Sala de los Mocárabes, Granada
Historic Room in Granada
The Sala de los Mocárabes is the first space you enter when passing from the Patio de los Arrayanes into the Palacio de los Leones. Though simpler than the grand halls that follow, it holds a unique charm and a layered history shaped by both Nasrid craftsmanship and later Christian interventions. Its three eastern arches overlook the Patio de los Leones, offering a graceful transition into one of the top sights in Granada and one of the best places to visit on a walking tour of Granada.
Running north to south, the hall once displayed an elaborate ceiling of mocárabes, the honeycomb vaulting that defines much of Nasrid architecture. Today, only partial vaulting remains, the rest lost through centuries of structural changes and neglect. Even in its simpler form, the room retains a quiet elegance that welcomes visitors into the heart of the palace.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Sala de los Mocárabes
- Things to See and Do in Sala de los Mocárabes
- How to Get to Sala de los Mocárabes
- Practical Tips on Visiting Sala de los Mocárabes
- Where to Stay close to Sala de los Mocárabes
- Is Sala de los Mocárabes Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Sala de los Mocárabes
- Nearby Attractions to Sala de los Mocárabes
History and Significance of Sala de los Mocárabes
The Sala de los Mocárabes originally featured a full vault of stalactite-like mocárabes, which created a shimmering canopy of geometric forms typical of the Nasrid aesthetic. This original vault was destroyed after a gunpowder explosion in 1590, leading to centuries of reconstruction attempts, partial repairs, and stylistic alterations.
During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the hall was divided by an iron gate into major and minor rooms. When the ceiling was replastered in 1614, financial limitations meant that only the northern section received a new vault. The southern area was left unfinished, and when the dividing gate was removed in 1863, the southern cap of the vault was lost entirely.
Despite these changes, traces of the hall’s Nasrid identity endure in the stucco work and inscriptions along the walls, including the emblematic motto “Only God is an Overcomer!” which still appears in the plaster band that links the space to its original Islamic design.
Things to See and Do in Sala de los Mocárabes
The most intriguing feature of the hall today is the Christian vault designed by the painter Blas Ledesma. Created to celebrate the Catholic Monarchs and their heirs, it displays the initials and symbols of Isabel (Y, for Ysabel) and Fernando (F), along with the yoke and arrows associated with their rule.
At each end of the vault, Felipe II installed his imperial coat of arms, adorned with the Golden Fleece and symbols of his vast territories. Only the northern cap survives; the southern was lost when the hall’s partition was dismantled. These Christian-era elements offer a compelling contrast with the Nasrid plasterwork still visible below.
Visitors should also take time to examine the surviving stucco friezes, where the Nasrid coat of arms and royal motto add depth to the story of a room that bridges two different dynastic eras.
How to Get to Sala de los Mocárabes
The Sala de los Mocárabes is located at the entrance of the Palacio de los Leones, immediately after entering from the Patio de los Arrayanes. 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's main train station connects the city with Málaga, Madrid, Barcelona, and other major hubs, making rail travel an easy option before heading to the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If visiting by car, plan to arrive early or book parking in advance, as spaces around the Alhambra are limited. 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 los Mocárabes
- Suggested tips: Pause in this hall to appreciate the transition between the serene Patio de los Arrayanes and the ornate Palacio de los Leones.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for calmer movement through the Nasrid Palaces.
- Entrance fee: The Sala de los Mocárabes 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 los Mocárabes 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-hall-of-the-abencerrages
- How long to spend: 5-10 minutes as part of your progression through the palace.
- Accessibility: Some steps and uneven floors may be challenging in the Nasrid Palaces.
- Facilities: Toilets and cafés are located elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the trio of arches overlooking the Patio de los Leones for a perfect framing shot.
- Guided tours: Most Alhambra tours include this hall, often highlighting its lost mocárabes vault.
- Nearby food options: Restaurants near the Alhambra entrance or in the Albaicín district.
Where to Stay close to Sala de los Mocárabes
For an unforgettable stay within the historic complex itself, the atmospheric Parador de Granada is unmatched. Nearby, Áurea Washington Irving offers refined comfort close to the entrance. Travellers looking for charm and convenience might enjoy Hotel América near the palace approach.
Is Sala de los Mocárabes Worth Visiting?
Yes, even though it is one of the simpler halls of the Palacio de los Leones, its complex history and blend of Nasrid and Christian elements make it a fascinating part of any Alhambra visit. It serves as the architectural threshold into one of Spain's most extraordinary palace ensembles.
What Other Travellers Say...
Sala de los Abencerrajes, in the Alhambra complex at C. Real de la Alhambra s/n in Granada, is a highly decorated hall famed for ornate stucco work, elegant arches and a star-shaped muqarnas cupola that seems to float above the room; visitors praise its intricate detail, exceptional acoustics with a clear echo beneath the dome, and recommend lingering at the center to study the ceiling, noting also a central marble with reddish stains tied to a local legend about the Abencerraje knights.
FAQs for Visiting Sala de los Mocárabes
Nearby Attractions to Sala de los Mocárabes
- Patio de los Leones: The palace's iconic marble courtyard.
- Sala de Dos Hermanas: A luminous chamber with a breathtaking muqarnas dome.
- Sala de los Abencerrajes: A hall famed for its architecture and dramatic legend.
- Sala de los Ajimeces: An elegant room connected to the private royal quarters.
- Patio de los Arrayanes: The serene courtyard leading into the Palacio de los Leones.
The Sala de los Mocárabes 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 los Mocárabes see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Sala de los Mocárabes is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Patio de los Leones (0.0) km
Courtyard - Palacio de los Leones (0.0) km
Palace - El Baño de Comares (0.0) km
Baths - Patio de los Arrayanes (0.0) km
Courtyard - Palacio de Comares (0.0) km
Palace - Sala de Dos Hermanas (0.0) km
Historic Room - Mirador de Daraxa (0.0) km
Viewing Point - Sala de los Abencerrajes (0.0) km
Historic Room - Sala de los Ajimeces (0.0) km
Historic Room - Torre de la Rauda (0.0) km
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