Sala de Dos Hermanas, Granada
Historic Room in Granada
The Sala de Dos Hermanas is one of the most enchanting chambers within the Palacio de los Leones, part of the intricate Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra. Built under Mohammed V, it is the oldest of the rooms surrounding the iconic Patio de los Leones and showcases the architectural refinement of the Nasrid dynasty. Its elegance, symmetry, and poetic symbolism make it one of the top sights in Granada and often visited on walking tours of Granada.
Stepping inside, you find yourself surrounded by delicate plaster-work, marble flooring, and a breathtaking dome that seems to blossom overhead like an intricate stone flower. The hall balances technical mastery with a serene atmosphere, blending intimate spaces with views toward the courtyard outside.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Things to See and Do in Sala de Dos Hermanas
- How to Get to Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Practical Tips on Visiting Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Where to Stay close to Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Is Sala de Dos Hermanas Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Nearby Attractions to Sala de Dos Hermanas
History and Significance of Sala de Dos Hermanas
Commissioned by Mohammed V, the Sala de Dos Hermanas embodies the artistic peak of Nasrid palace construction. As the central space of the sultana's living quarters, it was surrounded by a series of private chambers where the royal women and their families lived with a degree of independence. Even Boabdil's mother resided in these rooms after her separation from Muley Hacén, making this one of the most historically charged areas of the palace.
The hall's name comes from two large twin slabs of Macael marble embedded in the floor. Perfectly matched in size, colour, and weight, they are the largest marble pieces in the entire Alhambra. An alternative, though less accepted, theory attributes the name to a poetic reference to the Gemini constellation, whose twin figures were said to approach the hall in a symbolic gesture of harmony.
Today, the Sala de Dos Hermanas stands as a testament to Nasrid imagination and craftsmanship, blending poetic inscriptions, geometric complexity, and refined functional design.
Things to See and Do in Sala de Dos Hermanas
One of the main highlights is the exquisite dome of mocarabes, a masterpiece of stone honeycomb vaulting illuminated by carefully placed side windows. This creates an effect that once resembled shifting stars when the hall still had its stained-glass panes before 1590. The poem by Ibn Zamrak that adorns the skirting boards deepens the space’s lyrical and visual richness.
Admire the three small arches leading to the mirador chamber, with their scalloped edges and delicate muqarnas. From the mirador, you can enjoy a framed view of the Patio de los Leones, a wonderfully intimate moment within the otherwise grand palace.
The hall also features a marble fountain at its centre, connected by a thin water channel to the fountain in the Patio de los Leones. This simple but elegant design reminds visitors of the importance of water in Islamic architecture-not only as a cooling element but as a symbol of paradise.
How to Get to Sala de Dos Hermanas
The Sala de Dos Hermanas is located within the Palacio de los Leones in the Nasrid Palaces, accessible only with a timed-entry ticket to the Alhambra. The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport, located a short drive from the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's main railway station connects the city with Málaga, Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, making train travel a convenient option before heading up to the palace complex. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, plan ahead, as parking near the Alhambra is limited and typically requires early arrival or pre-booking. 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 Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Suggested tips: Take your time absorbing the dome’s intricate details; move slowly through the hall to catch the changing light.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer interior light.
- Entrance fee: The Sala de Dos Hermanas 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 Sala de Dos Hermanas see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/edificios-lugares/the-hall-of-the-two-sisters
- How long to spend: Around 15-20 minutes inside the hall.
- Accessibility: Some passages are narrow, and surfaces may be uneven in places.
- Facilities: Toilets and cafés are available elsewhere in the Alhambra Complex.
- Photography tip: Stand directly beneath the dome to capture its radiant symmetry.
- Guided tours: Many guided tours of the Alhambra include this hall, offering historical and architectural insights.
- Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants are available near the Alhambra entrance and in the Albaicín below.
Where to Stay close to Sala de Dos Hermanas
For a memorable stay within the grounds themselves, the historic Parador de Granada offers unmatched proximity and atmosphere. Nearby, Áurea Washington Irving provides elegant rooms just steps from the main entrance. Travellers seeking a smaller boutique option may enjoy Hotel América, a charming choice close to the palace complex.
Is Sala de Dos Hermanas Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Sala de Dos Hermanas is one of the architectural jewels of the Alhambra, combining masterful engineering with poetic beauty. Its luminous dome, intricate carvings, and quiet connection to family life within the Nasrid court make it a magical and memorable stop within the Palacio de los Leones.
What Other Travellers Say...
Sala de los Abencerrajes, located in the Alhambra at C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n in Granada, is a highly decorated hall noted for ornate stucco, arches and a star-shaped muqarnas cupola that appears to float above the room; visitors praise its intricate architectural detail, exceptional acoustics with a clear echo beneath the dome, and recommend a leisurely, central view to appreciate the ceiling and traces of original polychromy, while timed entry helps avoid crowds.
FAQs for Visiting Sala de Dos Hermanas
Nearby Attractions to Sala de Dos Hermanas
- Patio de los Leones: The central courtyard of the Palacio de los Leones with its famous marble fountain.
- Sala de los Abencerrajes: Another stunning chamber crowned with a spectacular muqarnas dome.
- Sala de los Ajimeces: An elegant hall adjoining the Dos Hermanas, known for its twin arched windows.
- Jardines del Partal: Beautiful terraced gardens offering serene views over Granada.
- Habitaciones de Carlos V: A set of chambers linked historically to the later Christian modifications of the palace.
The Sala de Dos Hermanas 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 Sala de Dos Hermanas see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Sala de Dos Hermanas is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Mirador de Daraxa (0.0) km
Viewing Point - Sala de los Ajimeces (0.0) km
Historic Room - Palacio de los Leones (0.0) km
Palace - El Baño de Comares (0.0) km
Baths - Jardín de Daraxa (0.0) km
Courtyard - Patio de los Leones (0.0) km
Courtyard - Sala de los Mocárabes (0.0) km
Historic Room - Habitaciones de Carlos V (0.0) km
Historic Room - Sala de los Reyes (0.0) km
Historic Room - Patio de los Arrayanes (0.0) km
Courtyard
