Torre de Mohamed, Granada
Tower in Granada
The Torre de Mohamed, located on the north wall of the Alhambra Complex, is a defensive tower built in the time of Mohammed II, the Nasrid ruler responsible for completing much of the Alcazaba's fortifications. Positioned just north of the Patio de la Madraza de los Príncipes, it once controlled one of the most sensitive access points into the palatial quarters, making it one of the things to do in Granada for travellers fascinated by the Alhambra's lesser-known structures.
Over the centuries, the tower acquired several names, including Torre de Hontiveros, Torre de Carrichuela, and Torre del Gallinas, the latter referring to its use as a chicken coop in more recent times. Despite its plain defensive form, the Torre de Mohamed remains a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that explores the north wall's hidden military architecture.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of Torre de Mohamed
- Things to See and Do in Torre de Mohamed
- How to Get to Torre de Mohamed
- Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de Mohamed
- Where to Stay close to Torre de Mohamed
- Is Torre de Mohamed Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Torre de Mohamed
- Nearby Attractions to Torre de Mohamed
History and Significance of Torre de Mohamed
The Torre de Mohamed was constructed during the reign of Mohammed II in the late 13th century, a period when the Nasrid rulers were consolidating the Alhambra's military and administrative presence. One of its most crucial functions was to oversee the movement of people entering the Palaces, giving it exceptional strategic importance within the overall defensive system.
Its location between the Torre del Cubo and the Tower of Machuca made it part of the coordinated northern defensive line, which also protected the approach from the Puerta de las Armas, a major gate for those entering the complex. Over time, as military needs changed, the tower lost some of its original purpose and gained new names reflecting its later domestic uses. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to understand how defensive towers served both military and administrative roles.
Things to See and Do in Torre de Mohamed
The Torre de Mohamed features a rectangular floor plan and two levels that once housed guards assigned to control access to the palaces. Its entrance opens onto the Plaza de la Madraza de los Príncipes, while two additional doors lead up to the battlements, offering views over the northern defensive structures.
The terrace is crowned with merlons and battlements, and even though the tower has undergone changes across the centuries, its form remains legible as part of the Alhambra’s medieval security network. Travellers walking along the north wall can easily appreciate how this tower served as both lookout and checkpoint.
How to Get to Torre de Mohamed
Visitors flying into Granada typically arrive via Granada Airport, which offers convenient transport links into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.
Granada's train station connects the city to major Spanish destinations, making rail travel a simple option for reaching the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If you arrive by car, the Alhambra provides designated parking near the main entrance, allowing an easy walk toward the northern defensive 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.
The Torre de Mohamed is located between the Torre del Cubo and the Tower of Machuca along the north wall of the Alhambra.
Practical Tips on Visiting Torre de Mohamed
- Suggested tips: Combine this stop with a walk along the north wall to appreciate how the towers interact with the terrain.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the battlements create sharp silhouettes against the sky.
- Entrance fee: The Torre de Mohamed 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" programme, 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:
- How long to spend: Around 5-10 minutes while exploring the surrounding wall-walks.
- Accessibility: Some paths in this area include uneven surfaces and steps.
- Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and seating are found elsewhere in the Alhambra.
- Photography tip: Capture the rectangular massing of the tower framed by the north wall’s greenery.
- Guided tours: Specialist tours of the Alhambra’s fortifications often include the northern towers.
- Nearby food options: Several cafés within the complex and restaurants downhill in central Granada.
Where to Stay close to Torre de Mohamed
For easy access to the Alhambra’s towers and palaces, the historic Parador de Granada offers a remarkable stay within the complex itself. A charming nearby option is Hotel América, popular with travellers who enjoy walking routes through the fortress. For a modern and elegant alternative close to the entrance, consider Eurostars Washington Irving.
Is Torre de Mohamed Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Torre de Mohamed is worth visiting, especially for those interested in the Alhambra's defensive architecture. While not as ornate as the Nasrid palaces, its strategic position, historical names, and functional design make it an intriguing stop that enriches any exploration of the fortress.
What Other Travellers Say...
Torre de Muhammad o de las Gallinas, tucked in the eastern part of the Alhambra near the Alcazaba and Royal Palaces, is a modest two-storey tower with a terrace and multiple entrances that once helped control access to the palaces; visitors praise its peaceful setting and privileged views over the Darro Valley, note its use as a lookout and secondary residence, and point out archaeological finds of domestic pottery indicating it served as a dwelling—its popular "Hens" name comes from a later use as a chicken coop and from a legend about palace birds.
FAQs for Visiting Torre de Mohamed
Nearby Attractions to Torre de Mohamed
- Torre del Cubo: A defensive tower positioned above the Puerta de la Tahona.
- Tower of Machuca: An important northern defensive structure beside the Patio of Machuca.
- Puerta de las Armas: The main gateway for visitors entering from the city.
- Patio de la Madraza de los Príncipes: A historically important courtyard just south of the tower.
- Alcazaba: The oldest and most fortified part of the Alhambra.
The Torre de Mohamed 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
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” programme, 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 Mohamed is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour.
Nearby Attractions
- Madrasa de los Príncipes (0.0) km
Ruins - Torre de Machuca (0.0) km
Tower - Patio de Machuca (0.0) km
Fountain and Gardens - Puerta de la Tahona (0.0) km
City Gate - Torre del Cubo (0.0) km
Tower - Oratorio de Mexuar (0.1) km
Historic Room - Sala del Mexuar (0.1) km
Palace - Plaza de Los Aljibes (0.1) km
Square - Torre del Homenaje (0.1) km
Tower - Palacio del Mexuar (0.1) km
Palace
