This is the Courtyard of the Lions, the heart of the Alhambra in Granada

If there is a corner that represents the culmination of the artistic wealth that you will find during your visit of the Alhambra, riding a Grenada, is without a doubt the Courtyard of the Lions.

Therefore, it should not surprise you that it is your most famous corner, also the most visited, and also the most cared for.

In this impressive monument, maximum expression of the nasrid architecture, Which is the Alhambra of Granada, there are many corners that will surprise you with their artistic wealth, but in the Lions Court The maximum splendor is reached, having its famous central fountain as its iconic image.

From my first visit to the Alhambra, many years ago, before my recent return to the Andalusian city, I had a somewhat frustrating memory.

I think this was due, in large part, to the fact that precisely in my walk through the Lions Court I found myself surrounded by a large number of people, in an even overwhelming situation, and where the fountain was also covered during a restoration process.

Now it has been totally different.

Without a doubt, the limit of visitors who each day have access to the Alhambra of Granada has made it easier for Lions Court There were really almost no people, incredible if I remember my first visit!

But also, it was a Sunday in December during which a light rain had fallen early in the morning, so we had the “bad news” that access to the central area of ​​the patio was not allowed and, consequently, approach the source.

From my point of view it was much better to walk through the covered galleries that surround the patio and see (and photograph) the central area clear of people.

On the other hand, the restoration work that has been carried out in recent years in the Nasrid palaces, and specifically in the Lions Court, has brought to light all its splendor.

I didn't remember so much artistic wealth from my previous visit of the Alhambra. However, now I don't remember knowing a place with so much art of Arab architecture concentrated in a single enclave.

El lions palace It was completed in 1391, at the height of the Nasrid sultanate in Granada.

With a scheme similar to that of Comares palace, another corner of enormous architectural interest, is configured as a characteristic Spanish-Muslim home, with rooms for various uses that surround a large central patio.

In the center of the palace, the famous fountain surrounded by the four facades of splendid arches that demarcate the corridors that surround it, where architectural wealth flows in abundance.

On my recent visit I was accompanied by my son who kept showing me his surprise at such architectural beauty, of which in the photos that accompany this report you will only be able to see a small sample.

Of note are the two temples that open at the two ends of the rectangular patio, each with its fountain, which make up an image of enormous beauty.

And, of course, some of the sumptuous rooms that open on the sides of the patio, such as the Hall of the Abencerrajes with its impressive and beautiful decoration with a profusion of stucco work and an eight-sided dome.

Or the wonderful Daraxa viewpoint, corner of lions palace which is considered a sample of a supposed “Nasrid baroque” style.

Photos of the Courtyard of the Lions in the Alhambra

What better than seeing these others photos of the Lions courtyard, whose beauty more than justifies not only a visit to the Alhambra, but also a trip to Granada.

You will not be surprised that this is one of the most visited corners of Spain by international tourists who travel to our country.