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Court of the Lions

About

The Court of the Lions is the most celebrated space within the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Nasrid architecture where elegance, symbolism, and harmony come together in perfect balance. Built in the 14th century, this courtyard forms the heart of the Palace of the Lions and is renowned for its slender marble columns, delicate stucco work, and the iconic central fountain supported by twelve sculpted lions. The design reflects a vision of paradise, with water flowing gently through four channels that divide the courtyard like the rivers of an idealized garden. Light and shadow shift across the arches throughout the day, enhancing the sense of serenity and refinement. Every detail, from the geometric patterns to the poetic inscriptions, reveals the sophistication of the last Islamic dynasty in Spain. Visiting the Court of the Lions offers a profound encounter with the artistry and imagination that define the Alhambra’s enduring beauty.

Granada Spain

Location

Court of the Lions is located within the Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra complex, at Calle Real de la Alhambra s/n, atop Sabika Hill in Granada, postcode 18009. This iconic courtyard serves as the heart of the private royal apartments, surrounded by slender marble columns and adjacent to key halls like the Hall of the Two Sisters to the north, Hall of the Abencerrajes to the south, and Mocárabes Room nearby. Within the Alhambra, it stands close to the Comares Palace and Kings Hall, while below the hill the Albaicín quarter unfolds with its miradores, and Paseo de los Tristes offers riverside paths linking to Plaza Nueva cafés and Granada Cathedral.

Court of the Lions

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