Alhambra

Alhambra Trips

The name Alhambra comes from Arabic roots and means 'red or crimson castle', perhaps chosen due to the hue of the towers and walls that surround the entire hill of La Sabica – silver by starlight but transformed into gold in sunlight. However, there is another more poetic version, evoked by the contemporary writers who speak of the construction of the Alhambra fortress "by the light of torches", the reflections of which gave the walls their particular colouration.

Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an alcazaba (fortress), an alcázar (palace) and a small medina (city), all in one; this triple character helps to explain its many distinctive features and styles. Discover this fascinating destination for yourself on our Alhambra tours.