Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra, Nasrid palace in Albaicín quarter, Granada, Spain
Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra is a Nasrid palace in Granada's Albaicín neighborhood featuring a rectangular courtyard surrounded by porticoes on the north and south sides. At its center sits a small pool, and the rooms opening onto the courtyard follow the traditional layout of elite Nasrid residences.
The palace was built between 1408 and 1417 during the reign of Yusuf III. It served as the residence of Aisha al-Horra, mother of Granada's final Nasrid ruler.
The name Dar al-Horra means House of the Free Woman, reflecting the status of noble women in Nasrid royal society. The palace shows how wealthy women lived and how their private spaces were designed within the court.
The palace retains its original Nasrid architectural elements with detailed stucco decorations and carved inscriptions throughout the walls. Visitors should allow time to examine the fine details of the wall ornaments and appreciate the courtyard's proportions.
After Granada's conquest in 1492, the palace was transformed into a Franciscan convent for nuns. The building became part of the Santa Isabel la Real monastery while maintaining its original spaces under its new religious purpose.
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