Sala de los Reyes, Granada
Historic Room in Granada
The Sala de los Reyes is one of the most intriguing chambers in the Palacio de los Leones, part of the exquisite Palacio Nazaríes inside the Alhambra Complex. Believed to have served as a council or meeting room for the sultan, this long, intricately decorated hall brings together political history, architectural beauty, and rare medieval paintings that offer insight into both Islamic and Christian courtly worlds. Its atmosphere and layered craftsmanship make it one of the top attractions in Granada and a highlight of any walking tour of Granada.
Positioned to the east of the Patio de los Leones, the hall is accessed through three porticoes with triple arches of delicate muqarnas. Inside, its elegant proportions unfold through seven interconnected spaces, each filled with carvings, inscriptions, and softly illuminated domes. The room invites slow exploration, rewarding visitors with details that reveal both Nasrid refinement and unexpected cultural exchange.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Sala de los Reyes
- Things to See and Do in Sala de los Reyes
- How to Get to Sala de los Reyes
- Practical Tips on Visiting Sala de los Reyes
- Where to Stay close to Sala de los Reyes
- Is Sala de los Reyes Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Sala de los Reyes
- Nearby Attractions to Sala de los Reyes
History and Significance of Sala de los Reyes
Constructed during the later Nasrid period, the Sala de los Reyes likely held significant administrative and judicial functions. Historians believe this was where the sultan met with ministers, military leaders, and judges to discuss state affairs. Its proximity to the Patio de los Leones and its prominent central chamber suggest it was an important ceremonial environment.
The hall is divided into three square rooms separated by two rectangular sections and flanked by two smaller bedchambers. Each space features a dome of muqarnas that catches and amplifies natural light, creating a soft interplay of shadows and brightness across the stucco work. Only fragments remain of the original tile skirting board, but the surviving decorations show the complexity and refinement characteristic of Nasrid design.
The room’s name comes from the painted image of ten Nasrid rulers that adorns the central dome. These portraits, executed on lambskin fixed with bamboo nails, form one of the most important surviving examples of Nasrid figural painting.
Things to See and Do in Sala de los Reyes
The most striking element of the hall is its trio of painted domes. The central dome depicts the first ten Nasrid kings, identifiable by their ceremonial robes, swords, and turbans. Look closely and you will notice a few red beards, traditionally dyed with henna to project dignity or strength.
The side domes contain scenes of courtly life, chivalry, and romance. These images feature Christian and Muslim figures engaged in hunting, tournaments, and symbolic acts of devotion. They may reflect stories or historical episodes from the reigns of Mohammed VII or Yusuf III, showing how the arts of the Nasrid court absorbed and reinterpreted elements from its Christian neighbours.
As you move through the hall, take time to admire the triple muqarnas arches at the entrance, the interplay of heavy supporting structures with delicate plaster-work, and the quiet architectural rhythm that leads toward the sultan's central chamber, which enjoys a perfect framed view of the Patio de los Leones.
How to Get to Sala de los Reyes
The Sala de los Reyes is inside the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra, accessible only with a timed-entry ticket for the full complex. 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 railway station offers connections to Málaga, Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, making train travel a convenient approach before visiting the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If arriving by car, be aware that parking near the Alhambra is limited and usually requires early arrival or advance planning. 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 Reyes
- Suggested tips: Move slowly through each section to appreciate the paintings and the changing light on the muqarnas.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a calmer atmosphere.
- Entrance fee: The Sala de los Reyes 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 Reyes see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/edificios-lugares/sala-de-los-reyes
- How long to spend: Around 20-30 minutes inside the hall.
- Accessibility: Some narrow corridors and uneven surfaces may be difficult for wheelchairs.
- Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Use a slight angle when photographing the painted ceilings to avoid glare from lighting.
- Guided tours: Many guided tours of the Alhambra include the Sala de los Reyes and explain the meaning of the paintings.
- Nearby food options: Cafés near the Alhambra entrance or restaurants in the Albaicín provide convenient dining options.
Where to Stay close to Sala de los Reyes
For an unforgettable stay within the monument itself, the historic Parador de Granada offers atmospheric rooms inside a former monastery. A short walk from the complex, Áurea Washington Irving provides elegant modern comfort. Travellers who prefer a cosy, traditional setting might enjoy Hotel América, located close to the main Alhambra entrance.
Is Sala de los Reyes Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Sala de los Reyes is absolutely worth visiting. The combination of rare Nasrid paintings, intricate stucco decoration, and evocative architectural design makes it one of the most memorable and culturally rich spaces in the entire Alhambra. Its blend of Islamic artistry and courtly storytelling sets it apart as a unique treasure within the Nasrid Palaces.
What Other Travellers Say...
Sala de los Reyes, C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, Centro, 18009 Granada, Spain, is an opulent long hall noted for its intricate, predominantly white stone decoration and especially its ornate ceilings with stalactite vaulting and star-forming pendentives; visitors say you must look up to fully appreciate the detail, and that the space can be crowded as it sits just off the Lion Courtyard and leads toward the Alhambra exit and gardens.
FAQs for Visiting Sala de los Reyes
Nearby Attractions to Sala de los Reyes
- Patio de los Leones: The iconic courtyard at the centre of the palace.
- Sala de los Abencerrajes: A dramatic hall with a stunning muqarnas dome and legendary history.
- Sala de Dos Hermanas: A beautiful chamber famed for its exquisite honeycomb vaulting.
- Sala de los Ajimeces: A refined space leading toward the private royal quarters.
- Generalife Gardens: Elegant terraces and monumental gardens overlooking the city.
The Sala de los Reyes 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 Reyes see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Sala de los Reyes is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Torre de la Rauda (0.0) km
Tower - Patio de los Leones (0.0) km
Courtyard - Palacio de los Leones (0.0) km
Palace - Sala de los Abencerrajes (0.0) km
Historic Room - Sala de Dos Hermanas (0.0) km
Historic Room - Mirador de Daraxa (0.0) km
Viewing Point - Sala de los Ajimeces (0.0) km
Historic Room - Sala de los Mocárabes (0.0) km
Historic Room - Jardín de Daraxa (0.0) km
Courtyard - El Baño de Comares (0.0) km
Baths
