Torre del Cadí, Granada

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Jebulon

The Torre del Cadí, also known as the Tower of the Judge, stands along the Paseo de las Torres on the northern wall of the Alhambra, where it once played a vital role in controlling movement between the Nasrid Palaces and the Generalife. Restored in 1924, the tower reflects the layered history of a structure that once served military, administrative, and even custodial purposes. Today, it is one of the things to do in Granada for travellers exploring the quieter fortifications between the Torre de los Picos and the Torre de la Cautiva.

Although the tower is modest in appearance compared to the great palace-towers, its position made it one of the most important checkpoints for monitoring who entered the Generalife's gate street. This strategic role makes it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that follows the Alhambra's northern defensive line.

History and Significance of Torre del Cadí

The Torre del Cadí takes its primary name from the Arabic word qadi, meaning judge, possibly reflecting the authority or official who may have once been associated with it. Over the centuries it acquired various names, each hinting at different uses or local traditions: Torre del Candil, Torre del Preso (Prisoner's Tower) in the 16th century, and Torre del paso de la Zorra (Passing Vixen Tower) during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Its location opposite the old entrance to the Generalife made it a key structure for controlling the movement of people along the round road that passed beneath it. The tower also contained rooms used by a chief in charge of overseeing guard rotations along the northern walls. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra if you want to understand the administrative and surveillance functions of the fortress.

Things to See and Do in Torre del Cadí

The Torre del Cadí consists of two rooms located at parapet height, connected to a terrace accessed via a staircase built around a central buttress. This design is typical of practical Nasrid defensive architecture, where form strictly followed function.

From the terrace, visitors can appreciate the tower's vantage point over the northern approach to the Generalife. The nearby wall-walks offer atmospheric views and help illustrate how guards once monitored the movement of visitors, workers, and residents travelling between the palace complexes.

How to Get to Torre del Cadí

International visitors typically arrive through Granada Airport, which offers convenient connections to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada’s railway station provides easy access for travellers arriving by train from major Spanish cities. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If arriving by car, the Alhambra provides designated parking areas near the main entrance, allowing an easy walk toward the northern defensive zone. 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 del Cadí is located on the northern wall of the Alhambra between the Torre de los Picos and the Torre de la Cautiva.

Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Cadí

• Suggested tips: Combine your visit with a walk toward the old Generalife entrance to appreciate the tower's strategic purpose.
• Best time to visit: Morning light illuminates the northern walls beautifully.
• Entrance fee: The Torre del Cadí 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 del Cadí see Alhambra Opening Times.
• Official website:
• How long to spend: Around 5-10 minutes, depending on your interest in military architecture.
• Accessibility: Some paths are narrow or uneven along the northern wall.
• Facilities: Toilets, cafés, and rest areas can be found elsewhere in the complex.
• Photography tip: Capture the tower with the Generalife hillside behind it for context.
• Guided tours: Fortification-focused tours often include the Torre del Cadí.
• Nearby food options: Several cafés inside the Alhambra and restaurants downhill in Granada's centre.

Where to Stay close to Torre del Cadí

Staying near the Alhambra allows relaxed access to the northern wall and its towers. The atmospheric Parador de Granada places you within historic surroundings. A charming alternative nearby is Hotel América, ideal for exploring on foot. For modern comfort close to the entrance, consider Eurostars Washington Irving.

Is Torre del Cadí Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Torre del Cadí is worth visiting for those interested in the Alhambra's defensive and administrative structures. While not ornate, its strategic location, layered history, and proximity to key routes make it an insightful stop along the northern walls.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (20)

Torre del Cadí, located in the eastern sector of the Alhambra near the Generalife, is a well-preserved Nasrid defensive tower that once helped control passage between the Generalife and the Nasrid palaces; visitors mainly view it from outside where its robust walls, integration with the city wall and battlements are evident, and it can be admired from points such as the Partal, the Paseo de las Torres or the northern base by Cuesta de los Chinos near the old Generalife entrance; access is sometimes restricted and interior visits involve narrow spiral staircases, but from higher vantage points it offers sweeping views across Granada and historically allowed visual communication with other towers.

Observador silencioso

2 months ago

"A tower located in the eastern part of the Alhambra, less well-known but of great historical value. It was part of the defensive system thatprotected the complex and served as a lookout point over the Darro Valley. Its name refers to the "cadi," a judge or magistrate in the Islamic era, although it is not certain whether it had a direct relationship with that function. Access is not always permitted, but from the outside, its robust walls and their integration with the wall can be appreciated. It is a good spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Paseo de las Torres (Walk of the Towers). Interestingly, its strategic position allowed for visual communication with other towers in the complex through fire signals or light reflections...."

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Aitor Hernández

2 months ago

"The Torre del Cadí is one of those corners that catches you climbing the Albaicín and forces you to stop for a second, not because it's apicture-postcard monument, but because it has that "this has been standing here for centuries" feel. It's a Nasrid defensive tower, well integrated into the neighborhood, and more interesting for its context than for what you can "do" there: it's not an interior visit, it's a visit to see it from the outside, understand where you are, and move on...."

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Belén Cámara Carrera

2 years ago

"Visiting the Tower of the Cadi during your visit to the Alhambra is truly impressive. We went with a guide who explained all the different areas.Access is somewhat tricky as it has many (very small) spiral staircases, so both going up and down, you'll have to maneuver around other visitors. Even so, it's absolutely worth it because once you're at the top, you're rewarded with a panoramic view of all of Granada...."

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FAQs for Visiting Torre del Cadí

Nearby Attractions to Torre del Cadí

• Torre de los Picos: A large defensive tower with Gothic and Nasrid features.
• Torre de la Cautiva: A richly decorated palace-tower nearby.
• Generalife Entrance: The historic gate opposite the tower.
• Partal Gardens: Elegant terraces offering panoramic views.
• Alcazaba: The oldest and most fortified part of the Alhambra.

The Torre del Cadí 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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