• Nasrid Palaces
  

  
  The Nazrid Palaces were the residences of the Moorish rulers and are Alhambra's best feature. Highlights include the exceptional Patio of the Lions with its exquisitely-carved, slender columns, the Hall of the Ambassadors, its niches, arches and walls covered with elegant calligraphy, and the Patio de la Acequina with its reflecting pool. Access by timed ticket only; night visits particularly atmospheric.
  
  

• Alcazaba
  

  
  The Alcazaba fortress is the oldest part of the Alhambra complex, dating back to the 9th century and rebuilt since. The maze-like ruins are the remains of the dwellings of the civil population that lived in the fortress and from the ramparts and the Watch Tower you get panoramic views of Granada and the Albayzin on the hill opposite.
  
  

• Generalife
  

  
  The 14th century Generalife was the pleasure villa of the Alhambra's Moorish rulers, surrounded as it is now with orchards, symmetrical courtyards, and numerous fountains and elaborate water features, such as the Water Staircase. The amphitheater at the entrance hosts shows from the annual Music and Dance Festival.
  
  

• El Albayzín
  

  
  On the hill facing the Alhambra is a maze of narrow streets, steep alleyways and whitewashed houses perched on top of one another - part of Granada's Moorish heritage. At sunset, visitors and locals gather at the Plaza de San Nicolas, next to the San Nicolas church, for a show-stopping view of the Alhambra against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
  
  

• Charles V Palace
  

  
  In 1527 Charles V ordered the construction of this Renaissance palace next to Alhambra's existing Moorish palaces to have a residence befitting a Catholic royal. Besides the impressive circular courtyard, there's a Fine Arts museum on the top floor, and the Alhambra Museum on the ground floor, charting the history of the fortress complex.
  
  

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