The fountain of the lion is probably one of the most beautiful pieces of Islamic art ever conceived. Placed in the inner courtyard of the Nasrid dynasty palace, its construction is dated around 1370. The Patio de los Leones – Court of the Lions – is oblong and measures 35 m in length by 20 m in width. It is surrounded by a low gallery supported on 124 white marble columns. A pavilion projects into the court at each extremity, with filigree walls. Up from the ground the walls are covered with blue and yellow tiles bordered above and below with enamelled blue and gold. In the centre of the court is the Fountain of Lions, an alabaster basin supported by the figures of twelve lions in white marble symbolising strength, power, and sovereignty.

The Court of the Lions in the Alhambra is the zenith of Nasrid architecture (early 13th to late 15th centuries). The famous fountain, constructed by order of Muhammad V between 1362 and 1391, is perhaps its most distinctive feature owing to its decorative richness and deep symbolism. The restoration of the fountain was a large-scale project executed in various stages, beginning with lion number 4 in 2002. Work continued between 2007 and 2010 with the restoration of the remaining lions and the basin of the fountain.


Renovation of the water system was a necessary element, as was the aim of restoring the courtyard's integrated fountains to full working order and performing the conservation work in situ. The final stage was reached with the paving of the courtyard with Macael white marble in 2012. The objectives were to ensure historical authenticity by returning to the original paved flooring and to improve public access and enjoyment of this magical space.