Sala del Mexuar, Granada

Palace in Granada

Sala del Mexuar, Alhambra
Sala del Mexuar, Alhambra
© Andrew Ashton

Sala del Mexuar in Granada is the first chamber many visitors see inside the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra. It is a former council and audience room, built as part of the palace complex and later altered after the Christian conquest. The space is compact, but it contains several periods at once: Nasrid columns and stucco, a later wooden ceiling, and wall tiles added in the 16th century.

The room matters because it shows how the Alhambra changed over time without losing the outline of its original function. Visitors usually pause here to look closely at the four central columns, the carved plaster, and the tiled dado with Arabic and imperial symbols. It suits travellers interested in palace history, decorative detail, and the political role of the Alhambra, while casual visitors can treat it as a short but useful stop on the way through the Nasrid Palaces.

History and Significance of Sala del Mexuar

The Mexuar was originally built around 1320 during the reign of Sultan Ismail I and later adapted by Yusuf I and Muhammad V. It was here that the sultan met with advisers, listened to petitions, and administered justice. According to Ibn al-Khatib, Muhammad V inaugurated a renovated Mexuar in 1362 during the Mawlid, marking its importance as a ceremonial and governing space.

During Nasrid times, the room featured a polychrome glass roof supported by the four marble columns still visible today. A raised chamber screened by lattices allowed the sultan to observe proceedings without being seen. Light and colour-from glass, stucco, and tile-would have filled the hall.

After the Christian conquest, the room underwent significant changes. By the time Charles V arrived in Granada, the Mexuar had been transformed into a chapel, complete with an extended northern section, a second-storey choir balcony, a new doorway, and the imperial coat of arms. These Christian additions, along with earlier Islamic decorations, remain legible on its walls, forming a unique visual dialogue across centuries.

Things to See and Do in Sala del Mexuar

Look up to admire the coffered wooden ceiling from the Christian period, with its interlaced geometric patterns. The central columns with their muqarnas capitals mark the heart of the original Nasrid chamber, evoking the grandeur of the sultan’s ceremonial meetings.

Examine the intricate tilework along the lower walls. These 16th-century azulejos by Sevillian potter Juan Pulido include symbolic coats of arms: the Nasrid motto Wa lā gāliba illā-llāh, the emblem of the Counts of Tendilla, the double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Pillars of Hercules representing Charles V’s Plus Ultra motto. The repeated Morisco inscription above the dado-al-milk li-llah, al-qudra li-llah, al-ʿizza li-llah-adds an additional layer of meaning.

From the Sala del Mexuar, a doorway leads onward toward the Cuarto Dorado and deeper into the Nasrid Palaces, following the same ceremonial progression used by dignitaries centuries ago.

How to Get to Sala del Mexuar

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 offers frequent train connections from Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, use the Ronda Sur to reach the Alhambra's official parking zones before walking to the palace entrances. 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 del Mexuar lies within the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra and is reached through the complex's timed-entry system.

Practical Tips on Visiting Sala del Mexuar

  • Suggested tips: Arrive early for your Nasrid Palaces entry to enjoy the room before it becomes congested.
  • Best time to visit: Morning light brings out the texture of the stucco and tiles.
  • Entrance fee:
  • Opening hours:
  • Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/edificios-lugares/mexuar-oratorio
  • How long to spend: 15-25 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Some steps, uneven floors, and narrow passages.
  • Facilities: Restrooms and cafés located in other areas of the Alhambra.
  • Photography tip: Focus on the central columns and surrounding tilework for detailed shots.
  • Guided tours: Many Alhambra tours include in-depth explanations of the Mexuar's political and artistic history.
  • Nearby food options: Cafés near the Palacio de Carlos V and in the main visitor zones.

Where to Stay close to Sala del Mexuar

For a stay immersed in history, Parador de Granada offers atmospheric lodging inside the monument grounds. A charming and traditional option is Hotel America, ideally placed within walking distance of the palaces. For a modern hotel close by, Eurostars Washington Irving provides comfort and convenience near the complex entrance.

Is Sala del Mexuar Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Sala del Mexuar is an essential part of any visit to the Nasrid Palaces. Its architecture and decoration reveal the evolving story of the Alhambra-from Nasrid council chamber to Christian chapel-and offer a rare glimpse of overlapping artistic traditions. Its beauty, symbolism, and historical depth make it truly unmissable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (56)

Mexuar room, located in the Nasrid Palaces at C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, Centro, Granada, is the historic council chamber where the sultan received delegations and where the palace tour begins; visitors recommend taking time to look up and around to admire richly decorated Nasrid capitals, intricate wall and tile details with geometric Islamic motifs and Arabic inscriptions, four central columns bearing inscriptions, and later additions such as the twin plaques of Carlos V, and note that entry to the Nasrid Palaces requires tickets and ID.

David Stanley
3 months ago
"This richly decorated Nasrid capital is in the Mexuar Hall of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. The Mexuar was the council hall of the palace where thesultan received delegations...."
Suj Begum
4 months ago
"The tour of the Nasrid Palaces starts at Sala del Mexuar - the historic council chamber or located inside the Nasrid Palaces. It served as theSultans Council chamber. The geometric motifs on the tiles are typical of Islamic art. Above the tiles, the inscription in Arabic reads: al-milk li-l-lah, al qudra li-l-lah, al-´iza li-l-lah. Which means “The kingdom of Allah, the greatness of Allah, the glory of Allah”. The four columns in the middle of the room, have an inscription that translates to ‘Everything that you own comes from Allah.’ The twin plaques of Carlos V stands out with its Christian motto painted on the tiles of the wall. Plūs Ultré, The motto is wrapped around the columns of Hercules and has a border of Moorish bows from the 16th century. If you want to visit Nasrid Palaces you must purchase tickets to enter AND ensure that you bring your passport or equivalent form of ID...."
Da y Reyes
6 years ago
"The Mexuar room is the where the Nasrid Palace tour begins. Take your time to admire the intricate details of a distant past. Quite stu ing. TheMexuar room quietly sets the tone for the remainder of the tour...."
Lis Conde
a year ago
"The tour through the Nsarid palaces starts in the Mexuar. This room was of high political significance given that it was used by the sultan, courtand high officials to conduct business, judge criminals and determine the faith of the people...."
Anthony Chan
2 years ago
"Look up to admire the intricate details on the walls."

FAQs for Visiting Sala del Mexuar

Its name comes from the Arabic Maswar, the council chamber where ministers met to advise the sultan.
The combination of Nasrid stucco, muqarnas capitals, Christian-era ceiling, and symbolic tilework makes it visually unique.
It was a public audience chamber where the sultan listened to petitions and administered justice.

The Sala del Mexuar appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

Moira & Andy
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

Address: Mexuar room s/n Calle Real de la Alhambra 18009 Granada Spain
Granada: 1 km
Official Website

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