Patio de los Arrayanes

The Patio de los Arrayanes, also known as the Court of the Myrtles, is the central heart of the Comares Palace within the Alhambra complex in Granada. This rectangular courtyard, oriented north to south, is traversed by a long, mirror-like pool, along whose edges grow the myrtle hedges that give the court its name. The water is channeled so that it flows gently into the pool and leaves the surface undisturbed, which, together with the reflection of the surrounding architecture, creates a striking aesthetic effect. The courtyard is flanked by richly decorated porticoes whose arches are adorned with stucco work in arabesque and geometric patterns. Most of this decoration dates from the time of Sultan Muhammad V, who significantly expanded the palace in the late 14th century and gave it its present form.

North of the courtyard lies the Sala de la Barca, a hall with an artfully vaulted wooden ceiling that was originally damaged by fire but later carefully reconstructed. Beyond this antechamber is the imposing Hall of the Ambassadors, which served as the sultan's throne room. This space is part of the massive Comares Tower and impresses with its enormous dimensions and the detailed wall decoration of stucco and mosaic tiles. The highlight is the huge wooden ceiling, whose complex geometric pattern of thousands of interlocking pieces is interpreted as a representation of the seven heavens. Here you can experience the union of sacred inscriptions, such as verses from the Quran, with magnificent architecture that embodies the pinnacle of Nasrid craftsmanship.