Alcázar Genil

The Alcázar Genil is a historic palace from the Muslim era, located outside the city walls of Granada right on the banks of the Genil River. Originally known as al-Qasr al-Sayyid, the estate was built in the early 13th century by the Almohad dynasty and served as a rural retreat and working farm. It later passed to the Nasrid dynasty, which expanded and decorated the palace further in the 14th century. Today only one pavilion of the original complex survives; in 1892 it was expanded with two wings and a veranda. The building now houses the Francisco Ayala Foundation. Visitors can admire the inward-looking architecture, defined by a central square room flanked by side chambers. The interiors impress with carved stucco on the walls that culminates in a muqarnas cornice, as well as a square wooden ceiling with geometric patterns.