Plaza de Los Aljibes, Granada
Square in Granada
The Plaza de los Aljibes, or the Square of the Cisterns, is one of the most atmospheric open spaces within the Alhambra Complex. Free to access and framed by cypress trees, crenelated towers, and sweeping vistas of Granada, it's a favourite stopping point for visitors exploring the fortress. Built over a massive subterranean cistern system commissioned shortly after the Christian conquest, the square today offers space to rest, admire the scenery, and appreciate how the Alhambra evolved across centuries. It remains one of the best places to visit in Granada if you want to combine history, views, and a sense of place.
Because it sits between major landmarks such as the Alcazaba, the Puerta del Vino, the Palacio Nazaríes, and the Palace of Charles V, the Plaza de los Aljibes is often visited on walking tours of Granada. Whether you're catching your breath after climbing the Alcazaba towers or pausing before continuing toward the Nasrid Palaces, this open platform gives you a moment to absorb the Alhambra's layered story.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Plaza de los Aljibes
- Things to See and Do in Plaza de los Aljibes
- How to Get to Plaza de los Aljibes
- Practical Tips on Visiting Plaza de los Aljibes
- Where to Stay close to Plaza de los Aljibes
- Is Plaza de los Aljibes Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Plaza de los Aljibes
- Nearby Attractions to Plaza de los Aljibes
History and Significance of Plaza de los Aljibes
Before the Christian conquest of Granada in 1492, this area was not a square at all but a deep ravine separating the Alcazaba from the residential and administrative district of the Alhambra. In 1494, Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones, Count of Tendilla, ordered the ravine to be filled and paved, and a monumental water cistern to be constructed beneath it. Measuring 34 meters long, six meters wide, and eight meters high, the cistern ensured water supply to the palatial complex and parts of the city, marking a major infrastructure project during early Christian rule.
The new esplanade created above the cisterns became a central communal space. In the early 19th century, it hosted a temporary bullfighting ring intended to raise funds for Alhambra conservation works. Although the arena was dismantled in 1805, its brief presence speaks to how the square was used creatively to support the site's upkeep.
In 1922, the Plaza de los Aljibes gained cultural significance as the venue of the Cante Jondo Contest, an event organised by Federico García Lorca, Manuel de Falla, and other leading intellectuals. This celebration of deep song marked an important moment in the revival of Andalusian musical traditions. Excavations in 1955 revealed traces of the medieval layout beneath the esplanade, further anchoring the square's role as a site of historical memory. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to understand how the site's urban and cultural fabric evolved over time.
Things to See and Do in Plaza de los Aljibes
The square is best known for its panoramic viewpoints. From its elevated platform, you can gaze across Granada and the Albaicín, the ancient Moorish neighbourhood whose whitewashed houses and winding streets create one of the city's most iconic scenes. The defensive walls and towers nearby are part of the fortified system that protected the Alhambra from attack, giving you a clear sense of the site's strategic power.
Turning toward the heart of the complex, you'll see the Puerta del Vino, the Palace of Charles V, and the entry points to the Nasrid Palaces. The triangular outline of the Alcazaba rises behind, its watchtowers offering some of the best views in Granada. A simple snack stand in the middle of the square adds to its role as a rest stop where visitors can gather before continuing through the site.
Sitting along the low walls and soaking in the castle atmosphere is one of the simplest pleasures here. The openness of the esplanade contrasts beautifully with the tight courtyards, carved chambers, and fortified passages found elsewhere in the Alhambra.
How to Get to Plaza de los Aljibes
Visitors coming from abroad will usually fly into Granada Airport, which offers easy transport connections into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada is well connected by rail to major cities such as Madrid, Córdoba, and Seville, making travel by train convenient for many visitors. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
For those driving, the Alhambra has dedicated parking areas near the main entrance, allowing for a straightforward arrival before walking to the square. 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.
The Plaza de los Aljibes lies at the centre of the Alhambra Complex, just next to the Alcazaba and the Puerta del Vino.
Practical Tips on Visiting Plaza de los Aljibes
- Suggested tips: Use the square as a rest point during your Alhambra visit-it's one of the few wide-open areas with space to pause.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon offers beautiful light over the Albaicín and cooling shade from the nearby towers.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 24 Hours
- Official website:
- How long to spend: Around 10-15 minutes, longer if you stop to enjoy the views.
- Accessibility: The esplanade is largely level and suitable for most visitors, though nearby paths may be uneven.
- Facilities: A snack stand stands at the centre, with cafés and restrooms available within the broader complex.
- Photography tip: Face toward the Albaicín in the golden hour for atmospheric city views.
- Guided tours: Many Alhambra tours pause here to explain the site layout and water systems.
- Nearby food options: Options range from the onsite cafés to restaurants downhill in central Granada.
Where to Stay close to Plaza de los Aljibes
Staying near the Alhambra gives you easy access to morning and evening visits. The atmospheric Parador de Granada places you right inside the complex, with beautiful views and unique historic charm. A smaller, traditional option is Hotel América, perfectly located for exploring on foot. For a more contemporary stay just outside the main entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving offers stylish rooms inspired by the Alhambra’s literary heritage.
Is Plaza de los Aljibes Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Plaza de los Aljibes is absolutely worth visiting. Not only does it offer some of the best panoramic views in the Alhambra, but it also embodies centuries of architectural, cultural, and social history. Whether you come for the scenery, a moment of rest, or a deeper understanding of how the fortress evolved, this esplanade is an essential part of any Alhambra experience.
What Other Travellers Say...
Plaza de los Aljibes de la Alhambra in Granada sits within the Alhambra complex and offers access to four main areas including the Nasrid palaces, the Alcazaba and the Generalife; visitors recommend buying tickets in advance and taking a guide to skip lines, wearing comfortable shoes for stairs and walking through the old military fort, and note baby strollers must be left at the entrance; expect breathtaking views and photo opportunities from the towers, a lively atmosphere that can feel crowded but enjoyable, and nearby spots to relax with good sandwiches, coffee and pleasant scenery.
FAQs for Visiting Plaza de los Aljibes
Nearby Attractions to Plaza de los Aljibes
Generalife Gardens: A tranquil garden retreat used by Nasrid rulers during the summer.
Alcazaba: The oldest part of the Alhambra, offering panoramic city views.
Puerta del Vino: A beautifully decorated Nasrid gate leading toward the palace district.
Palace of Charles V: A Renaissance palace with a striking circular courtyard.
Nasrid Palaces: The exquisite heart of the Alhambra, filled with ornate courtyards and chambers.
The Plaza de Los Aljibes 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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