Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz, Granada

Tower in Granada

Torre De Alquiza Alcazaba Alhambra 5 Scaled

Public Domain / Jebulon

The Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz is one of the lesser-known defensive towers of the Alcazaba in the Alhambra Complex, yet it forms an important link in the fortress's inner curtain wall. Located between the Torre del Homenaje and the Torre de Alquiza, it mirrors the structure of its neighbour: solid, rectangular, and built without interior chambers. It served as a simple but vital lookout over the Calle del Foso, the moat-street that channels movement from the Puerta de las Armas toward the Puerta de la Tahona. Although modest in size, it remains one of the things to do in Granada for visitors exploring the Alcazaba's layered defensive system.

Because of its position on the inner defensive ring, the tower helped monitor access into the complex and guard the strategic approach to the Nasrid Palaces. Its form and purpose make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada focused on the military architecture of the Alhambra.

History and Significance of Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
Things to See and Do in Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
How to Get to Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
Where to Stay close to Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
Is Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz
Nearby Attractions to Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

History and Significance of Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

This small tower forms part of the Alcazaba's inner curtain wall, north of the Plaza de las Armas. Built as a solid rectangular projection with no interior rooms, it exemplifies the purely functional defensive design typical of secondary towers in the Alcazaba.

Its name, Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz, comes from a much later historical period, when inhabitants and custodians of the Alhambra were often associated with specific towers. The tower's principal purpose, however, remained unchanged: observation and defence. It provided visual control over the Calle del Foso, the access route that connected the Puerta de las Armas with the Puerta de la Tahona, where travellers and guards moved toward the palatial precincts. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra for appreciating how carefully the fortress monitored movement within its walls.

Things to See and Do in Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

Visitors can admire the tower's simple but effective rectangular shape as it projects outward from the wall. Though not accessible inside, its exterior is easily viewed from the Plaza de las Armas and along the route that connects the Torre del Homenaje with the Torre de Alquiza.

From nearby walkways, you can observe how the tower forms part of the tight network of defensive elements around the inner moat. Its location allows you to compare architectural features with neighbouring towers, including the solid Torre de Alquiza and the much taller Torre del Homenaje.

How to Get to Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

The tower stands on the inner curtain wall of the Alcazaba, north of the Plaza de las Armas. Visitors arriving by air typically land at Granada Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's train station provides convenient rail links with major cities before transferring to the Alhambra. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward, with parking available near the main Alhambra entrance before walking into the Alcazaba. 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 del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

Suggested tips: Walk the length of the inner curtain wall to compare its smaller towers and understand the defensive logic of the Alcazaba.
Best time to visit: Mid-morning, when sunlight illuminates the curtain walls and moat route.
Entrance fee: The Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz 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 Criado del Doctor Ortiz see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 5 minutes to view the tower and its position along the wall.
Accessibility: Uneven pathways and stairways in the Alcazaba may challenge visitors with mobility limitations.
Facilities: Restrooms and cafés are available elsewhere in the Alhambra.
Photography tip: Frame the tower against the linear profile of the curtain wall for a sense of depth and defensive structure.
Guided tours: Many Alcazaba tours pass near the tower, offering explanations of its defensive role.
Nearby food options: Cafés inside the complex and restaurants in central Granada.

Where to Stay close to Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz

For an atmospheric stay within the Alhambra itself, consider the Parador de Granada. Close by, Hotel América offers historic charm and easy access to the Alcazaba. For a modern hotel near the main entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is an excellent choice.

Is Torre del Criado del Doctor Ortiz Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially for travellers interested in the defensive history of the Alcazaba. While modest, the tower plays a key role in explaining how the inner moat and approach routes were supervised. It adds depth to an exploration of the Alhambra's military structures.