category of places

Alcázar Genil

About

Alcázar Genil is a graceful reminder of Granada’s Nasrid past, a former recreational palace set near the banks of the Genil River. Built in the 13th century, it once served as a countryside retreat for the Muslim rulers of the city, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by gardens and water. Its architecture reflects the refined elegance of the period, with delicate stucco decoration, horseshoe arches, and a serene central hall that hints at the leisurely life once enjoyed here. Although only part of the original complex survives, the building retains a quiet charm that contrasts with the grandeur of the Alhambra. Today, Alcázar Genil stands as a subtle yet meaningful piece of Granada’s heritage, inviting visitors to imagine the rhythms of courtly life and the intimate beauty of Nasrid architecture beyond the city’s more famous monuments.

Granada Spain

Location

Alcázar Genil is located at Calle Rey Abú Said 2, postcode 18006 Granada, along the south bank of the River Genil just outside the historic city walls near Paseo del Violón. This Nasrid-era pavilion, once part of a larger recreational estate, now hosts the Francisco Ayala Foundation amid remnants of its original gardens, surrounded by modern residential areas like Alcázar Genil and the Palacio de Congresos. Nearby, the Ermita de San Sebastián stands as a historic chapel, while bus lines and metro access connect to Granada's centre, with riverside paths leading toward the city’s iconic landmarks and urban green spaces.

Alcázar Genil

User attributes