Mexuar, Administrative hall in Alhambra, Granada, Spain
The Mexuar is an administrative building within the Alhambra featuring a central council chamber decorated with plasterwork, two sequential courtyards, and the ornate Cuarto Dorado section. The structure runs west to east and showcases careful spatial planning with decorative details throughout the different sections.
Built in the early 14th century, the Mexuar served as the entrance wing of the Comares Palace where sultans handled administrative duties. This role continued until 1492 when political control of the region changed.
After the Christian conquest, the main hall was converted into a chapel, reflecting how the space was repurposed for new religious practices. Visitors can see how architectural elements were adapted to serve different spiritual purposes over time.
The Mexuar is part of the ticketed Alhambra complex and requires advance booking to manage daily visitor numbers. It is helpful to allow extra time to walk through the different rooms and courtyards at a relaxed pace.
The name Mexuar comes from the Arabic word 'mashwar', referring to palace reception areas where rulers listened to requests from people. This historic role shows how important the space was for handling daily governance matters.
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