Court of the Myrtles

Court of the Myrtles is the central space of the Comares Palace, one of the palaces that make up the Alhambra complex in Granada, Spain. The courtyard sits between the Mexuar to the west and the Palace of the Lions to the east, placing it at the heart of the route through the Nasrid royal residence.

Who built the Court of the Myrtles?

Construction of this part of the Comares Palace was begun by the Nasrid sultan Isma'il I in the early 14th century. The courtyard was not finished in a single phase — his successors, Yusuf I and Muhammad V, later carried out significant modifications during the same century. The layout visitors encounter today is therefore the result of work carried out across several decades by three consecutive rulers of the Nasrid dynasty.

How does the Court of the Myrtles fit into the Comares Palace?

The Comares Palace, whose core is this very courtyard, is considered one of the most important elements of the entire Alhambra complex. Alongside the courtyard itself, its key feature is the Hall of Ambassadors, which served as the sultan's throne hall. It is one of the most impressive chambers in the whole Alhambra and is directly connected, spatially, to the Court of the Myrtles.

The courtyard's position — between the Mexuar and the Palace of the Lions — shows that it was never an isolated space, but part of a sequence of representative palace areas through which the residents and guests of the sultan's court once passed.

Where exactly is the Court of the Myrtles located?

The Court of the Myrtles is located within the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, at approximate coordinates 37.177°N, 3.590°W. The Alhambra as a whole is a historic palace complex, and the Comares Palace, with this courtyard at its center, forms one of its principal parts.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Court of the Myrtles? It is the central part of the Comares Palace inside the Alhambra complex in Granada, bordered by the Mexuar on one side and the Palace of the Lions on the other.

When was the Court of the Myrtles built? Work began under Sultan Isma'il I in the early 14th century, with major changes later introduced by Yusuf I and Muhammad V within the same century.

What lies next to the Court of the Myrtles? Directly connected to the courtyard is the Hall of Ambassadors, the sultan's throne hall, regarded as one of the most impressive interiors in the entire Alhambra.

Where is the Court of the Myrtles located? In Granada, Spain, within the Alhambra complex, between the Mexuar and the Palace of the Lions.