Torre Quebrada, Granada

Tower in Granada

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Jebulon

The Torre Quebrada, or the Broken Tower, stands as one of the most striking defensive structures along the eastern wall of the Alcazaba in the Alhambra Complex. Built during the reign of Yusuf I on top of an earlier Zirí-period tower, it forms part of a defensive trio alongside the Torre del Adarguero and the Torre del Homenaje. Its unique design and the deep fissure caused by a 19th-century landslide make it one of the top attractions in Granada for visitors intrigued by the fortress's enduring scars.

The tower rises from the inner walkway that crosses both sides of the Plaza de Armas, and exploring this route is a highlight of any walking tour of Granada. With its U-shaped layout, two floors, and terrace of crenellations, the Torre Quebrada offers a vivid look at how the Alcazaba's military architecture evolved to meet the needs of a growing fortress-city.

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

History and Significance of Torre Quebrada

The Torre Quebrada was constructed during the Nasrid period under Yusuf I, a ruler whose architectural contributions greatly shaped the Alhambra. The tower was built over the remains of an earlier defensive structure from the Zirí dynasty, reflecting the continuous military use of the site through successive Islamic periods. Its U-shaped design, oriented east to west, was advanced for its time, providing interior rooms on two floors and a defended terrace lined with battlements.

In 1838, a landslide dramatically altered its appearance. The collapse destroyed part of the tower above the wall line, including sections of its staircase, and left a long vertical crack that still runs down its face. This fissure is what gives the Torre Quebrada its name, a visible reminder of both natural forces and the tower's resilience. This spot is one of the best places to see in the Alcazaba for understanding the effects of time, weather, and seismic shifts on medieval fortifications.

The tower also goes by the name Torre del Cantón, though Torre Quebrada has become the widely used term because of its defining feature.

Things to See and Do in Torre Quebrada

Visitors can observe how the tower’s structure transitions from solid masonry up to the height of the outer wall, and then becomes hollow above, supported by inner arches. This architectural approach strengthened the tower’s base while reducing weight on the upper levels, a design seen in other Nasrid-era defensive works.

Standing on the terrace or near the interior arches gives a sense of how soldiers surveilled the terrain beyond the walls. The cracked façade is especially striking when viewed from the Plaza de los Aljibes, where the fissure runs like a scar down the tower's body. Its position between the Plaza de los Aljibes and the Plaza de las Armas made it a central defensive lookout for movements inside and outside the Alcazaba.

For military history enthusiasts, the Torre Quebrada is particularly rewarding, as it vividly illustrates both engineering choices and structural vulnerabilities in medieval fortification design.

How to Get to Torre Quebrada

Travelers flying into Granada usually arrive via Granada Airport, which offers quick transport links to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

Granada's rail connections make arriving by train efficient for visitors from major Spanish cities such as Madrid and Seville. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you choose to drive, the Alhambra provides designated parking areas near its main entrance, from which you can walk into the Alcazaba section of the complex. 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 Quebrada sits in the central section of the Alcazaba's eastern wall, between the Plaza de los Aljibes and the Plaza de las Armas.

Practical Tips on Visiting Torre Quebrada

Suggested tips: View the tower from both plazas to appreciate the full extent of the famous crack.
Best time to visit: Early morning light best highlights the textures of the stone and the tower’s fissure.
Entrance fee: The Torre Quebrada 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 Quebrada see Alhambra Opening Times.
Official website:
How long to spend: Allow around 10-15 minutes as part of your Alcazaba walk.
Accessibility: Some areas involve steps and uneven pathways along the ramparts.
Facilities: Cafés and restrooms are available within the wider Alhambra grounds.
Photography tip: Photograph the crack from the Plaza de los Aljibes for the most dramatic angle.
Guided tours: Many tours include the tower as they explain the Alcazaba’s defensive network.
Nearby food options: On-site cafés and restaurants downhill toward central Granada provide convenient choices.

Where to Stay close to Torre Quebrada

To stay close to the Alcazaba and the rest of the Alhambra, consider the historic Parador de Granada, offering unmatched atmosphere within the complex itself. A nearby traditional option is Hotel América, popular with visitors who appreciate Andalusian charm. For a modern, comfortable stay close to the entrance, Eurostars Washington Irving is another excellent choice.

Is Torre Quebrada Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Torre Quebrada is absolutely worth visiting, especially for those fascinated by military architecture and the structural evolution of the Alhambra. Its dramatic crack, layered history, and central position along the eastern wall make it a memorable stop within the Alcazaba. It provides insight into both the strength and fragility of medieval defensive engineering.

FAQs for Visiting Torre Quebrada

Because of the large crack that resulted from the 1838 landslide, still visible from the Plaza de los Aljibes.

Yes, above the level of the wall the tower becomes hollow with internal arches.

It was built during the time of Yusuf I on the remains of a Zirí-period tower.

Yes, the inner rampart path passes directly through its location.

Around 10-15 minutes, often combined with visits to nearby towers.

Nearby Attractions to Torre Quebrada

Torre del Adarguero: The former Shieldmaker's Tower where the inner walkway crosses its surviving base.
Torre del Homenaje: The principal tower of the Alcazaba, once used for ceremonies and defense.
Plaza de los Aljibes: A panoramic esplanade offering views of Granada and the Albaicín.
Plaza de las Armas: The archaeological heart of the Alcazaba with remains of houses and barracks.
Alcazaba Ramparts: Walkable defensive walls providing some of the best viewpoints in the Alhambra.

The Torre Quebrada 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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