The Palacios Nazaríes in Granada represent the absolute pinnacle of Nasrid architecture, and honestly, no amount of preparation quite readies you for walking through these rooms. These aren't just palaces – they're the survivors, the ones the Catholic Monarchs chose to preserve from dozens of royal residences that once filled the Alhambra complex.

What strikes you first is how each sultan built anew rather than renovating. Islamic tradition discouraged permanent construction, so rulers demonstrated power by creating fresh palaces. Ironically, this constant renewal means what we see today – primarily 14th-century work – survived because Spanish royalty decided to live here after 1492.

The journey begins in the Mexuar, where justice was administered. The oldest section feels almost austere compared to what follows, though look closely at the tile work. Christian and Islamic symbols blend unexpectedly – eagles of Castilian monarchy mixed with Nasrid craftsmanship. The small oratory nearby offers the first glimpse of the Albaicín across the valley.

Then comes the Patio de los Arrayanes, and suddenly you understand the fuss. That long reflecting pool doesn't just cool the air – it doubles the visual impact of everything around it. The myrtle hedges (arrayanes) that give this courtyard its name frame the water perfectly. At the far end, the Tower of Comares rises like a promise of greater wonders.

Inside that tower lies the Salón de los Embajadores, probably the most sophisticated throne room I've encountered anywhere. The geometry alone impresses – perfectly square, with nine alcoves arranged so the sultan sat with his back to the light while visitors faced it directly. Psychological advantage through architecture. Above, that cedar ceiling represents the seven heavens of Islamic cosmology, assembled from over 8,000 individual pieces.

The craftsmanship throughout defies easy description. Every surface carries decoration – stucco work from Persian and Iraqi masters, Koranic verses flowing into architectural elements, colors that still gleam after seven centuries. If you're using a Palacios Nazaríes audio guide, the technical details help decode the visual complexity, though honestly, just absorbing the atmosphere works too.

These rooms housed real political power for over two centuries. They've survived conquest, fire, Napoleon's troops trying to blow up the Alhambra, and countless restorations. That they exist at all feels miraculous. That they remain this beautiful borders on the impossible.