Under what is known as the Jardín de la Alamedilla, within the Alhambra confines, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a palatial structure.

The conservation surveyor for Alhambra & Generalife Board, Antonio Peral, explained that the layout of the find covers some 440 sq/m, situated next to the water cistern discovered in 1950.

“We have discovered at least four corridors and it is possible that the said building had its own baths or ‘hammam,’ (a type of steam bath) although this remains just an hypothesis at the moment,” he explained, adding, “but if this is confirmed then we’re talking about a large dwelling/palace belonging to the earlier part of the Nazarid Dynasty [late 12th/early 13th Century].”

The Heritage Board for the Alhambra & Generalife began excavation work in October by sinking test holes within the garden area to find out if there was anything of interest under there.

So far the excavation has moved 130 cubic metres of earth, costing over 60,000 euros on this plot which is close to Calle Real between the Iglesia de Santa María de la Alhambra and the rear part of the bath house belonging to the mosque and its adjoining Nazarid dwelling.

There have been no excavations in that part of the Alhambra ground since the 50s when the rectangular cistern was discovered and restored.

(News: Alhambra, Granada, Andalucia)