The Alhambra was a palace, a citadel, a fortress and home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers (from the 13th century to the 14th century). Today the monument is divided into four main areas: the Palaces, the military zone or Alcazaba, the city or Medina, and the agricultural estate of the Generalife.

It also includes noteworthy buildings of different periods, such as the Renaissance-style Charles V Palace, housing the Alhambra Museum, with items taken chiefly from the Monument, and the Museum of Fine Arts. All of these areas are set in the natural surroundings of woods, gardens and orchards.

In order to appreciate fully the unique value of the architecture and landscape of the Alhambra, we recommend a visit to the Albaicín (Mirador de San Nicolás) or Sacromonte. From these two places the spectacular relationship between the Alhambra and the district and city of Granada can be discerned.