Torres Bermejas Castle

Torres Bermejas is a cluster of three medieval defensive towers standing on the Mauror hill in Granada, directly facing the Alhambra. For travelers looking for a quieter vantage point over the fortress and the old town, it's one of the city's more overlooked gems.

Where does the name "Crimson Towers" come from?

Torres Bermejas means "Crimson" or "Red Towers," a name taken from the reddish tone of the rammed earth (tapial) used to build the walls. The oldest surviving remains date back to the late 8th or early 9th century, part of Granada's earliest known defensive system, a stronghold referred to as Hizn Mawror. By the 11th century the towers had been tied into the city's defensive wall and linked to the Alcazaba of the Alhambra by a rampart, sections of which still survive today. Under Nasrid rule in the 13th century, the complex was expanded first by Muhammad I Al-Ahmar and later by his son, Muhammad II. After the Christian conquest, a 16th-century artillery bastion was added on the northwest side, and the towers underwent a further restoration between 1854 and 1858.

What will you see there?

The site is made up of three adjoining towers. The central one is the most imposing, with three floors and a curved bastion from the Christian era, beneath which lies a water cistern. The tower on the left has two floors, while the one on the right has just a single level. From the walls and terraces, visitors get a sweeping view over Granada, with the towers standing in visual dialogue with the Alhambra's own fortifications, especially the Torre de la Vela, the Alcazaba's old watch tower.

How do you get there?

Torres Bermejas sits close to Cuesta de Gomérez and the Realejo neighborhood, making it an easy walk from the city center — about eleven minutes from Plaza Nueva. Buses from downtown Granada also stop near the towers for those who'd rather skip the climb.

When should you visit?

The towers were only recently opened to the public for the first time in their history. Entry is free, but visiting hours are limited to Saturdays and Sundays, aligned with the schedule of the Alhambra's Monumental Complex. It's worth checking current opening times before you go and planning your trip around the weekend window.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Torres Bermejas free? Yes, entry is free, but the site is only open on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).

How long is the walk from central Granada? From Plaza Nueva, it takes about eleven minutes on foot, passing through Cuesta de Gomérez and the Realejo district.

Is Torres Bermejas part of the Alhambra ticket? No, it's a separate, older fortified complex on the neighboring Mauror hill — not included in the paid Alhambra and Generalife ticket, and its main appeal is precisely the outside view it offers of them.

Can it be combined with other sights nearby? Yes, its location next to the Realejo neighborhood and the Alhambra viewpoint makes it easy to fold into a walk through the old town in the same outing.