What are the Nazaries Palaces
The Nazaries Palaces are three connected palaces built by the Nasrid sultans between the 13th and 14th centuries: the Mexuar (administration), the Comares Palace (official receptions, with the Court of the Myrtles) and the Palace of the Lions (private residence, with the famous Lions Fountain).
How the timed entry works
Your ticket shows a 30-minute entry window for the Nazaries. Outside that window you cannot enter. Inside the window you can stay as long as you want. Slots are released in blocks of about 300 people per 30 minutes.
Best slots for photos and fewest crowds
- 8:30 to 9:30 AM: First light, fewest people, cool air. Best slot overall.
- After 6 PM in summer: Golden hour, warm light on the stucco. Beautiful.
- Avoid 11 AM to 1 PM: Most tour groups, harshest light in the Lions Court.
What to see inside, room by room
- Mexuar: The first room, where the sultan received complaints. Look up at the coffered ceiling.
- Court of the Myrtles: Reflecting pool, myrtle hedges, tower of Comares behind. The most photographed courtyard.
- Hall of the Ambassadors: Inside Comares. Vaulted cedar ceiling with 8,017 pieces representing the 7 heavens.
- Court of the Lions: 12 marble lions support a fountain. Intricate muqarnas arches. Busy but a must.
- Hall of the Abencerrajes: Stalactite dome ceiling, supposed site of a famous massacre.
- Hall of the Two Sisters: Even more elaborate muqarnas dome, the highlight for many visitors.
Tips from repeat visitors
- Reserve the 8:30 AM slot if you can, the difference in crowds is dramatic
- If you are late, jog. They close the door exactly 30 minutes after your slot
- Enter the Mexuar, then backtrack, the rooms flow one-way forward only
- The muqarnas domes photograph better with a wide-angle lens from floor level
- Allow 60 to 90 minutes inside, do not plan tight back-to-back activities
Book a guided Nazaries tour
A licensed guide turns the Nazaries from beautiful rooms into a story. Skip the line and get context for every detail.
See Nazaries ToursFrequently asked questions
Arrive at the Nazaries Palaces entrance 5 to 10 minutes before your slot. Note this is NOT the Alhambra main gate, the Nazaries entrance is inside the complex, so allow 15 to 20 extra minutes to walk there from the ticket office.
Yes. Your slot is the ENTRY time, not an exit time. Once inside, you can take as long as you want. Most visitors spend 60 to 90 minutes inside the Nazaries.
Absolutely. The Nazaries Palaces are the single most remarkable monument in Spain and the main reason to visit the Alhambra. Skipping them to save money on a Gardens-only ticket is not recommended for first-time visitors.
Yes, for personal use, no tripod or flash. The best photo spots are the Court of the Lions (crowded, arrive early or late), the Court of the Myrtles reflecting pool, and the Hall of the Two Sisters ceiling.
