The Generalife, Granada

About the Generalife

The Generalife was the country retreat of Granada's rulers, where they escaped the summer heat and the business of court. It was built in the late 13th century on the neighbouring hillside, above and east of the Alhambra, and remodelled and redecorated in 1319. Around it lay not only ornamental gardens but vegetable plots, orchards and pasture.

The origin of the name is still debated; it's most often translated as the Architect's Garden or the Principal Orchard. Today the Generalife is part of the Alhambra complex and shares its place on the UNESCO list.

What to see in the Generalife

• Patio de la Acequia — a channel under arching fountain jets.
• The Sultana's Cypress Courtyard — pools and old trees.
• The Water Stairway — handrails with water running down them.
• The lower gardens — roses, hedge mazes and avenues.
• Viewing galleries — over the Alhambra and the Albaicín.
• The open-air theatre — a garden stage for concerts.

The Patio de la Acequia

The heart of the Generalife is the Patio de la Acequia, the Courtyard of the Water Channel. A long, narrow channel runs down the middle, with fine fountain jets on both sides forming arches of water. Flower beds and orange trees line it, and arcaded pavilions close each end.

The northern pavilion looks out over the Alhambra and the Darro valley. The sound of water is everywhere, and that coolness is exactly what drew the rulers here in summer. The water still arrives along an old channel laid down from the mountain slopes in Nasrid times.

The gardens and Water Stairway

Above the courtyard rises the famous Water Stairway: instead of handrails, its stone balustrades carry water down in channels, with small fountains on the landings. The stairway leads to the upper garden, overlooking the palace roofs and the green hill. It's always cool in the shade of the laurels.

The lower gardens date from the 20th century, with rose gardens, cypress avenues, hedges and pools. They're younger but very beautiful, especially in spring and early summer when the roses bloom. The open-air theatre in the gardens hosts concerts and performances of the international music and dance festival.

Tips for your visit

The best time for the Generalife is spring and early summer, when roses and jasmine bloom and the whole hillside is fragrant. In summer, come in the morning or towards evening: the open paths are hot, and it only cools by the water after five.

Take your time, as the Generalife is a place to sit by the channel and listen to the water. It's quieter than the Nasrid Palaces, making it a good spot to rest after a full visit. Bring water and a hat.

Night visits to the Generalife run in the warm season, when floodlit fountains and silence transform the gardens. Tickets are sold separately and in advance.

Nearby and on the way

60

Alhambra

Granada, Spain

3 h · Paid · 5 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Alhambra

44

Palace of Charles V

Granada, Spain

45 min · Courtyard free, museums paid · 6 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Palace of Charles V

40

Sacromonte

Granada, Spain

2 h · Free; shows paid · 14 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Sacromonte

40

Albaicín

Granada, Spain

2 h 30 min · Free · 22 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Albaicín

How to do it right

• On the general Alhambra ticket.
• Roses in spring.
• Save the gardens for last.
• Night visits in summer.

Questions