The Nasrid Palace

The first room we enter is the Mexuar, where the kings of Granada received their subjects. What strikes us about the Mexuar, however, is not regal omnipotence, but a sense of intimacy underlined by the very modest dimensions of the room and the low ceiling.
From the Mexuar, we pass via the enclosed Court of the Golden Room (Cuarto Dorado, another very intimate space, with a tiny fountain), through a narrow passage before emerging at the Court of the Myrtles. It is from here that we enter the two-storied Hall of the Ambassadors or Throne Room, the largest room in the complex.

The Comares Hall (Palacio de Comares) was the official residence of the king and it comprises several rooms that surrounded the Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes).
The rooms have galleries with porticoes at the ends. Some examples are the Hall of the Boat (Sala de la Barca) to the north and the Hall of the Ambassadors (Salón de los Embajadores) inside the Comares Tower (Torre de Comares), from which a view over the valley of the river Darro may be enjoyed.

The Court of the Lions is part of the Palace of the Lions built by Muhammad V between 1362 and 1391. The Nasrid Sultanate was at its prime during this period and Court of the Lions was an example of the rich Moorish artistic styles that developed during this period. The Lion Court is lined with arcades which are supported by 124 slender marble columns.
When visiting the Lion Court, don’t forget to stop and admire the exquisite filigree-like carvings on the wall and arches.