In recent times, the Board of Trustees of the Alhambra and Generalife of Granada is giving lovers of this city and of this spectacular monument great joys. As we reported months ago in Actualidad ViajesDuring the month of May, the Torre de la Cautiva was exceptionally opened to the public, which normally remains closed for conservation reasons.
The initiative was so well received that they have proposed to discover another corner of this fortress next July. Nothing more and nothing less than the Torre de los Picos, which is also usually closed for the same reasons as the Torre de la Cautiva. That is why, if you start your vacation to the south next month, you may want to visit the Alhambra in Granada to see the Torre de los Picos in this unique opportunity. Next, we know in more detail the Tower of the Peaks of the Alhambra in Granada.
Brief history of the Torre de los Picos
Image | Granada target
Normally closed to the public for conservation reasons, this tower was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad II and was renovated by Muhammad III and Yúsuf I. After the Christian conquest, the Torre de los Picos was subjected to various decorative and constructive changes as reported by the Board of the Alhambra and the Generalife.
Where does your name come from?
While the Torre de la Cautiva was named in such a way because it is thought that Dona Isabel de Solís (a Christian lady who was kidnapped by Sultan Muley Hacen and who became his wife after accepting Islam lived there), The Torre de los Picos owes its name to the corbels that it has in the upper corners to support machicolations and beat the assault attempts from above.
What function did this tower play in the Alhambra?
Considered one of the largest towers in plan of the entire enclosure, It had a defensive function and also served as a dwelling, as evidenced by the decoration of its interior, its plasterwork and paintings.
It also had a prominent role in the urban fabric of the Alhambra because it defended one of the main access gates to the walled enclosure, the Arrabal, which opened onto the Rey Chico slope and connected the palatine city with the Albaicín neighborhood and the old access to the Generalife.
Where is the Torre de los Picos located?
Image | Granada locations
The Torre de los Picos is located on the Paseo de las Torres, where some of the most iconic of the Nasrid fortress are located, such as the previously mentioned Torre de la Cautiva, the Torre de las Infantas, the Torre Cabo de la Carrera and the Water Tower.
The views from this place are very striking because from different points of the walk you can see a general perspective of the Generalife estate, with its beautiful medieval orchards.
What are the visiting hours of the Torre de los Picos?
The Torre de los Picos can be exceptionally visited on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 08.30:20.00 to 30:XNUMX in groups of XNUMX people and with the Alhambra general and Alhambra Jardines, Generalice and Alcazaba tickets.
Knowing the Alhambra in Granada
If Granada is known worldwide for something, it is for The Alhambra. This Spanish architectural jewel was built between the 1870th and XNUMXth centuries in times of the Nasrid kingdom as a palatine city and military fortress, but it was also a Christian Royal House until it was declared a monument in XNUMX. In this way, the Alhambra became a tourist attraction of such relevance that it was even proposed for the New Seven Wonders of the World.
In Spanish 'alhambra' means 'red fortress' due to the reddish hue that the building acquired when the sun shone at sunset. The Alhambra in Granada is located on the Sabika hill, between the Darro and Genil river basins. This type of elevated city locations respond to a defensive and geopolitical decision very in line with the medieval mentality.
The Alcazaba, the Royal House, the Palace of Carlos V and the Patio de los Leones are some of the most popular areas of the Alhambra. So are the Generalife Gardens that are located on the Cerro del Sol hill. The most beautiful and attractive thing about these gardens is the interplay between light, water and exuberant vegetation.
Without a doubt, The Alhambra occupies a privileged place, where its architectural values combine and fit perfectly with the surrounding landscape. To better appreciate it, it is advisable to go to the Albaicín neighborhood (Mirador de San Nicolás) or the Sacromonte.