Torre de los Picos, Granada

Flickr / Elena

The Torre de los Picos, one of the largest defensive towers in the entire Alhambra Complex, stands prominently along the Paseo de las Torres which link the fortress to the Generalife. Its imposing form, crowned with distinctive crenellated “peaks” and strengthened with machicolations and corbels, reveals its vital defensive purpose. Built on the foundations of an earlier 13th-century tower, the structure controlled an important entrance to the fortress and the passageway leading to the Puerta del Arrabal and the nearby barracks. It is one of the must-see places in Granada for visitors who enjoy the architectural drama of the Alhambra's military landscape.

Despite its severe stone exterior, the Torre de los Picos contains richly decorated rooms that reflect its dual role as both fortification and residence. This blend of practicality and embellishment makes it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that explores the Alhambra's fortifications and their surprising interior worlds.

History and Significance of Torre de los Picos

The Torre de los Picos was constructed in the second half of the 14th century, replacing an earlier tower built under Sultan Muhammad II in the 13th century. This explains the unusual detail of the Nasrid wall-walk (adarve) running beneath the tower instead of through it—a feature inherited from its earlier footprint.

Its defensive importance centred on securing one of the key routes between the Alhambra and the Generalife, as well as the nearby Puerta de Hierro, rebuilt by the Catholic Monarchs. The richly decorated interior reveals that this tower was also used as a residential space or a place of status, reflecting the Nasrid tradition of combining fortification with comfort and artistry. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to understand the evolution from early Nasrid defences to later, more elaborate structures.

The tower's name comes from its peaked battlements, though another explanation links the name to the projecting brackets that once supported defensive machicolations. The tower was also known as Torre de Narváez in later centuries. Its dramatic architecture inspired Washington Irving, who imagined this tower as the hiding place of the Jewish Almamen seeking revenge in his Tales of the Alhambra.

Things to See and Do in Torre de los Picos

The Torre de los Picos offers one of the most intriguing interior layouts among the Alhambra's defensive towers. It has three floors, each with a single room, and a rooftop terrace framed by crenellations. The upper chamber is particularly notable for its rib-vaulted ceiling supported by four unusually thick cylindrical ribs—an architectural feature rarely seen elsewhere in the Alhambra.

The main floor showcases three twin stone-carved windows formed by pointed horseshoe arches with Mudejar capitals. Their Gothic moulding overlays but does not conceal the underlying Islamic form, symbolising the layered history of cultures that shaped the fortress. The richly decorated plasterwork and traces of paintings inside the rooms evoke a space that was both functional and refined.

It is believed that the main floor originally featured a wooden dome ceiling similar to the one in the Torre de las Damas, adding another layer of Nasrid craftsmanship to the tower's interior.

How to Get to Torre de los Picos

The Torre de los Picos is located on the walls connecting the Alhambra to the Generalife, near the Puerta del Arrabal. Visitors arriving from abroad typically fly into Granada Airport, which provides easy access into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada is well connected by rail to major Spanish hubs, making arrival by train a simple and efficient option. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you are travelling by car, designated parking at the Alhambra’s main entrance makes it easy to reach the nearby pathways that lead toward 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.

Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de los Picos

• Suggested tips: Approach the tower from the path that leads toward the Generalife to appreciate its imposing profile and defensive features.
• Best time to visit: Late afternoon brings warm light to the stone, highlighting the machicolations and crenellated peaks.
• Entrance fee: The Torre de los Picos 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 los Picos see Alhambra Opening Times.
  Access is normally restricted unless to building forms part of the Space of the Month program.
• Official website:
• How long to spend: Around 10–15 minutes to appreciate the exterior and surroundings.
• Accessibility: Some paths leading to the tower are steep or uneven.
• Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere within the Alhambra complex.
• Photography tip: Capture the tower from below the walls to show its corbels, peaks, and overhanging structure.
• Guided tours: Many specialised tours include this tower when discussing the Alhambra’s defensive innovations.
• Nearby food options: Several cafés and restaurants can be found within the complex and downhill toward Granada.

Where to Stay close to Torre de los Picos

The area around the Alhambra offers excellent accommodation for exploring its towers and gardens. The historic Parador de Granada provides an exceptional stay within the monument grounds. A traditional option nearby is Hotel América, ideal for exploring the fortress on foot. For a modern and comfortable stay just outside the complex, consider Eurostars Washington Irving.

Is Torre de los Picos Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Torre de los Picos is well worth visiting. Its powerful defensive form, richly decorated interior, historical layers, and literary connections make it an enthralling stop on the Alhambra's walls. It offers an excellent example of how Nasrid defensive architecture combined strength with aesthetic refinement.

FAQs for Visiting Torre de los Picos

Why is it called the Torre de los Picos?
Its name comes from the peaked battlements that top the tower, or possibly from the projecting supports for the original machicolations.

How old is the tower?
It was built in the second half of the 14th century on top of an earlier 13th-century tower.

What is inside the tower?
Three superimposed rooms, rib vaults on the upper floor, decorated plasterwork, and stone-carved twin windows.

Did Washington Irving write about it?
Yes, he used it as a mysterious backdrop in his Tales of the Alhambra.

How long should I spend here?
Around 10–15 minutes to explore the exterior and surrounding viewpoints.

Nearby Attractions to Torre de los Picos

• Puerta del Arrabal: A historic gateway connecting the Alhambra to outlying quarters.
• Tower of the Cabo de la Carrera: Another defensive tower along the eastern ramparts.
• Torre de la Cautiva: A beautifully decorated palace-tower nearby.
• Generalife: The Nasrid summer palace with elegant gardens.
• Partal Palace: The oldest preserved palace in the Alhambra with its iconic five-arched portico.

The Torre de los Picos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!

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