Torre de Comares, Granada
Palace and Tower in Granada
The Torre de Comares is one of the most iconic structures within the Alhambra Complex, rising 45 metres above the Palacio de Comares and dominating the skyline of the Nasrid Palaces. Externally austere, with minimal windows and projecting gargoyles, the tower hides some of the most spectacular interiors in the entire Alhambra. It is one of the top attractions in Granada for visitors seeking the artistic and political heart of the Nasrid dynasty.
Despite its fortress-like appearance, the Torre de Comares was a palace-tower where diplomacy shaped history. Its grand halls hosted negotiations between emirs and Christian emissaries, and it played a central role in the political decisions that transformed late medieval Spain. It is a highlight of any walking tour of Granada through the Nasrid Palaces.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Torre de Comares
- Things to See and Do in Torre de Comares
- How to Get to Torre de Comares
- Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de Comares
- Where to Stay close to Torre de Comares
- Is Torre de Comares Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Torre de Comares
- Nearby Attractions to Torre de Comares
History and Significance of Torre de Comares
The Torre de Comares was begun during the reign of Yusuf I in the first half of the 14th century and completed by his son Muhammad V, the ruler responsible for much of the Alhambra’s finest architecture. This tower was not simply a lookout or defensive point-it was the ceremonial and governmental heart of the Nasrid court.
The tower's name likely derives from the comarías, stained-glass windows that once enclosed the nine balconies of the Hall of the Ambassadors, filling the chamber with filtered light. Another interpretation links the name to the Arabic word for throne room or to the artisans of Comares, a fortress-town whose craftsmen may have decorated the tower. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Nasrid Palaces for understanding how art, architecture, and power intertwined.
Throughout its history, the tower witnessed major events. Legend claims that the Council who negotiated the surrender of Granada to the Catholic Monarchs met inside the tower, and that Boabdil's mother rebuked him from a balcony for giving up the kingdom. It is also said that Christopher Columbus persuaded the Catholic Monarchs here to fund his western voyage-one that would lead to the discovery of the Americas in 1492.
Things to See and Do in Torre de Comares
Inside the tower are some of the most extraordinary rooms in the Alhambra. The Salón de los Embajadores, or Hall of the Ambassadors, occupies the upper chamber and is the grandest space in the Nasrid Palaces. With its immense wooden dome made of more than 8000 cedar pieces forming an intricate star pattern representing the seven heavens of Islam, the hall served as the centre of diplomatic life.
Before entering the Hall of the Ambassadors, you pass through the Sala de la Barca, or Hall of the Blessing, a long chamber with a beautiful wooden ceiling. Between its walls and those of the main hall lies a narrow corridor containing two doors: one leading to upper chambers, including the sultan's winter bedroom with access to a balcony, and the other to a small private oratory with a horseshoe arch decorated in stylised vegetal motifs.
The tower's exterior features several windows on all four façades, with gargoyles similar to those on the Torre de la Justicia and 16th-century merlons added during Christian renovations. Its soaring height and severe lines contrast sharply with the sophistication of its interiors.
How to Get to Torre de Comares
Visitors arriving from abroad usually fly into Granada Airport, which provides simple connections into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's rail network makes reaching the Alhambra by train easy from major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville, and Málaga. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If you are travelling by car, the Alhambra has dedicated parking areas near the main entrance, followed by a short walk through the complex to reach the Nasrid Palaces. 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 Torre de Comares is part of the Palacio de Comares within the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra.
Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de Comares
- Suggested tips: Reserve your Nasrid Palaces entry well in advance, as timed tickets are required and access is tightly controlled.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter visits and beautiful light entering the balconies.
- Entrance fee: The Torre de Comares 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 Torre de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.
- Official website:
- How long to spend: Around 20-30 minutes inside the tower’s chambers.
- Accessibility: Some stairways and passages are narrow, and interior floors may be uneven.
- Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and shaded areas are located elsewhere within the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the dome of the Hall of the Ambassadors from the centre of the room for the best symmetry.
- Guided tours: Highly recommended, as guides bring to life the tower’s political history and architectural symbolism.
- Nearby food options: On-site cafés and restaurants downhill toward central Granada offer convenient choices.
Where to Stay close to Torre de Comares
To stay close to the Nasrid Palaces, the historic Parador de Granada offers a unique experience inside the Alhambra grounds. For a cosy, traditional option near the main entrance, Hotel América is a favourite among visitors. A modern alternative nearby is Eurostars Washington Irving, inspired by the Alhambra’s literary heritage.
Is Torre de Comares Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Torre de Comares is one of the architectural and cultural highlights of the entire Alhambra. Its majestic Hall of the Ambassadors, intricate ceilings, historical resonance, and legendary associations make it a must-see for anyone visiting Granada. It encapsulates the splendour of Nasrid art and the political drama that shaped Spain's final Muslim kingdom.
What Other Travellers Say...
Torre de Comares, located in C. Real de la Alhambra in Granada, is the largest tower of the Alhambra complex and sits within the Nasrid Palaces; visitors praise its scale and elegance, noting the Hall of the Ambassadors inside with its intricate cedar-wood ceiling and impressive views over the Albaicín, and describe the tower's numerous windows and external features such as gargoyles that contribute to a powerful, memorable experience.
FAQs for Visiting Torre de Comares
Nearby Attractions to Torre de Comares
- Court of the Myrtles: A serene courtyard leading into the Palacio de Comares.
- Torre de la Justicia: A grand gate tower near the main Alhambra entrance.
- Palace of the Lions: Home to the famous lion fountain and intricately decorated halls.
- Palace of Charles V: A Renaissance palace with a striking circular courtyard.
- Partal Gardens: Elegant terraces, pools, and porticoes with views across the Alhambra.
The Torre de Comares 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 Torre de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.
The Torre de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Salón de Embajadores (0.0) km
Historic Room - Sala de la Barca (0.0) km
Historic Room - Patio de la Reja (0.0) km
Courtyard - Cuarto Dorado (0.0) km
Palace - Palacio Nazaríes (0.0) km
Palace - Patio del Cuarto Dorado (0.0) km
Courtyard - Oratorio de Mexuar (0.0) km
Historic Room - Facade of the Palace of Comares (0.0) km
Palace - Torre del Peinador de la Reina (0.0) km
Palace and Tower - Sala del Mexuar (0.0) km
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