Built under the
reign of Isma’il I, the Mexuar is one of the most transformed spaces in the
Alhambra complex and because of this, the original floor plan is unknown. Although the precise date of construction is unknown, it is thought
that the Mexuar was constructed as a residential palace for Ismai’il I and
later converted into a throne room by Muhammad V during his second reign. In
1590 a large explosion destroyed much of the original structure. Under the
Christian era in 1632, the back halls were converted into a Christian chapel
and a choir room was constructed.
Currently, the
rectangular hall features four columns with corbels of mocarabes (muqarnas). The highest
parts of the walls are decorated with fine plaster work.
