Torre del Peinador de la Reina, Granada

Palace and Tower in Granada

Torre Del Peinador De La Reina Alhambra 4 — Torre del Peinador de la Reina Alhambra 4

CC BY-SA 4.0 / LBM1948

The Torre del Peinador de la Reina, or Queen's Dressing Room, is one of the most enchanting tower-palaces of the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex. Suspended over the valley of the Darro and blending Nasrid medieval architecture with later Renaissance additions, it reflects centuries of transformation in both function and style. It is one of the top sights in Granada for those seeking a quieter yet richly layered corner of the palatial complex.

Originally used by the Nasrid sultans for reflection and recreation, the tower gained a new life in Christian times. It became a retreat for the Catholic Monarchs, later chosen by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal-wife of Emperor Charles V-as her private chamber, lookout, or dressing room. These layers of royal occupancy make it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Granada that focuses on the Alhambra's multi-period history.

History and Significance of Torre del Peinador de la Reina
Things to See and Do in Torre del Peinador de la Reina
How to Get to Torre del Peinador de la Reina
Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Peinador de la Reina
Where to Stay close to Torre del Peinador de la Reina
Is Torre del Peinador de la Reina Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Torre del Peinador de la Reina
Nearby Attractions to Torre del Peinador de la Reina

History and Significance of Torre del Peinador de la Reina

Although the tower's foundational structure was decorated by Yusuf I and later completed by Mohammed V, its transformation into the Torre del Peinador de la Reina began in 1537, when it was built atop the older Torre de Abu l-Hayyay. This base, part of the Nasrid wall system, gave the new tower commanding views over the Darro valley.

Over the centuries, the tower evolved from a sultan's quiet retreat into a royal sanctuary used by queens and empresses. Isabel of Portugal, wife of Charles V, resided here, giving the tower its enduring name. In 1729, Isabel de Farnesio and King Felipe V also used the upper chamber. The Renaissance frescoes that adorn its interior commemorate Charles V's Tunisian campaign of 1535, alongside allegories and mythological scenes. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alhambra for appreciating how Christian and Islamic aesthetics blended after the Reconquest.

Things to See and Do in Torre del Peinador de la Reina

Entering the tower, visitors encounter a carved wooden lintel, plaster voussoirs, and decorative relief stars. Only fragments of the original Nasrid inscriptions survive, but they reveal praises to God and Mohammed V. To the south, a semicircular arch leads into the room known as the Peinador, originally an Arab lantern space before its Renaissance adaptation.

A corridor opens along the remaining sides, framing views across the landscape. Near the doorway is a marble flagstone burner once used for scented vapours-one of the reasons the tower gained the name Torre de la Estufa, or Tower of the Stove.

The frescoes are the highlight of the upper room. These depict Charles V’s campaign in Tunisia: ships setting sail from Cagliari, manoeuvres at sea, troop landings, and the return to Sicily. Other frescoes portray virtues and mythological tales such as the fable of Phaeton. Likely painted between 1539 and 1546, they convert the Nasrid tower into a Renaissance narrative chamber.

How to Get to Torre del Peinador de la Reina

Visitors arriving from abroad typically land at Granada Airport, with convenient 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 provides easy access for those arriving by rail from other parts of Spain. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward, with Alhambra parking areas near the main entrance leading to the upper palace pathways. 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 Peinador de la Reina stands above the rampart walk overlooking the Darro valley.

Practical Tips on Visiting Torre del Peinador de la Reina

Suggested tips: Take time to observe the fresco details-they reveal surprising historical and symbolic layers.
Best time to visit: Morning offers soft light through the corridor arches and clear views over the Darro valley.
Entrance fee: The Torre del Peinador de la Reina 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 Peinador de la Reina see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website: https://www.alhambra-patronato.es/en/edificios-lugares/the-queens-robing-room
How long to spend: Around 10-15 minutes inside the tower and its surrounding walkways.
Accessibility: Some stairways and narrow passages may be difficult for visitors with mobility needs.
Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, and seating areas are located in nearby palace sections.
Photography tip: Capture the Renaissance frescoes with natural light filtering from the corridor for best colour rendering.
Guided tours: Some Alhambra tours include this tower when highlighting mixed Nasrid-Renaissance architecture.
Nearby food options: Cafés within the complex and restaurants downhill in Granada offer convenient breaks.

Where to Stay close to Torre del Peinador de la Reina

For an unforgettable stay within the complex, the Parador de Granada offers historic charm steps from the Nasrid palaces. Close by, Hotel América provides a traditional atmosphere in an ideal location. For a modern hotel just outside the walls, Eurostars Washington Irving makes an excellent base.

Is Torre del Peinador de la Reina Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Torre del Peinador de la Reina is one of the most intriguing hybrid spaces in the Alhambra. Its blend of Nasrid structure, Renaissance frescoes, scent burner, and royal history creates a distinctive, intimate setting. It is a rewarding stop for those who enjoy exploring beyond the main palace halls.