Patronage of the Alhambra and the Generalife

The Patronage of the Alhambra and Generalife is an administrative office and museum in Granada that manages the entire palace complex with its buildings and gardens. It handles visitor access and ensures all parts of this large UNESCO site remain accessible to the public.

This institution was created to protect the Arab palace complex from the 13th century that the Nasrid dynasty left behind. Over the decades, it evolved into a modern organization that not only preserves but also researches and presents the site.

The organization shares the Islamic heritage through educational programs and exhibitions that introduce visitors to medieval palace design and garden traditions. You can see how art and nature were intricately connected in the way the spaces were built and planted.

Visitors should follow the opening hours and expect queues, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. It helps to book tickets ahead and arrive in the morning to avoid crowds.

The site still uses a medieval water system from Arab times that feeds the fountains and gardens. This functioning network of channels and reservoirs shows how cleverly the original builders managed water.