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-court-of-the-lions
• How long to spend: 20-30 minutes.
• Accessibility: Uneven surfaces and narrow passages typical of historic palaces.
• Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located near the Palacio de Carlos V.
• Photography tip: Stand in front of either pavilion for a symmetrical shot of the fountain framed by arches.
• Guided tours: Strongly recommended for understanding the courtyard’s symbolic meanings.
• Nearby food options: Cafés near the palace exit and within the Alhambra complex.

Where to Stay close to the Patio de los Leones

For an unforgettable stay within the Alhambra walls, choose Parador de Granada, which combines history with comfort. A few steps away, Hotel America provides a charming, traditional setting. For modern luxury nearby, Eurostars Washington Irving offers elegant rooms themed around Washington Irving’s writings.

Is the Patio de los Leones Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. This courtyard is one of the jewels of Islamic architecture-a sublime mix of poetry, geometry, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Its fountain, pavilions, and columns create an unforgettable encounter with the Nasrid aesthetic, making it an essential stop for every visitor to the Alhambra.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (912)

Patio de Los Leones, in the heart of the Alhambra at C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, is a celebrated Moorish courtyard centered on the famous Lion fountain and its intricate water system; visitors praise its exquisite symmetry, carved stucco decorations and muqarnas, and often call it a highlight of the Palacio de Nazaríes, though crowds and queues mean you should plan entry in advance and many recommend taking a guide to fully appreciate the palace's extensive ornamentation and details.

vikalp sharma

a month ago

"Its a piece of art with amazing symmetry and carvings on the wall. Every point is perfect for pictures with those beautiful fountains and greenery.Must visit if you are around granada and do buy your tickets for entrance in advance...."

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Scott Long

4 months ago

"This pavilion with its iconic Lion fountain is so graceful and elegant. It is difficult to capture in photos. One of the highlights of the Palacio deNazares at Alhambra...."

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David Stanley

3 months ago

"The eastern pavilion of the Patio de Los Leones at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, features intricately-carved stucco decorations with Arabicinscriptions, sebka motiffs, and muqarnas (stalactite-like sculpting). Numerous theories attempt to explain the symbolism and purpose of the 14th century Patio de Los Leones, The 12 marble lions supporting an alabaster basin here are among the most iconic images of Islamic art in the world. The 12 marble lions spouting jets of water disprove the idea that figurative representation is prohibited in Islamic culture. Or was this an exception? The Sala de los Abencerrajes next to the harem on the south side of Court of the Lions has a muqarnas (stalactite) dome in the shape of an eight-pointed star. This may have symbolized the celestial heaven...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Patio de los Leones

Nearby Attractions to the Patio de los Leones

• Sala de Dos Hermanas: A richly decorated chamber with a famous stalactite dome.
• Sala de los Abencerrajes: The legendary hall linked to the tragic tale of the Abencerraje family.
• Sala de los Reyes: Noted for its medieval paintings on leather panels.
• Sala de los Mocárabes: Named after its former mocárabe vault, lost in a 16th-century explosion.
• Palacio de los Leones: The surrounding palace containing several of the Nasrid family's private rooms.

The Patio de los Leones 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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Nearby Attractions

• Palacio de los Leones (0.0) km
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• Sala de Dos Hermanas (0.0) km
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• Sala de los Mocárabes (0.0) km
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• Torre de la Rauda (0.0) km
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• Sala de los Abencerrajes (0.0) km
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• Sala de los Reyes (0.0) km
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