Europe

In this post, we’ll explore the sights of Granada. We’ll exclude most of the sites in the Albayzín neighborhood, as we have a dedicated post on them. You can see them at the following link.

01. Cathedral of Granada

The Santa y Apostólica Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana Basílica de la Encarnación de Granada is a Catholic church. It is one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance and is dedicated to the mystery of the Incarnation of the Lord.

In 1502 its location was approved, which was on the site of a former mosque. In 1506, the architect Enrique Egas was commissioned to design it. He took the temples of Toledo and Seville as examples. Work began in 1523 on a late Gothic temple.

In 1528 Diego de Siloé took over the direction of the works. He reworked the project and was inspired by classical Roman architecture, with Paleo-Christian influences, marking the transition to the Renaissance style.

After Siloé’s death in 1563, Juan de Maeda took over the direction of the project. During this period the first section of the tower and the entrance to the cathedral museum were completed.

The project passed into the hands of Ambrosio de Vico in 1582 until his death in 1623. Progress was made on the bell tower and the second section of the Perdón doorway. Miguel Guerrero later took over.

The main façade was the work of Alonso Cano, who took over the direction in 1667. However, he soon died and his project was materialised by José Granados de la Barrera, who completed the design until 1685.

The works were completed in the early 18th century, supervised by Melchor de Aguirre and Teodoro Ardemans.

In the 20th century, the last modifications were made, such as the transfer of the choir to the main chapel. Also the recovery of the communicability of the high altar, giving back to the temple the original vision of Siloé.

How to get there: Bus stop Catedral: lines 4, 8, 21, 33, C31, C23, C33.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.15 // Sundays from 15.00 to 18.15.

Price: Adults 7€ // Children under 12 free // Students 5€.

ESSENTIAL VISIT

02. Royal Chapel

The Royal Chapel of Granada was built at the end of the 15th century in Gothic, Flemish and Renaissance styles. It was ordered by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, who wished their remains to rest in Granada forever.

Apart from her tomb, her daughter Juana I of Castile and her husband Felipe el Hermoso are also buried here.

In addition to some small chapels and the burial place of the kings, there is also a small museum with objects belonging to both of them. There are also some famous paintings.

IMPORTANT: photography and videos are strictly forbidden.

How to get there: Bus stop Catedral: lines 4, 8, 21, 33, C31, C23, C33.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 18.15 // Sundays from 15.00 to 18.15.

Price: Adults 7€ // Children under 12 free // Students 5€.

ESSENTIAL VISIT

To fully enjoy the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, we recommend the Civitatis guided tour:

*Helps us to maintain the blog

03. The Madrasa Palace

The Madrasa of Granada, in Arabic ﻣﺩﺭسة, (meaning school), was the first public university in al-Andalus. It was inaugurated by King Yusuf I of Granada, the seventh ruler of the Nasrid dynasty, in 1349. The Madrasa was located next to the Great Mosque and the Alcaicería, the noblest commercial area.

It functioned as a university until 1499, although after the Christian conquest it was to maintain its function. After the arrival of Cardinal Gonzalo Jiménez de Cisneros, the policy of tolerance and compliance with the Capitulations that had been developed by Archbishop Hernando de Talavera was replaced by forced conversion.

Following this new policy, the Moors revolted and Cardinal Cisneros took advantage of this to plunder the building and burn the library books in the Plaza Bib-Rambla. The building was then donated in 1500 by Ferdinand II of Aragon for the town hall.

With its new function, the building was almost completely renovated in baroque style, and in 1858 it ceased to be a town hall and was acquired by private owners. In the middle of the 20th century it passed into the hands of the state, which ceded it to the University of Granada.

Today only the Mihrab, the oratory, remains of the original building. The remains of the white marble façade are also preserved, but this is in the Archaeological Museum of Granada.

It is currently the headquarters of the Centre of Contemporary Culture and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias.

How to get there: Bus stop Catedral: lines 4, 8, 21, 33, C31, C23, C33.

Opening times: every day from 10.00 to 19.00.

Price: free.

04. Alcaicería of Granada

The Alcaicería is a typical Muslim quarter made up of narrow streets around which the houses were lined up and around which the souk or market was located. This large bazaar stretched from Plaza Nueva to Plaza Bib-Rambla.

Its date of origin is unknown, but the Nasrid sultan Abu Nasr Saad, who reigned between 1454 and 1464, mentions it in a letter.

After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs, it became known as the Real Sitio y Fuerte de la Alcaicería de Granada. It was then placed under the rule of the Marquises of Mondéjar, governors and captains general of the Alhambra and the Kingdom of Granada.

Nowadays it has become an important tourist attraction full of small shops selling Arab-style merchandise and souvenirs.

05. Bib-Rambla Square

Originally it was the nerve center of the Nasrid Granada due to the commercial area of the Alcaicería and the Zacatín. After the reconquest and a deep remodeling, it became the place where festivities, bullfights and jousting took place.

In the center of the square is the Fuente de los Gigantones (Fountain of the Giants), built in the mid-17th century. It was initially installed in the Convent of the Agustinos Calzados, which was located where the Mercado de San Agustín is today.

After the abandonment and demolition of the convent in the 18th century, the fountain was preserved and moved to the Paseo del Salón. In 1892 it was moved again to the end of Paseo de la Bomba and finally, in 1940 it was installed in its present location.

At the ends of the square you will find some beautiful iron street lamps installed in the late nineteenth century. We will also find around the fountain some flower stalls and many restaurants where you can sit down to eat something.

06. Corral del Carbón

It is an old Nasrid alhóndiga in the 14th century with the name of Al-Funduq al-Gidida (New Alhóndiga). It was located near the souk and the alcaicería, and served as an inn for merchants in transit or warehouse.

In 1494 the Catholic Monarchs gave it to Sancho de Arana, who after his death in 1531 put it up for auction. It was first used as a lodge for charcoal burners and later as a playhouse until 1593. After that it became a tenement house.

It was acquired by the state in 1933. In 1992 it was restored and currently houses the offices and administration staff of the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada. On some occasions in the courtyard are held theatrical performances, flamenco concerts and conferences.

How to get there: Bus stop Catedral: lines 4, 8, 21, 33, C31, C23, C33.

Opening times: every day from 9.00 to 20.00.

Price: free.

RECOMMENDED VISIT

07. Isabel la Católica Square

It was built in 1962 to streamline the traffic of the Gran Vía and the San Matías neighborhood. For this purpose, the Gran Capitán theater, the Luque family palace and the old Post Office building were demolished.

They also destroyed several houses that the son of Álvaro de Bazán had commissioned to the Genoese sculptor Nicolao de Corte. Houses that he had built after the demolition of the Dominican convent of Sancti Spiritus, dated 1520. In whose chapel the family of the Bazanes was buried.

The central sculpture represents Queen Isabella the Catholic accepting the proposals of the navigator during the Capitulations of Santa Fe, signed in 1492. It was built in Rome in 1892 and moved to its present location from the Paseo del Salón.

How to get there: Bus stop Catedral: lines 4, 8, 21, 33, C31, C23, C33.

08. Casa de los Tiros Museum

It was built in the 16th century for Gil Vázquez de Rengifo, commander of Montiel. This was one of the knights who participated in the Conquest of Granada with the Catholic Monarchs.

Its fortress-like appearance is due to the fact that it was originally located within the walls of the Alfareros neighborhood. In fact, its name is due to the artillery pieces on its battlements. Although of the original building only the tower is preserved.

The house belonged to the Marquises of Campotéjar until 1921, when it passed into the hands of the State. It was the headquarters of the Ateneo de Granada but nowadays it is the headquarters of the Museo Casa de los Tiros de Granada.

It exhibits works such as drawings, engravings, lithographs, photographs, bibliographic collections on the subject of Granada and other objects donated by private individuals.

How to get there: Bus stop Santa Escolástica 2: lines C30, C32, C35.

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00 to 20.30 // Sunday from 9.00 to 14.30 // Monday closed.

Price: free for residents of the European Union // Rest of countries 1.50€.

09. Lavadero de la Placeta Puerta del Sol

It was built in the middle of the 19th century in the upper part of the Realejo neighborhood and was in operation until 1965. Although some sources indicate that it is a Jewish washhouse of the XVII century, which is false.

In this place was the Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Oriente or Puerta del Mauror, which opened a passage in the Muslim wall.

From here we can enjoy beautiful views of Granada, although you have to climb quite a few stairs.

How to get there: Bus stop Santa Escolástica 2: lines C30, C32, C35.

10. Santo Domingo Church

Located in the Realejo neighborhood, construction began in 1512 and is part of the convent of Santa Cruz la Real. Initially built in Gothic style, with time Renaissance and Baroque elements were added.

In the center of the square of the same name there is a monument to Fray Luis de Granada presiding over it.

How to get there: Bus stop Plaza de Santo Domingo: lines C30, C32, C35.

11. Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo

The Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo is an ancient Almohad palace built in the 13th century. During the Zirid Kingdom (1013 – 1090) the area was populated by potters’ suburbs, which gave the neighborhood its name: Rabad al-Fajjarin (suburb of the potters).

With the expansion of the Almohad Empire the neighborhood was populated and displaced the potters. During the Nasrid Kingdom, Emir Muhammad II ordered the construction of a wall to protect the neighborhood. The parapet of this wall was used to build an almunia and in one of its towers a qubba. This was the reception hall or throne room.

After the conquest of Granada in 1492, the sultana Aixa sold it to the Catholic Monarchs. These gave it to the Dominican Order to found the convent of Santa Cruz la Real.

After the disentailment of Mendizábal (1836) it passed into private hands. This provokes different remodeling works.

The Granada City Council acquired it in 1990 and five years later began excavations to study the layout of the old palace.

After several years of restoration, since 2015 we can visit the beautiful tower or qubba, similar to the Hall of Ambassadors of the Alhambra.

How to get there: bus stop Plaza Mariana Pineda, line C5.

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm // Sundays from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm // Mondays closed.

Price: 2€.

ESSENTIAL VISIT

Discover the best activities and tours in Granada with Civitatis:

*Helps us to maintain the blog

12. Campo del Príncipe Square

Known as Campo de la Loma in Nasrid times, numerous public events were held here. Numerous orchards known as the Alameda de Mu ́ammal were also located here.

Around 1497 an important renovation was carried out to celebrate the wedding of Prince Don Juan with Doña Margarita of Austria. Although the prince was overcome by impatience and traveled to Santander to get married in the town of Villasevil (the boy was a little salidillo).

In 1513 it was remodeled to turn it into a great place for celebrations. Such as jousting, bullfights, religious celebrations.

Presiding over the square is the sculpture of the Cristo de los Favores. It was commissioned by the neighbors of the neighborhood in 1640 and it is tradition to ask him three petitions on Good Friday. Legend has it that he is the author of numerous miracles, such as protection from the bubonic plague epidemic that devastated the city in the seventeenth century.

In the square you will find numerous restaurants and bars where you can sit and enjoy its terraces at any time of the year.

How to get there: bus stop Molinos 38, lines C30, C32, C35.

13. Carmen de los Mártires

It is a famous carmen (house with garden) located within the grounds of the Alhambra. It occupies the land known in Arab times as Campo de Ahabul until the 14th century.

Later, in Christian times, Campo or corral de los Cautivos. This is because this is where the Christian prisoners were imprisoned by the Muslims.

It is said that Boabdil left from here to meet the Catholic Monarchs to give them the keys of Granada in 1492. After this, Queen Isabella ordered a hermitage to be built here.

In 1573 the hermitage became a convent of the Discalced Carmelites. San Juan de la Cruz was prior of this convent between 1582 and 1588. It was here that he wrote most of his books.

In 1842 the convent was destroyed during the confiscation of Mendizábal and the land was given to the father of General Carlos Calderón. He built the present palace and gardens.

In 1891 it was taken over by the Belgian Humbert Meersmans de Smet, who turned the pond into a romantic lake with an island in the centre and waterfalls. He also installed numerous sculptures and labyrinths in the gardens.

It passed through several hands until 1958, when Cristina de Arteaga donated it to the Granada City Council, where it fell into disuse and was abandoned. In the 70s of the 20th century a hotel was planned and part of the building was demolished. Fortunately, social pressure prevented the project from going ahead.

In 1986 the building was restored and opened to the public. Numerous weddings and other events are held here. It is not uncommon to see couples in the beautiful gardens having their photos taken in their wedding dresses.

How to get there: bus stop Arquitecto García Paredes, lines C30 and C32.

Opening times: from 1 April to 14 October, Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 1400 and from 18.00 to 20.00 // Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 20.00.
From 15 October to 31 March, Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00 // Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 18.00.

Price: free.

ESSENTIAL VISIT

Find your ideal hotel at the best price in Granada with Agoda:

*Helps us to maintain the blog

14. Bermejas Towers

The Bermejas Towers are what remains of a fortification or watchtower located on the hill of the Mauror, opposite the Alhambra. It is believed to have been one of the oldest constructions in the city and protected what is now the Realejo quarter.

Today, three towers of different sizes are preserved, as well as a bastion overlooking the Albaicín and a cistern underneath it.

This fortification was built in the 9th century, although it underwent several alterations during the Nasrid period. The towers were built during this remodelling. Its name comes from the colour of the walls made of mortar.

How to get there: the towers can only be reached on foot. It takes about 10 minutes from Plaza Nueva. However, it is uphill.

Opening times: from 15th October to 31st March, Saturdays and Sundays from 08.30 to 18.00.
From 01 April to 14 October, Saturdays and Sundays from 08.30 to 20.00.

Price: free of charge.

15. Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation

It is a carmen located on the Mauror hill, very close to the Torres Bermejas (Bermejas Towers). It was designed by the Granada painter José María Rodríguez-Acosta to house his studio. He did it with the help of the architects Ramón Santa Cruz and Modesto Cendoya in 1916. Later, in 1924, he also received technical support from the architect Teodoro Anasagasti y Algán in 1921 and José Felipe Jiménez Lacal from 1924 onwards.

After the painter’s death in 1941, the Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation was created and houses the painter’s legacy, with works of his on display and various articles.

Strolling through its beautiful gardens is a real treat for the senses. You can also admire beautiful views of the city from one of its terraces.

Opening times: every day from 10.00 to 15.00.

Price: 5€.

RECOMMENDED VISIT

16. Silla del Moro (Moor’s Chair)

The Silla del Moro or Castillo de Santa Elena (from the 17th century onwards) was built in the 13th century and was a small watchtower castle from the Nasrid period. It is located on the hill of Santa Elena and formed part of the defences of the Generalife and the Alhambra.

Its main function was to distribute the water from the irrigation channel to the palaces of the Generalife and the Alhambra and the surrounding orchards.

Abandonment gradually took its toll and by the 18th century it was in ruins. At the beginning of the 20th century several works were attempted, such as the construction of a belvedere in 1942 and a restaurant that was built in 1966 but never came into operation.

In the 1980s, the structure of the restaurant partially collapsed. Later, the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife destroyed the rest of the restaurant and began its restoration.

After many years of work (I can confirm for myself that it was at a standstill) it was finished in 2010. From here we can enjoy spectacular views of the Ahambra and a large part of the city.

How to get there: bus stop Cementerio San José, lines 13 and C35. Then you have to walk for about 15 minutes.

Opening times: 1 April to 14 October, Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30am to 2pm.

Price: free.

RECOMMENDED VISIT

17. Carmen Square

During the Muslim period it was the nerve centre of the city and was known as Madinat Garnata. After the Christian conquest, the square was restructured to its current structure.

It is the site of Granada’s town hall, built in the 19th century in the neoclassical style. Numerous events are held here throughout the year.

Nearby you will find numerous places to eat or have a drink. You can even go partying.

How to get there: bus stop Plaza del Carmen – Ayuntamiento, lines 11 and 21.

Follow us on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Facebook

18. Basilica of the Virgen de las Angustias

Located in the Carrera de la Virgen, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias venerates the patron saint of the city and province of Granada.

Originally, a panel depicting the image of the Virgin, donated by Queen Isabella the Catholic, was worshipped. This was located in a small hermitage from 1501 dedicated to Saints Ursula and Susana, annexed to the parish church of San Matías.

In 1545 a brotherhood was founded for its worship and by 1585 a small church was built to replace the previous hermitage.

In 1664, construction began on a hospital for the brotherhood and, next to it, the new church under the direction of the master builder Juan Luis Ortega.

It has been a minor basilica since 1922.

How to get there: bus stop Acera del Darro – Fuente de las Batallas, lines 4, 8, 9, 21, 33, 121.

Visiting hours: Monday to Friday from 11.30 am to 1.00 pm // Tuesday and Thursday from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm.

19. Zirid Bridge

This bridge that crosses the river Genil, wrongly called the Roman bridge, is of Zirid origin. It was built at the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th century.

The bridge was partially destroyed during a flood in 1614 and rebuilt in works that lasted until the 18th century.

It has been restored several times and was open to road traffic until 1985, when the Cristo de la Expiación bridge was inaugurated. It is currently used for pedestrian traffic and the kilometre marker 433 of the old N-323 road is still preserved.

20. Alcazar del Genil

The Alcazar Genil (Qasar al-Sayyid) is a fortified palace of Andalusian origin also known as the Palace of Abu Said. The surrounding area is known as the Queen’s Garden in honour of Princess Aixa, wife of Muley Hacen and mother of Boabdil the Younger.

It is located very close to where the last Nasrid king, Boabdil, handed over the keys of the city to the Catholic Monarchs on 2 January 1492. This was when the last Muslim kingdom of al-Andalus was integrated into the Crown of Castile.

It was ordered to be built in 1218 by the Almohad governor Sayyid Ishaq ben Yusuf during the reign of Caliph al-Muntasir. It was built on the outskirts of the walled enclosure in an almunia (an area of orchards) and was used for courtly recreation and farming.

Curiosity: In the nearby metro station Alcázar del Genil you can visit the remains of a large-scale naval battle tank dedicated to full-scale naval battles. It is free to visit.

During the Second Republic (1931-1939) the gardens were destroyed and the orchard was divided to build the Camino de Ronda. Later, in the 80s of the 20th century, in what was left of the orchard, residential buildings were built… things of progress.

It is currently the headquarters of the Francisco Ayala Foundation, which houses documentation on the life and work of the Granada thinker and writer.

How to get there: metro station Alcázar del Genil // Bus stop Camino de Ronda – Alcazar del Genil, lines 5, 121 and U3 // Bus stop Paseo Del Violón 1, line 21.

Opening times: Monday to Friday from 9.00 to 14.00.

Price: free.

21. Parque de las Ciencias (Science Museum)

The Science Park is an interactive museum inaugurated in May 1995. In its 70,000 m² we can find both permanent and temporary exhibitions. It is made up of several buildings.

Macroscope Building

It is the main building and in it we can find the pavilion Journey to the Human Body. In this permanent exhibition we can find everything related to the human body and health.

The Margarita Salas Pavilion is also located here, with temporary exhibitions dedicated to new technologies, innovation and art.

The Museum’s Explore the Attic Room focuses on children, with the idea of exploring interesting and unusual objects that invite them to hypothesise about their nature, function, history, history, operation, etc.

In the Leonardo Da Vinci temporary exhibition pavilion, major exhibition productions such as SOS. The Science of Prevention, Antarctica and Dinosaurs.

Foucault’s Pendulum Building

This building, the first to be built, houses most of the museum’s permanent exhibitions. Such as the Eureka Room, dedicated to Physics and Mechanics. Or the Perception Room linked to the world of the senses. In both you can interact with different experiments.

There is also the Digital Planetarium with a 10-metre dome and 120 projectors that recreate a night sky with more than 7000 stars.

Outdoor area

With 27,000 m², here we find green areas that house the botanical trails, the Mental Gymnastics tent, the Astronomy garden, the Marie Curie square or the dynamic sculptures.

There is also the Observation Tower, one of the park’s emblems. At a height of 50 metres we have good views of the Mulhacén peak and we can learn a lot about seismography.

The Tropical Butterfly Farm reproduces the climatic and plant conditions of the tropics. Here we can learn about the complete life cycle of the butterflies of this part of the planet.

In the Darwin Pavilion we can learn all about the life and work of the British naturalist.

Biodome

Opened in 2016 and dedicated to the education, conservation and research of the planet’s biodiversity. It recreates different habitats of the tropical fringe of the planet and houses approximately 250 animal and botanical species.

How to get there: bus stop Fernando de los Ríos – Parque de las Ciencias, lines 5 and 21.

Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 19.00 // Sundays from 10.00 to 15.00 // Closed on Mondays.

Prices:

	General	Reduced	School
Museum	10€	8€	5.50€
Biodomo	7€	6€	3.50€
Planetarium	3.50€	3.50€	2€
Biodomo Only*	8.50€	7€	5€
Planetarium Only*	4.50€	4€	2€
Astronomy Nights	9€	8€	–

*BioDomo only: admission one hour before Museum closing time // **Planetarium only: valid only for the last session

ESSENTIAL VISIT

22. Hermitage and viewpoint of San Miguel Alto

The first church was built in 1671 on top of the Azeytuno Tower, which was the highest point of the Zirid wall. At the end of the 18th century the French closed it and turned it into a fort. In their flight, they completely destroyed it in 1812.

The present church was built between 1815 and 1828.

But what is really interesting is the viewpoint, 850 metres above sea level, from which we have spectacular views.

How to get there: bus stop Andarax 35 – San Miguel Alto, line N9.

23. Sacromonte Abbey

The Abadía del Sacromonte is an ancient abbey built in the 17th century. It also functioned as a seminary, and a college with a student residence.

On the site where it stands, the relics of Saint Cecilio, disciple of the Apostle Santiago, were found in 1595 (then called Ilupitano mountain). Next to them, in an oven of Roman origin, were some lead plates written in Arabic, known as the Plombic Books.

CURIOSITY: The Plumbeous Books of Sacromonte are one of the most famous forgeries in history. They are 21 books made up of 223 circular lead plates in which we find indecipherable drawings and texts in Latin and in strange Arabic characters. These were called Solomonic and are considered to be the fifth gospel revealed in Arabic by the Virgin to be disseminated in Spain.

The great impact of the discovery culminated in the erection of some 1,200 crosses by the guilds and craftsmen. Only five of them remain today. With these crosses, the Franciscans built a Way of the Cross in 1633, which linked the city to Sacromonte. It ended at a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre, which became a place of pilgrimage.

It is currently the residence of canons, a parish church and an ecclesiastical museum. In 2010, however, a museum was inaugurated with numerous works of art by artists who lived in Granada during the 16th and 17th centuries. Among them are incunabula and codices, such as one of San Juan de la Cruz, one of the copies of The Nuremberg Chronicles by Hartmann Schedel or a Map of the World by Ptolemy.

How to get there: bus stop Camino del Sacromonte, line C34 // You can also walk about 30 minutes from Plaza Nueva.

Opening times: 1 April to 27 October, daily 10am-2pm and 3.30pm-7pm // 28 October to 31 March, 10am-2pm and 3pm.

Price: general 7€ // Children (0-12): free // Students 5€.

Discover the best activities and tours in Granada with Civitatis:

*Helps us to maintain the blog

NEXT ENTRY