The Alhambra is situated in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, and is a palace and fortress compound. It is a well-known structure in Islamic architecture and one of the most well-maintained palaces from the historical Islamic world, showcasing notable Spanish Renaissance architecture.

Construction of the complex was started in 1238 by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the initial Nasrid emir and creator of the Emirate of Granada, the final Muslim state of Al-Andalus. The site, located on the Sabika hill, was constructed on top of an outcrop of the Sierra Nevada. This area had previously been home to older fortresses and the palace of Samuel ibn Naghrillah from the 11th century. Subsequent Nasrid rulers made continual changes to the location. The major building projects that shaped the royal palaces' defining features occurred in the 14th century under the rule of Yusuf I and Muhammad V.

Following the end of the Christian Reconquista in 1492, the location was transformed into the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella, where Christopher Columbus gained royal support for his voyage, and some modifications were made to the palaces. In the early 17th century, a new Renaissance-style palace was commissioned by Charles V to be built directly next to the Nasrid palaces, but it was never finished. Over the centuries that followed, the site deteriorated and squatters took over its buildings. In 1812, Napoleon's soldiers damaged some of it.

Following this, the Alhambra started to draw interest from Romantic travelers from Britain, America, and other parts of Europe. Washington Irving was the most impactful, with his Tales of the Alhambra (1832) drawing global interest to the site. The Alhambra was among the first Islamic structures to undergo modern scientific examination and has seen various renovations since the 19th century. It is currently a top tourist spot in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the time of the Nasrid dynasty, the Alhambra existed as an independent city distinct from the lower parts of Granada. It included many typical features of a Muslim city like a main mosque, public baths, streets, dwellings, craft workshops, a leather factory, and a complex water distribution network. Being a regal city with a fortress, it held at minimum six significant palaces, primarily situated on the northern side to overlook the Albaicín neighborhood. 

The Mexuar, Comares Palace, Palace of the Lions, and Partal Palace are the most renowned and well-maintained buildings that draw visitors to the site. Information about the other palaces comes from historical records and recent archaeological digs. The Alcazaba fortress is located at the western end of the Alhambra. Numerous small towers and strong gates can also be found along the walls of the Alhambra. Just outside the Alhambra walls to the east is the Generalife, a former Nasrid estate with historic gardens and modern landscaped grounds.

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