Torre de la Cautiva, Granada

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Holycharly

The Torre de la Cautiva, located on the northern wall of the Alhambra Complex and forms part of the Paseo de las Torres, is one of the most fascinating hybrid structures in the entire monument. Outwardly, it blends seamlessly with the line of defensive towers along the walls, its exterior giving little hint of what lies inside. But step through its doors and you enter one of the most richly decorated spaces in all the Alhambra, rivalled only by the Hall of the Ambassadors in complexity and beauty. It is one of the must-see places in Granada for visitors who love discovering hidden architectural treasures.

This tower-palace, or qalahurra, artfully combines the defensive solidity of a watchtower with the elegance of a private residence. Its quiet location and atmospheric interiors make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that explores the Alhambra's lesser-known palaces beyond the main Nasrid complex.

History and Significance of Torre de la Cautiva

The Torre de la Cautiva was built at the end of the 13th century and later renovated under Yusuf I in the first half of the 14th century, converting the structure into luxurious living quarters. This transformation from a simple military tower into an elegant residential space reflects the Nasrid talent for blending defence with refinement.

Its history continued to evolve after the Christian conquest. For centuries it served as the residence of Christian governors and later private occupants. Restoration between 1873 and 1876 helped recover its Nasrid splendour and revealed the poetic inscriptions and architectural details that define the tower today. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Generalife area if you want to appreciate how the Alhambra's architecture adapted over time.

The tower's name, “Torre de la Cautiva,” meaning Tower of the Captive, comes from a long-held belief that Lady Isabel de Solís-later known as Soraya after converting to Islam-had been imprisoned here before becoming the wife of the Nasrid sultan. Earlier names included Torre de la Ladrona (Tower of the Woman Thief) and Torre de la Sultana, each echoing layers of history and legend.

Things to See and Do in Torre de la Cautiva

The tower's interior is among the most exquisite in the Alhambra. Visitors enter through a passageway that leads into a serene patio framed by galleries on three sides, each with festooned arches resting on mocarabes imposts. These honeycomb-like decorations are one of the finest examples of ornamented Islamic vaulting in Granada.

A double mocarabes arch leads from the patio into a square hall, whose 19th-century coffered ceiling complements the Nasrid inscriptions and decorations along the walls. From the hall, dressing rooms open to balconies that look outward over the defensive walls, illustrating the dual character of the tower as both fortress and elegant dwelling.

One of the most remarkable features is the poem inscribed on the left-hand wall, celebrating the tower’s role as both a palace and a bastion. Its lines praise the harmony of ceiling, floor, and walls, drawing attention to the marvels of stucco, tilework, and carved wood. This poetic inscription offers rare insight into how Nasrid architecture was meant to be experienced.

How to Get to Torre de la Cautiva

Visitors arriving from abroad generally fly into Granada Airport, which offers convenient links into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Travel by train is another comfortable option, as Granada is connected by rail to major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville, and Málaga. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If driving, the Alhambra provides designated parking areas near the main entrance, from which you can walk to the Generalife paths and the tower. 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 la Cautiva stands in the Generalife section of the Alhambra Complex.

Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de la Cautiva

• Suggested tips: Spend time studying the mocarabes and stucco inscriptions-they reveal some of the finest craftsmanship in the Alhambra.
• Best time to visit: Morning light enhances the tranquil atmosphere of the patio and galleries.
• Entrance fee: The Torre de la Cautiva 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 la Cautiva see Alhambra Opening Times.
• Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/elemento-del-mes/torre-de-la-cautiva
• How long to spend: Around 15-20 minutes to absorb the details of the patio and interior hall.
• Accessibility: Some steps and narrow passages may make access challenging for certain visitors.
• Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are located elsewhere within the Alhambra Complex.
• Photography tip: Capture the double mocarabes arch leading into the hall for one of the tower’s most iconic compositions.
• Guided tours: Many specialist tours include this tower due to its extraordinary decoration and legends.
• Nearby food options: On-site cafés and restaurants downhill toward central Granada.

Where to Stay close to Torre de la Cautiva

Staying near the Alhambra offers the best access to both the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife. The elegant Parador de Granada offers a historic stay inside the monument grounds. A charming alternative is Hotel América, located close to the main pathways. For modern comfort, Eurostars Washington Irving provides stylish rooms just outside the entrance.

Is Torre de la Cautiva Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Torre de la Cautiva is absolutely worth visiting. Its intimate scale, extraordinary decorative programme, and mix of palace and fortress features make it one of the most captivating spaces in the entire Alhambra. Whether you come for its poetry, its architecture, or its legends, the experience is unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (29)

Torre de la Cautiva, located in the Generalife area of Granada, is praised for its beautifully preserved interior plasterwork and tile decoration that evoke the Nasrid palaces; visitors note delicate details and poetic wall inscriptions, along with good views of the valley and the Albaicín from nearby, but warn it is not always open and some areas may be closed at times.

F L

2 years ago

"Closing now. There are a lot of places that you can’t go in. It’s not like UNESCO place"

Observador silencioso

2 months ago

"One of the most beautiful and best-preserved towers in the Alhambra, famous for its interior plasterwork and tile decoration reminiscent of theNasrid Palaces. Its name comes from a legend that speaks of a Christian princess held captive here, although it was actually a residential tower within the walls. The interior is striking for the delicacy of its details and the poetic inscriptions that can still be read on the walls. It is not always open to the public, so it is advisable to check before visiting. From the surrounding area, there are good views of the valley and the Albaicín. Interestingly, its structure dates back to the 14th century and was painstakingly restored to preserve the original color of its stucco and ceramics...."

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Antonio Castrillo

3 years ago

"Located on the wall's patrol path, this tower was known in the 16th century as the Tower of the Thief and the Sultana. Its name was changed to theTower of the Captive because it was thought to have been the home of Doña Isabel de Solís, a convert to Islam under the name Zoraya, a favorite of King Muley Hacén. It was restored between 1873 and 1876 after first being the residence of the Christian wardens and then of private individuals...."

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FAQs for Visiting Torre de la Cautiva

Nearby Attractions to Torre de la Cautiva

• Generalife Palace: The summer residence of the Nasrid rulers with beautiful gardens.
• Partal Gardens: Scenic terraces and reflecting pools adjacent to the tower.
• Torre de las Infantas: Another palace-tower with richly decorated interiors.
• Palacio de Comares: Home to the famous Hall of the Ambassadors.
• Torre de la Justicia: A grand gate tower leading into the Alhambra Complex.

The Torre de la Cautiva 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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