Partal Palace

The Partal Palace in Alhambra is one of the oldest structures, built in the early 14th century during Muhammad III’s reign. 

Known for its Nasrid architecture, the palace features stucco decorations, a reflecting pool, and symmetrical water features. Over time, it was privately owned and restored in the 20th century. 

This article explores the history, architecture, and key features like the Torre de las Damas, Partal Courtyard, and Partal Gardens, offering a blend of modern landscaping and historic beauty.

The Alhambra Castle attracts over 2.6 million visitors annually, so booking in advance is a smart choice. The skip-the-line ticket is the most popular and budget-friendly option. For a deeper understanding of the palace, the guided tour offers expert insights, while the night tour provides a magical experience in a peaceful atmosphere.

History of the Partal Palace

The Partal Palace was built by Muhammad III (1302–1309) and is the oldest surviving palace in the Alhambra. 

It marks the first of several palaces constructed along the northern perimeter of the Alhambra. 

Originally, the palace included a fortification tower, which Muhammad III transformed into a mirador (lookout chamber) as part of a larger decorative building.

Unlike other Alhambra palaces like the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions, the Partal Palace passed into private hands after the 1492 conquest and was later remodeled. 

In 1891, it was ceded to the Spanish government and incorporated into the Alhambra. Later, the palace underwent several restorations in the 20th century, including work by Leopoldo Torres Balbás and Francisco Prieto Moreno.

Places inside the Partal Palace 

The Palacio del Partal offers a glimpse into the rich history and stunning architecture of the Alhambra. Inside, you’ll experience a blend of Islamic design and restored elements, transporting you back in time to the grandeur of its past.

Palacio del Pórtico (Palace of the Portico)

The Palacio del Pórtico is part of the Partal Palace in Alhambra, mainly preserved with a reflecting pool and a portico supported by slender marble columns. 

Originally, it might have had a rectangular courtyard with a mirador tower offering views over the city. These features have not survived to the present day.

The portico is adorned with intricate stucco decorations, including poems by Ibn al-Jayyab. 

The structure is known for its openness and many windows, making it one of the most transparent buildings in Islamic architecture.

Torre de las Damas (Ladies Tower)

The Torre de las Damas is one of the oldest buildings in Alhambra, originally called “Partal” due to its portico. 

It has undergone several alterations over time, with the most significant restoration completed in 1924. The tower includes a portico, a square hall, and a staircase leading to a mirador offering views of the Darro River valley. 

The original central arch is the only one left of the five arches in the portico, which now rest on marble columns (replacing the original brick pillars). 

To the left of the tower are three small Arab houses, built later, with 16th-century paintings of hunting scenes, animals, and people, which are the only surviving examples of their kind from the Muslim period in Spain.

Partal Courtyard (Patio del Partal)

The Partal Courtyard is the main courtyard of the Partal Palace in the Alhambra. 

It features a reflecting pool that mirrors the Partal Tower and is surrounded by columns and arches. This showcases typical Islamic design with an emphasis on symmetry and water. 

The courtyard is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is a prime example of Islamic garden design, blending nature and water seamlessly. The Partal Tower nearby offers panoramic views of the Generalife Gardens.

Oratorio del Partal (Partal Oratory)

The Oratorio del Partal is a small prayer room in the Partal Palace of the Alhambra. 

Located on the east side of the main tower, it features a rectangular layout, stucco carvings, and a muqarnas cupola over the mihrab. 

Built during the reign of Muhammad III and completed by Yusuf I, it offers stunning views through double-arched windows. 

The oratory’s timber ceiling is decorated with eight-pointed star motifs. 

The structure underwent several restorations, with the latest completed between 2013 and 2017. It sits atop an older defensive tower in Alhambra.

The Partal Gardens (Jardines del Partal)

The Partal Gardens, located south of the Partal Palace, were designed in the early 20th century and show a blend of modern landscaping and ancient Alhambra architecture. 

While they don’t closely follow the Nasrid-era design, they were created to improve the site’s appearance and allow for archaeological studies.

Among the discoveries are the foundations of houses from the Nasrid period, including ruins of the Upper Partal Palace (Palacio del Partal Alto), which provide insights into the area’s historical and architectural development.

Architecture of the Partal Palace 

The Partal Palace is a prime example of Nasrid architecture, featuring Islamic design elements like stucco decoration, arches, and symmetrical water features. 

The portico façade was restored in the 20th century, with Leopoldo Torres Balbás reconstituting the Sebka stucco above the arches and Francisco Prieto Moreno replacing the original brick pillars with Nasrid-style marble columns.

Originally, the palace housed 14th-century marble lions, which were moved to the Alhambra Museum for restoration in the 1890s. 

Multiple restorations have preserved the palace’s architectural and historical significance, showcasing the elegance of Nasrid design.