Court of the Lions
Square Nasrid palace courtyard with iconic lion fountain
Inside Granada’s Alhambra complex, the Court of the Lions centers on a 12‑lion fountain surrounded by slender marble columns and Nasrid stuccowork. Tourists book Alhambra tickets to see this example of late medieval Islamic palace art.
The Court of the Lions is the central courtyard of the Nasrid Palaces within the Alhambra complex in Granada, Andalusia, and is a principal example of late medieval Islamic architecture in Spain. It dates to the mid 14th century and is most closely associated with the reign of Sultan Muhammad V.
The courtyard is framed by four porticoes and a colonnade of slender marble columns around a central fountain supported by twelve carved lions. Its water channels, intricate stucco decoration and slender arcade proportions are major reasons visitors come, making it one of the Alhambra’s best known spaces.
Construction and ornamentation are attributed to Nasrid-period craftsmen under Muhammad V; the space served as the private heart of the palace complex for the royal family and court. Over centuries it has undergone restoration to preserve delicate plasterwork and stone elements.
The Court of the Lions sits within the Alhambra on the Sabika hill overlooking Granada. It is accessed via the broader palace circuit of the Alhambra and is reached on foot from the main Alhambra entrance areas.
- Booking: Advance tickets for the Alhambra complex are usually required and access into the Nasrid Palaces is timed and limited.
- Dimensions: The courtyard is an 11 by 11 metre square with slender columns and four porticoes surrounding the central fountain.
What to See #
- Lion Fountain: The central marble fountain supported by twelve sculpted lions, dating to the Nasrid period, which sits at the courtyard's centre and distributes water through a system of channels.
How to Get to Court of the Lions #
The Court of the Lions is inside the Alhambra complex on the Sabika hill in Granada’s historic center. From Granada city center (Plaza Nueva), it is a 15-25 minute walk uphill or a short taxi ride. The complex is also served by local buses (C3 from the city center) and the Alhambra has several pedestrian entrances; follow signage to the Nasrid Palaces once inside.
Arrive at the Alhambra with a timed Nasrid Palaces ticket - entry to the Court of the Lions is only permitted during the palace’s allocated time slot; buy tickets in advance on the Alhambra Patronato website.
Tips for Visiting Court of the Lions #
- Book Nasrid Palaces tickets well in advance; the Court of the Lions is inside the Nasrid Palaces and only accessible with a timed entry slot.
- Visit late afternoon during golden hour when the light through the arcades softens the stone and the fountain's pool reflects the carved arches.
- Listen to the drip of the central fountain and look for the discreet channels: the palace's hydraulic system was an engineering feat in a semi-arid climate and remains visible in the courtyard's waterwork.
Best Time to Visit Court of the Lions #
Best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures and favorable light; Nasrid Palaces require timed tickets regardless of season.
Weather & Climate near Court of the Lions #
Court of the Lions's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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