As the capital of the Nasrid Kingdom, Granada adapted the patterns of Castilianising which were established by the Catholic Kings. Further to their grandson Charles V becoming the monarch and his desire for Granada to become the capital of his empire, this led to a new impetus towards the architectural and urban renovation of the city. Highly representative buildings were added, such as the Royal Chancellery (Court of Justice) or the founding of the university, both of which represent the new Renaissance tendencies from Italy.

The Alhambra adapts to the new emblems and symbols of power, transforming its profiles into a new court framework. The hall known as the Old Royal House is converted into an imperial residence, in the same way as the old palaces in the Partal and Generalife became the residences for the principal members of his government. The emperor finally ordered the construction of the palace as the seat of his court. This was an unfinished project whose design was the principle example of full Renaissance architecture.