{"id":552,"date":"2025-08-12T18:46:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T18:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alhambraticketsonline.org\/?p=552"},"modified":"2025-08-16T12:04:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T12:04:53","slug":"who-built-the-alhambra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alhambraticketsonline.org\/en\/blogs\/who-built-the-alhambra\/","title":{"rendered":"Who built the Alhambra: history and origin of the Nasrid palace"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Alhambra in Granada is not just a monumental complex, it is the living trace of an era in which Andalusian culture reached one of its greatest splendours. Its palaces, courtyards and gardens have inspired poets, travellers and artists for centuries. However, one question continues to arouse the curiosity of those who visit it: Who built the Alhambra and how did this architectural marvel come about?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To answer this question, it is necessary to go back in time and explore a history that combines military strategy, artistic refinement, and the power of a dynasty<\/strong> which forever marked the identity of Granada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Sabika hill before the Alhambra<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The the site where the Alhambra stands, the hill of Sabika, was occupied long before its famous palaces were built<\/strong>. During the 11th century, the Zirid dynasty built a defensive fortress to protect the city of Granada, which had recently been established as the capital of the kingdom. However, those walls were more austere and lacked splendour<\/strong> that we now associate with the monument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was with the arrival of the 13th century, in a context of political instability and border wars, that the hill became the perfect setting for the construction of a fortress-palace capable of withstanding attacks and, at the same time, displaying the power of its ruler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who built the Alhambra: the legacy of Muhammad I ibn Nas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The true founder of the Alhambra was M<\/strong><\/em>Muhammad I ibn Nasr<\/strong>, also known as Al-Ahmar<\/strong> (\u201cthe Red\u201d), first sultan of the Nasrid dynasty. In 1238, after consolidating his power in Granada, he decided to establish his court on the hill of Sabika. There he ordered the construction of a fortress with walls, towers and a palace, laying the foundations for the future palace complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muhammad I did not only think of the Alhambra as a military structure, but as a palatine city<\/strong> that would house not only his family and personal guard, but also the kingdom's administration. His choice of location was not accidental, as the hill offered a view over the city and the Vega de Granada, guaranteeing security and strategic control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The splendour of the Nasrids: Yusuf I and Muhammad V<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although Muhammad I was the founder, the true beautification of the Alhambra came with his descendants<\/strong>. Among them, the following stand out Yusuf I (1333\u20131354) and Muhammad V (1354\u20131391)<\/strong>, considered the great patrons of the Nasrid Alhambra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under his reign, some of the most emblematic spaces were built and decorated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n