Places and Spots in the Alhambra: The “Mocárabes” Hall (Alhambra)

The “Mocárabes” Hall (Alhambra)

Short description of the monument

The “Mocárabes” Hall (“muqarbas” hall), is the simplest of all the halls in the Lion’s Room. It is located at the old entrance of the palace, and derives its name from the decoration of the vault that covered it, of which there are only a few scant traces, due to the explosion of a powder magazine in 1590 which caused severe damage. The hall was divided into two parts, separated by a gate around 1636. The left half was covered by an elliptical vault. The walls are decorated with carved plaster strips with the shield and the nazarie motto. From 1863 the remains of the original vault can be seen. There is also, part of a Christian barrel vault, which has the letters F and I carved, but these letters do not correspond to the names of the Catholic Kings, “Fernando” and “Isabel”, but to the names of “Felipe V” and “Isabel de Farnesio”, who lived at the Alhambra in 1729. This hall, located next to the mediaeval entrance, could have been the waiting vestibule for the guests of the sultan at parties and receptions. The access to the Lion’s courtyard is through three arches decorated with “muqarbas”.

Bibliography

• “Granada en tus manos. Alhambra y Generalife”. Author: Carlos Vílchez Vílchez. Ideal – 2006.

Web sites:

• http://www.alhambradegranada.org/historia/alhambraSMocarabes.asp

• http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/averroes/recursos_informaticos/andared01/alhambra/
leones/salamocarabes.htm

The Royal Palace

Introduction

Mexuar

Oratory

The Golden Room Courtyard

Golden Room

The Comares Palace

The Arrayanes Courtyard

The Barca Hall

The Comares Tower

The Embajadores Hall

The Lion’s Palace