Torre de los Siete Suelos, Granada
City Gate and Tower in Granada
The Torre de los Siete Suelos, or Tower of the Seven Floors, is one of the most storied defensive gates of the Alhambra Complex. Located on the southern side of the fortress, it once served as one of the four main entrances into the Red Hill citadel, leading directly into the upper part of the Medina. Its gate predates the tower above it and shares with the Puerta de la Justicia the famous inscription “Only God is Victor,” linking it to some of the most monumental structures of the Nasrid palace-city. It is one of the top attractions in Granada for visitors fascinated by the more mysterious corners of the Alhambra.
Legends, tragedies, and romantic tales surround the Torre de los Siete Suelos. From the story of Boabdil's departure to Washington Irving's treasure-filled fantasies, the tower embodies the imaginative aura that captivated 19th-century travellers. Its dramatic history and rebuilt form make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that explores the southern entrances of the Alhambra.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Legends of the Torre de los Siete Suelos
- What Does the Torre de los Siete Suelos Look Like?
- How to Get to Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Where to Stay close to Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Is Torre de los Siete Suelos Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Nearby Attractions to Torre de los Siete Suelos
History and Significance of Torre de los Siete Suelos
The gate itself dates from the 14th century during the reign of Yusuf I, who ordered the construction of the tower atop an earlier building along the Nasrid south wall. Its monumental doorway became one of the four principal entrances into the Alhambra, specifically serving the Medina. The name Bib al-Gudur—Gate of the Wells—refers to nearby dungeons used to hold prisoners.
From here, Boabdil is said to have left the Alhambra on 2 January 1492 after handing over the city to the Catholic Monarchs, requesting that the gate be sealed forever. Although this request remains part of oral tradition, the gate was indeed closed in 1747 and remained so until the French occupation.
The Torre de los Siete Suelos suffered major destruction in 1812, when Napoleon's troops blew it up during their retreat. It was partially reused in the Carlist conflicts of the 1830s, and the esplanade became home to the Tavern of the Seven Floors around 1850. The tower and gate as seen today were reconstructed in the 1970s, following careful study of historical paintings and photographs. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to experience the layered history of war, myth, and reconstruction.
Legends of the Torre de los Siete Suelos
The tower’s name comes from the belief that seven underground levels lie beneath it. Although only two subterranean chambers have been confirmed—cylindrical vaults with skylights and wall openings—the legend of the seven floors persisted.
Washington Irving cemented the tower's mythic status in his Tales of the Alhambra. One of his stories describes a humble water carrier who receives a mysterious chest from a dying Moor. At the tower, the earth opens to reveal vast treasure, reinforcing the romantic idea that the tower hides secrets beneath its stones.
Another tale claims that a magician enchanted the area, adding supernatural intrigue. Historical tragedy also surrounds the tower: historian Torres Balbás recounts a crime in which warden Diego Ponce de León murdered family members by throwing them from its heights. These layers of mystery, imagination, and darkness contribute to the tower's enduring allure.
What Does the Torre de los Siete Suelos Look Like?
The Torre de los Siete Suelos once featured a combination of defensive and residential elements, with an artillery bastion added during Christian rule. Corbels and machicolations projected from the corners, enabling defenders to attack from above—features shared with other 14th-century Andalusian towers such as those of El Carpio and Alcalá de Guadaira.
Although much was destroyed in 1812, the reconstructed tower evokes its original form, rising above its monumental gate. Only two underground levels have been uncovered, despite legends of seven, each with skylighted vaults and narrow openings designed for ventilation or surveillance.
How to Get to Torre de los Siete Suelos
The Torre de los Siete Suelos stands on the southern perimeter of the Alhambra. International visitors usually arrive through Granada Airport, which connects efficiently to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Arriving by train is another convenient option, with Granada’s railway station linking to major Spanish cities. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If you are travelling by car, the Alhambra offers designated parking areas near the main entrances, from which you can walk to the southern gate area. 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 Siete Suelos
- Suggested tips: Approach the tower from the southern paths to appreciate its position relative to the Medina and the surrounding slopes.
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon when the reconstructed façade catches warm light.
- Entrance fee: The Puerta de Siete Suelos is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
- Opening hours: 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/edificios-lugares/gate-of-seven-floors
- How long to spend: Around 10 minutes to explore the gate and its surroundings.
- Accessibility: Paths leading to the tower can be uneven or sloped.
- Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and seating areas are available elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the gate from below its arch to highlight the inscription “Only God is Victor.”
- Guided tours: Many specialised tours include this gate when discussing Alhambra legends and the fall of Granada.
- Nearby food options: Several cafés inside the complex and restaurants downhill toward Granada’s centre.
Where to Stay close to Torre de los Siete Suelos
To stay near the southern entrances of the Alhambra, consider the historic Parador de Granada, which offers a unique experience inside the complex. A charming nearby option is Hotel América. For modern comfort just outside the grounds, Eurostars Washington Irving provides elegant accommodations close to the main entrance.
Is Torre de los Siete Suelos Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Torre de los Siete Suelos is well worth visiting. It may not be as ornate as the Nasrid palaces, but its deep historical significance, literary fame, tragic stories, and atmospheric location make it one of the most evocative spots in the Alhambra. Its legends bring the fortress's past vividly to life.
FAQs for Visiting Torre de los Siete Suelos
Why is it called the Tower of the Seven Floors?
Because popular belief held that seven underground levels existed beneath it, though only two have been discovered.
Did Boabdil leave through this gate?
According to tradition, yes—he departed through this gate after surrendering Granada in 1492.
Was the tower destroyed?
Yes, it was blown up by Napoleon’s troops in 1812 and later reconstructed in the 1970s.
What did the Muslims call it?
Bib al-Gudur, meaning Gate of the Wells.
How long should I spend here?
Around 10 minutes to explore its exterior and learn its legends.
Nearby Attractions to Torre de los Siete Suelos
- Puerta de la Justicia: Another monumental Nasrid gate featuring the same inscription.
- Torre del Agua: A defensive tower guarding the Acequia Real water channel.
- Torre del Homenaje: A major defensive tower in the Alcazaba.
- Generalife: The summer palace of the Nasrid sultans.
- Partal Palace: The earliest preserved palace in the Alhambra with iconic reflecting arches.
The Torre de los Siete Suelos appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Granada!
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Visiting Torre de los Siete Suelos
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 Puerta de Siete Suelos is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
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Palace and Tower in Granada
