What is the newly restored Maristán of Granada right behind El Bañuelo, and why was this 14th-century building unique in medieval Europe? Founded between 1365 and 1367 by Nasrid Sultan Muhammad V—the same ruler who built the Alhambra’s Court of the Lions—the Maristán of Granada was a pioneering Islamic public hospital that treated underprivileged patients free of charge using water gardens, dietetics and Andalusian medicine. Following the award-winning restoration of its southern portico in the lower Albaicín, you can visit it right alongside the 11th-century Arab baths of El Bañuelo for €2.00 (or free on Sundays).
How do the main areas compare and which one fits your trip?
That said, once you move from a broad map to the reality on the ground, knowing the exact difference between each sector saves hours of trial and error. In practice, here is how each option compares:
- El Maristán de Granada (Calle Bañuelo s/n): Único hospital islámico medieval de Al-Ándalus conservado en España, fundado por el sultán Muhammad V entre 1365 y 1367. (Situado justo detrás de los baños árabes de El Bañuelo (Carrera del Darro) · 2,00 € individual (Gratis domingos · Incluido en Dobla de Oro)).
- Baños Árabes de El Bañuelo (Carrera del Darro 31): Hammam zirí del siglo XI con salas fría, templada y caliente y bóvedas con lucernarios estrellados octogonales. (En plena Carrera del Darro frente al Puente del Cadí · 2,00 € individual / 5,50 € bono conjunto (Gratis domingos)).
- Lápida Fundacional y Leones del Maristán: Sus dos grandes leones surtidores de piedra se conservan hoy junto al Partal/Museo de la Alhambra; el Maristán expone su historia médica y arqueológica. (Visita combinada en 45 minutos · Horario: 10:00–17:00 h (invierno) / 09:00–14:30 y 17:00–20:30 h (verano)).
| Area / Option | Best for & key features | Access & parking | Estimated cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Maristán de Granada (Calle Bañuelo s/n) | Único hospital islámico medieval de Al-Ándalus conservado en España, fundado por el sultán Muhammad V entre 1365 y 1367 | Situado justo detrás de los baños árabes de El Bañuelo (Carrera del Darro) | 2,00 € individual (Gratis domingos · Incluido en Dobla de Oro) |
| Baños Árabes de El Bañuelo (Carrera del Darro 31) | Hammam zirí del siglo XI con salas fría, templada y caliente y bóvedas con lucernarios estrellados octogonales | En plena Carrera del Darro frente al Puente del Cadí | 2,00 € individual / 5,50 € bono conjunto (Gratis domingos) |
| Lápida Fundacional y Leones del Maristán | Sus dos grandes leones surtidores de piedra se conservan hoy junto al Partal/Museo de la Alhambra; el Maristán expone su historia médica y arqueológica | Visita combinada en 45 minutos | Horario: 10:00–17:00 h (invierno) / 09:00–14:30 y 17:00–20:30 h (verano) |
How do you get there by public bus, Metro or car without fines?
In fact, transport and parking logistics are usually the biggest source of stress before setting off. Whether you are travelling from central Granada or along the coast, here are the verified connections:
Exact location: on Calle Bañuelo, just 30 meters uphill from the entrance to El Bañuelo Arab baths at Carrera del Darro 31. The Maristán Lions connection: the two famous carved stone lions that once poured water into the hospital’s pool were moved to the Alhambra’s Partal gardens in the 19th century and are preserved in the Alhambra Museum.
To complete your itinerary with official fares and updated maps, check our companion Granada guides:
How much does it really cost? Let’s run the numbers in euros with a real case
Let’s run the numbers in euros with a real-life example for two adults so you can plan your exact daily budget with zero surprises:
Let’s run the numbers in euros with a real-life example: two travelers strolling along Carrera del Darro who visit both El Bañuelo and the Maristán spend €4.00 per person total (or €5.50 per person with the full Hispanic-Muslim pass that also unlocks Horno de Oro and Casa del Chapiz 3 minutes away).
What common mistakes should you avoid and what can you combine nearby?
Finally, local experience shows that a few timing rules and reservation checks make all the difference between a seamless day out and unnecessary queues:
- Tickets & free Sundays: €2.00 per monument, €5.50 for the combined Hispanic-Muslim Monuments pass, or €0.00 every Sunday.
- What to see inside: the restored two-story southern portico with painted wooden ceilings, the archaeological layout of the courtyard pool and patient rooms, and exhibits on medieval Islamic medicine.
- The Maristán Lions connection: the two famous carved stone lions that once poured water into the hospital’s pool were moved to the Alhambra’s Partal gardens in the 19th century and are preserved in the Alhambra Museum.
Frequently asked questions before visiting
What is the newly restored Maristán of Granada right behind El Bañuelo, and why was this 14th-century building unique in medieval Europe?
Founded between 1365 and 1367 by Nasrid Sultan Muhammad V—the same ruler who built the Alhambra’s Court of the Lions—the Maristán of Granada was a pioneering Islamic public hospital that treated underprivileged patients free of charge using water gardens, dietetics and Andalusian medicine. Following the award-winning restoration of its southern portico in the lower Albaicín, you can visit it right alongside the 11th-century Arab baths of El Bañuelo for €2.00 (or free on Sundays).
How much does it really cost? Let’s run the numbers in euros with a real case
Let’s run the numbers in euros with a real-life example: two travelers strolling along Carrera del Darro who visit both El Bañuelo and the Maristán spend €4.00 per person total (or €5.50 per person with the full Hispanic-Muslim pass that also unlocks Horno de Oro and Casa del Chapiz 3 minutes away).
Verified official sources (2026): Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife (Restauración del Pórtico Sur del Maristán Nazarí de Granada y Baños Árabes de El Bañuelo, 2026).
Official Simulator: Alhambra Tickets vs. Dobla de Oro vs. Granada Card
Compare the exact cost per person based on ticket type, discount profile and monuments on your list:
Official sources for further information
These links provide information and notices from organisations connected with the destination. References supporting specific claims appear beside the article text.
Governing foundation: Holy Caves, 16th-century Lead Books, collegiate art museum, and crypt of founder Pedro de Castro.
Urban planning and preservation of the World Heritage district: walled carmenes, panoramic viewpoints, and cisterns.
Intangible cultural heritage protection: Sacromonte cave zambras, authentic flamenco clubs, and cante jondo festivals.
Troglodyte cave museum: traditional cave dwellings, wicker crafts, blacksmithy, and Romani community history.
