Torre de las Infantas, Granada
Tower in Granada
The Torre de las Infantas, or Tower of the Princesses, is one of the most enchanting palace-towers along the Paseo de las Torres on the eastern ramparts of the Alhambra Complex. Situated between the Torre de la Cautiva and the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera, it forms part of a trio of qalahurras—tower-palaces designed to combine defensive strength with elegant domestic spaces. Its plain exterior, broken only by two small windows, contrasts sharply with its richly ornamented interior, making it one of the top attractions in Granada for travelers captivated by Nasrid architecture.
Like its neighbour the Torre de la Cautiva, the Torre de las Infantas conceals within its walls a world of refined stucco work, mocarabes, ceramics, and carved wooden ceilings. Its evocative atmosphere and literary fame make it a highlight of any walking tour of Granada that includes the quieter, more romantic towers beyond the main Nasrid Palaces.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Torre de las Infantas
- Things to See and Do in Torre de las Infantas
- How to Get to Torre de las Infantas
- Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de las Infantas
- Where to Stay close to Torre de las Infantas
- Is Torre de las Infantas Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Torre de las Infantas
- Nearby Attractions to Torre de las Infantas
History and Significance of Torre de las Infantas
Built between 1393 and 1394 during the reign of Muhammad VII, the Torre de las Infantas emerged during a period when the Nasrid kingdom was already in decline. Its architecture reflects this transitional moment: while the decorative solutions repeat motifs found elsewhere in the Alhambra, the tower still preserves an exquisite example of domestic Nasrid artistry.
The tower's name has changed several times over the centuries. In the 16th century it was known as Torre de Ruiz y Quintarnaya, named after an inhabitant. Its current name derives from the romantic legend retold by Washington Irving in 1829, involving three princesses—Zaida, Zoraida, and Zorahaida—who were confined in the tower by their father to keep them away from temptation, only to fall in love with captive Christian princes and flee with them. This blend of history and myth deepens the tower's allure. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Generalife area if you enjoy exploring sites where architecture and storytelling intersect.
Things to See and Do in Torre de las Infantas
The Torre de las Infantas is accessed through a passageway with a unique layout: three bends crowned by a dome of mocarabes painted to imitate brick. This leads into a rectangular central hall on the ground floor, with verandas on its shorter sides and a lantern covered in mocarabes rising above it. The hall is surrounded by three narrow rectangular chambers, each with exterior windows. The chamber parallel to the ramparts is the most spacious and features two festooned arches leading to former bedchambers.
The upper floor functioned as a private living area. Here, four horseshoe-arched windows overlook the interior courtyard, and twin exterior windows provide outward views. The decoration—ceramic plinths, stucco inscriptions praising God, and Nasrid geometric patterns—offers a refined but somewhat repetitive palette typical of the late Nasrid period.
Originally, the tower’s central space was covered by a muqarnas dome, later lost in an earthquake and replaced with a wooden dome in the 19th century. Even with this modification, the ambience of the tower remains deeply atmospheric and evocative.
How to Get to Torre de las Infantas
The Torre de las Infantas is located on the eastern ramparts of the Alhambra, between the Torre de la Cautiva and the Torre del Cabo de la Carrera. Visitors flying into Granada typically arrive via Granada Airport, which offers convenient transport to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's rail connections make reaching the Alhambra by train a straightforward option for travellers coming from major Spanish cities. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, designated parking areas near the Alhambra’s main entrance make it easy to reach the palace complex before walking toward the eastern towers. 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 Torre de las Infantas
- Suggested tips: Take time to study the passageway’s triple-bend entrance with its painted mocarabes dome—a unique architectural detail.
- Best time to visit: Late morning, when sunlight filters through the small windows and highlights the stucco textures.
- Entrance fee: The Torre de las Infantas 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 las Infantas see Alhambra Opening Times.
Entrance to this building is usually restricted and cannot be visited during the ordinary visit of the Alhambra Complex.
Access is sometimes permitted with advance registration, through activities arranged by the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
It may also be included in the "Space of the Month" program, which allows the visit of certain spaces normally closed to preserve their conservation and that do not admit a high number of visitors. - Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/notas-prensa/the-patronato-de-la-alhambra-opens-the-tower-of-the-princesses-of-qalahurra-to-the-public-on-march
- How long to spend: Around 15 minutes inside and exploring its interior layout.
- Accessibility: Some steep paths, steps, and narrow passages may be challenging.
- Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are located elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the upper-floor horseshoe arches overlooking the courtyard for a classic Nasrid composition.
- Guided tours: Specialist Alhambra tours often include this tower when highlighting palace-tower architecture.
- Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants are available within the complex and downhill toward Granada.
Where to Stay close to Torre de las Infantas
Staying near the Alhambra allows easy exploration of the Partal and eastern ramparts. For a historic and atmospheric stay, choose Parador de Granada within the grounds. A charming option near the entrance is Hotel América, ideal for reaching the eastern towers on foot. For modern comforts just outside the complex, Eurostars Washington Irving offers elegant rooms inspired by the Alhambra’s literary legacy.
Is Torre de las Infantas Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Torre de las Infantas is absolutely worth visiting. Its romantic legend, intricate Nasrid interiors, and atmospheric location along the eastern walls make it a memorable stop. While smaller and less monumental than the main palaces, it offers an intimate glimpse into the architecture and imagination of late Nasrid Granada.
FAQs for Visiting Torre de las Infantas
Why is it called the Tower of the Princesses?
The name comes from Washington Irving’s 1829 tale about three princesses who were locked in the tower and later escaped with Christian princes.
What is the architectural style?
Nasrid domestic architecture with ceramic plinths, stucco inscriptions, and mocarabes.
Can you enter the tower?
Yes, during normal Alhambra visits the interior can be accessed depending on the route and conservation schedules.
How old is it?
It was built around 1393–94 during the reign of Muhammad VII.
How long should I spend here?
Around 15 minutes to explore its central hall, chambers, and upper-floor arches.
Nearby Attractions to Torre de las Infantas
- Torre de la Cautiva: A richly decorated palace-tower with exquisite Nasrid stucco.
- Torre del Cabo de la Carrera: Another eastern wall tower with strong defensive characteristics.
- Partal Gardens: Terraces and reflective pools surrounding the Partal Palace.
- Generalife Palace: The Nasrid summer palace with beautiful gardens.
- Palacio de Comares: Home to the Hall of the Ambassadors and some of the finest Nasrid interiors.
The Torre de las Infantas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
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Visiting Torre de las Infantas
For opening times of the Torre de las Infantas see Alhambra Opening Times.
Entrance to this building is usually restricted and cannot be visited during the ordinary visit of the Alhambra Complex.
Access is sometimes permitted with advance registration, through activities arranged by the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
It may also be included in the “Space of the Month” program, which allows the visit of certain spaces normally closed to preserve their conservation and that do not admit a high number of visitors.
The Torre de las Infantas 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 Cautiva (0.1) km
Palace and Tower in Granada - Paseo de los Nogales (0.1) km
Walk in Granada - Torre del Cabo de la Carrera (0.1) km
Tower in Granada - Teatro del Generalife (0.1) km
Theatre in Granada - Gardens of Generalife (0.1) km
Gardens in Granada - Jardines Bajos (0.1) km
Gardens in Granada - Torre del Agua (0.1) km
Tower in Granada - Torre del Cadí (0.1) km
Tower in Granada - Paseo de los Cipreses (0.1) km
Gardens in Granada - Torre de Baltasar de La Cruz (0.1) km
Tower in Granada
