What to See in Granada Cathedral Spain

After the long wait for the precious Alhambra ticket we had the whole of morning free. That gave us the opportunity to stroll through the streets of Granada. The first halt we made during our walking tour of Granada was at Granada Cathedral Spain.

History of Cathedral of Granada Spain

As is with many other old cathedrals of Europe, the history of Cathedral of Granada too is interesting. It was built by Queen Isabella on a site of mosque.

Foundations for the church were laid by the architect Egas starting from 1518 to 1523 atop the site of the city’s main mosque. Later Diego of Siloam, another Spanish artist trained in Italy, changed the Gothic style of Granada Cathedral to the Renaissance style.

This unusual combination of Gothic foundation and rest of it in renaissance style makes Granada Cathedral very unique. It took 181 years for the cathedral to be built!

Granada Cathedral

Granada Cathedral

Architectural Details of Granada Cathedral

Facade of Granada Cathedral is monochrome of brick color and is impressive. It has many emblems and sculpted works on it. But in contrast, inside the cathedral there are tall massive Corinthian columns all milky white in color. This gives a grand majestic look to the interiors.

The cathedral has tombs of many kings.  Interiors is so spacious, the roof so high, the cathedral is a huge one! The whole area was lit up with sunlight streaming in from the stain glass windows. I got this feeling- how tiny we are! The floor looked all worn out with a check pattern. Truly an impressive building not be given a miss.

The Royal Chapel has the remains of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Noteworthy in the chapel are the outstanding back altar and marble effigies, display the Queen’s crown and the King’s sword, I read up. Sadly they do not allow photography here and so we skipped it.

Cathedral-of-Granada-Spain-doors

Three Doors of Cathedral of Granada

The entry way to cathedral of Granada has 3 entry ways. They have excellent details. Doors of Granada Cathedral are named: Ecce Homo, San Jeromino and El Perdon.

Interesting Facts of Catedral de Granada

  • It is the first Renaissance church in Spain and one of the best examples of this architectural style
  • Other names are: The Catedral de Granada, Santa Iglesia Catedral, Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada
  •  This is the 4th largest Cathedral in the world
  • Its architect was Enrique Egas, master of the Old Gothic School.
  • Egas was replaced by Diego de Siloé, another Spanish artist trained in Italy who changed the Gothic style of Granada Cathedral to the Renaissance style.
  • This is a Renaissance cathedral on Gothic foundations.
  •  Most interesting chapel inside is of Nuestra Senora de la Antigua

Granada Cathedral Interior with tall Corinthian columns

Artwork Inside Granada Cathedral

Notice the series of painted canvases below the stained-glass windows. These were painted by Alonso Cano and are unique in the history of Spanish painting. Cano combined monumentality, emotion and religion in each of his seven canvases. The themes of the paintings celebrate the life of the Virgin Mary.

Cathedral of Granada

This view was mesmerizing! I stood at a distance and gazed up casually to see this stunning view, I stayed rooted there for some time…

Cathedral of Granada, Spain ceiling

The piers are very similar to those found in the cathedral of Pienza in Italy.

Altar in Cathedral of Granada

The altar has a gold leaf decoration. As I went from chapel to chapel inside I got to see lot of gold and silver. Stunning sights!

Beautiful stain glass windows

Music Organs in Cathedral

The organ here is different from the ones I have seen in other cathedrals. It is split into two.

Location

Granada Cathedral is 1.9 km from Alhambra, 24 min by walk. The Cathedral is located in the center of the city, between Oficios, Carcel, Plaza de las Pasiegas y la Gran Vía de Colón streets.

Open Timings: Fridays and Saturdays: 10 AM to  2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.

Floor mosaic in cathedral

Floor mosaic in cathedral – Worn out check pattern

Tickets:
General admission: Individual or groups: 5 Euros (audio guide included).
Students and people with disabilities: 3.5 Euros.
Children under 12: free entry.

(It is better to check the timings before you plan the visit. Not necessary to book tickets, as they are always available.)

Tips to Visit Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation

  • Taxis are not allowed till cathedral. You have to alight a short distance away and walk to the cathedral.
  • Photography allowed inside cathedral but not in Royal Chapel.
  • Tour time of Cathedral can easily take an hour.
  • Tickets to Cathedral Granada Spain cost 5 Euros, 3.5  Euros for students and free for those under 12. In 2015 when we toured it was 4 Euros.
  • Extra ticket required for Royal Chapel.
  • You get audio guide with the tickets, though not guided in a organized manner.

Conclusion

Visit to the 4th largest cathedral in world, Granada Cathedral, was a grand experience. The cathedral deserves a tour time of two hours if not more. Include the Royal Chapel, where the Catholic Kings who conquered Granada from the Turks are buried, to the itinerary of Catedral de Granada.

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