Palace of Charles V, The Alhambra

Palace of Charles V, The Alhambra

Did you know that Charles V could not resist the charms of the Alhambra and ordered the construction of a palace next to it to be able to contemplate its wonders up close?

The story goes that the Palace of Charles V responds to the predilection of the monarch for this fortress and for its claim to gather in the same building all the comforts of the time for his family, because although it had the AlcazarThis was not enough to satisfy all his needs.

With America under his territorial dominions, Emperor Charles V of Germany and I of Spain decided to move his court to the Alhambra. Alhambra as a summer residence in 1526. His summer days there made his love for these lands and this place full of history grow, so he ordered to create a larger palace to the height of the most powerful king in the world at that time and with more amenities than the royal houses of the Alhambra. Alhambra to turn it into the palatial center of the Empire, but with direct connection to continue enjoying the privilege of enjoying it completely.

This is how the Palace of Charles V , considered one of the most important Renaissance works outside Italy, the first great royal palace construction of the Spanish monarchy and the mark that the Emperor will leave for history in the Alhambra. Alhambra.

According to historical sources, this great work was paid for thanks to Don Luis Hurtado de Mendozawho ingeniously sought a way to raise the money, first through taxes that the Moors had to pay in order to keep some of their customs alive. Finally, the construction of the Palace of Charles V began in 1527 with Pedro Machuca at the head, architect and painter from Toledo and disciple of Michelangelo himself in Italy, who thus began what would be his most acclaimed work. 23 years later, after his death, the completion of the project would be a choral work with renowned figures like Juan de Orea o Juan Minjares.

Palace of Charles V

Palace of Charles V Architecture

As we have already mentioned, the architect in charge of the work was the architect Pedro Machucaa well-known lover of the Renaissance style with accredited training with the best artists of the time.

As for its architectural description, the palace has a square floor plan and a wide main facade of 63 m wide x 17 m high. Adentrases in the same is an experience that takes us to another era, since up a staircase we find an imposing circular courtyard of 30 square meters and is surrounded by a large portico with 32 Doric columns that serves as a central axis to the building and is the most outstanding work, according to experts, of the Renaissance in our country.

Circular courtyard Palace Charles V

The building, being connected to the Arab AlcazarIt only has ornamentation on the south and west facades, a part of the north face and half of the rest.

Its structure consists of a lower body of Tuscan style, of cushioned work, with pitted ashlars and magnificent pilasters with large rings that for many years were said to be used to tie the horses, but that really served simply as a decorative element. Between pilaster and pilaster we also find rectangular and circular windows. On the other hand, we find a second body with a very similar arrangement of openings and pilasters, although its decoration is much richer as the circular windows are topped with balconies with ornate lintels, and the Corinthian entablature of the pilasters, of Ionic order.

Also noteworthy are its main façades with spectacular façades of Sierra Elvira and considered one of the most beautiful of all the Spanish Renaissance.

Palace of Charles V Ticket

Carlos V Palace Schedule

The palace is open from 8.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. although on weekends it is open to visitors coinciding with the night visits programmed in the Alhambra. scheduled night visits to the Alhambra.but in addition, the Palace of Charles V houses on its first floor the Museum of the Alhambradedicated to the Hispanic-Muslim culture and artistic legacy whose specific schedules are detailed below:

Palace of Charles V Schedule

• From October 15 to March 14
• 8.30 h. – 18.00 h. Wednesday to Saturday
• 8.30 h. – 14.30 h. From Sunday to Tuesday
• Closed on Mondays.
• March 15 to October 14
• 8.30 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday
• 8.30 h. – 14.30 h. Sundays and Tuesdays
• Closed on Mondays.
• January 1st, December 25th and holidays, closed

Palace of Charles V Tickets

The entrance to the Palace of Charles V is free if you are Spanish, as well as access to the two museums that it houses inside, the Museum of the Alhambra and the Museum of Fine Arts. The latter, if you belong to the European Union, is also free.