Sala de la Barca, Granada
Historic Room in Granada
The Sala de la Barca is one of the most atmospheric rooms of the Palacio de Comares, forming the transitional space between the reflective Patio de los Arrayanes and the grand throne room of the Hall of Ambassadors. Its name, derived from the Arabic word baraka meaning blessing, later morphed into the Spanish barca or boat-perhaps helped by its long vaulted ceiling shaped like an inverted hull. This evocative hall is one of the must-see places in Granada for visitors interested in Nasrid symbolism and royal life. It is also often visited on walking tours of Granada because it marks the final passage before entering the solemn heart of state power.
Long and narrow, richly ornamented, and deeply symbolic, the Sala de la Barca once served as the sultan's bedchamber area and private oratory zone. Today its mixture of restored ceilings, detailed plasterwork, and repeated Nasrid mottoes invite visitors to imagine the intimate, ceremonial, and devotional life of the palace.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Sala de la Barca
- Things to See and Do in the Sala de la Barca
- How to Get to the Sala de la Barca
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Sala de la Barca
- Where to Stay close to the Sala de la Barca
- Is the Sala de la Barca Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting the Sala de la Barca
- Nearby Attractions to the Sala de la Barca
History and Significance of the Sala de la Barca
The hall's origins go back to the time of Yusuf I, though it was later enlarged by Muhammad V as part of his grand reorganisation of the Comares Palace. Functionally, it served as a transitional antechamber leading to the Salon de los Embajadores, the Nasrid throne room.
Its name comes from the Arabic baraka (blessing), inscribed repeatedly on its walls. Over time this was Hispanised into barca, or boat, encouraged by the ceiling’s semi-cylindrical vault resembling an overturned ship. The ceiling we see today is a 1964 reconstruction based on drawings, photographs, and surviving fragments, as the original burned in an 1890 fire.
Historically, this room also held the sultan’s bedchambers. Each end of the hall contained an alcove for a bed, closed by folding doors. A private latrine was reached from the west alcove, underscoring the room’s domestic role. Its eastern wall contains what was once the mihrab of the sultan’s private oratory, mistakenly pierced by an archaeologist during early restoration.
Things to See and Do in the Sala de la Barca
Admire the long vaulted ceiling-a rare architectural feature in Nasrid palaces. Though a reconstruction, its form and elegant proportions are faithful to the original.
Examine the plasterwork along the walls, including repeating Nasrid coat-of-arms motifs and the dynasty’s motto: “Only God is Victor.” The phrase al-baraka (blessing) appears repeatedly, giving the room its original meaning.
The tiled dado and tiled columns are fine examples of Nasrid craftsmanship, supporting arches rich with mocárabes and scalloped forms. Look closely at the doorway leading into the Hall of Ambassadors: this was originally the mihrab of the sultan’s private prayer area.
Try to picture the room as it once was, with bed alcoves at each end and privacy screens marking the sultan’s most intimate retreat within the palace.
How to Get to the Sala de la Barca
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 has direct connections to Madrid, Málaga, and Seville, making train travel simple. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Visitors arriving by car can reach the Alhambra via the Ronda Sur and park in the main visitor car parks before entering the complex. 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 Sala de la Barca is accessed from the northern gallery of the Patio de los Arrayanes.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Sala de la Barca
- Suggested tips: Take time to look up-the ceiling’s unusual form is one of the room’s most distinctive features.
- Best time to visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon when light enhances the plaster relief.
- Entrance fee: The Sala de la Barca 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 la Barca see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website:
- How long to spend: 10 minutes before continuing to the Hall of Ambassadors.
- Accessibility: Narrow passageways and some uneven surfaces.
- Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Frame the vaulted ceiling from the centre of the hall for a balanced shot.
- Guided tours: Most tours include this hall as part of the Comares Palace narrative.
- Nearby food options: Cafés near the Palacio de Carlos V.
Where to Stay close to the Sala de la Barca
For an atmospheric stay inside the Alhambra complex, choose Parador de Granada. A few steps away, Hotel America offers a charming historic setting. For modern comfort near the palace entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is an excellent choice.
Is the Sala de la Barca Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Sala de la Barca is a beautiful blend of symbolism, architecture, and palace life. As the final antechamber before the Hall of Ambassadors, it captures both the ceremonial and intimate aspects of the Nasrid court, making it an essential stop within the Comares Palace.
What Other Travellers Say...
Sala de los Abencerrajes, in the Alhambra complex at C. Real de la Alhambra s/n, is a richly decorated hall famed for ornate stucco, elegant arches and a star-shaped muqarnas cupola that seems to float overhead; visitors praise its intricate details, exceptional acoustics and relatively uncrowded, timed-entry experience, and many note the room's dramatic associations with the Abencerraje knights and the reddish marks on the central marble (actually due to the stone's natural oxide), so take time standing in the center to study the ceiling and carvings.
FAQs for Visiting the Sala de la Barca
Nearby Attractions to the Sala de la Barca
- Patio de los Arrayanes: The reflective courtyard leading into the hall.
- Salon de los Embajadores: The magnificent Nasrid throne room housed within the Comares Tower.
- Palacio de Comares: The official palace of Nasrid governance.
- Patio del Cuarto Dorado: A ceremonial courtyard joining the Mexuar and Comares palaces.
- Palacio de los Leones: The nearby private palace of the Nasrid royal family.
The Sala de la Barca 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 la Barca see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Sala de la Barca is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Palacio Nazaríes (0.0) km
Palace - Torre de Comares (0.0) km
Palace and Tower - Salón de Embajadores (0.0) km
Historic Room - Cuarto Dorado (0.0) km
Palace - Patio de la Reja (0.0) km
Courtyard - Patio del Cuarto Dorado (0.0) km
Courtyard - Facade of the Palace of Comares (0.0) km
Palace - Palacio de Comares (0.0) km
Palace - Patio de los Arrayanes (0.0) km
Courtyard - Oratorio de Mexuar (0.0) km
Historic Room
