What to See in Cathedral de Granada Spain

In this post I will be writing about my visit to Cathedral de Granada, the architectural highlights, its history, timings, tickets, dress code and other interesting facts. I shared the photos of Granada Cathedral interior too which will give you a fair idea of what to see inside Granada Cathedral in Spain.

Travel writer: Indrani Ghose
Updated on: September 2024

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 de Granada Spain

As is with many other old cathedrals of Europe, the history of Cathedral de 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

Architectural Details of Granada Cathedral

The Cathedral is known for its grand Renaissance facade, the main altar, and its soaring columns and chapels inside. The stained-glass windows and intricate dome are notable features, along with the stunning choir stalls and the grand organ.

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.

Three Doors of Catedral de 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
• 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

Did you know the Cathedral of Granada is the fourth-largest cathedral in Spain? The top three largest cathedrals in Spain are:

1. Seville Cathedral – The largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the largest cathedral in Spain.
2. Burgos Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Gothic style.
3. Toledo Cathedral – A prominent example of Gothic architecture in Spain.

The Cathedral of Granada holds its own with its stunning design and importance, particularly in the context of the Christian Reconquest.

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.

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…

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.

Granada Cathedral Spain – Tourist Information

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.

Granada Cathedral Tickets:

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

Granada Cathedral’s opening hours

The Cathedral of Granada is typically open Monday to Saturday from 10 AM to 6.30 PM and on Sundays from 3 PM to 6.30 PM. However, hours can vary depending on religious events, so it is advisable to check the official website or inquire locally before visiting.

(Hours can vary depending on religious events, so it is advisable to check the official website or inquire locally before visiting.)

Floor mosaic in cathedral – Worn out check pattern

Catedral Granada mass timings:

Sundays & Religious Holidays: Lauds Royal Chapel: 9.45 AM, Royal Chapel Mass: 10 AM, Cathedral Mass: 12.30 PM (presided by the archbishop), Sacrarium Mass: 1.30 PM, Sacrarium Mass: 7 PM

Monday to Saturday: Lauds Cathedral: 8.45 AM, Cathedral Mass + Tertianship: 9 AM, Sacrarium Mass: 11 AM, Sacrarium Mass: 7 PM

Cabildo Mass: Monday to Saturday: 9 AM, Sundays and religious holidays: 10 AM, 11 AM

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 de Granada can easily take an hour.
• Tickets to Cathedral de Granada Spain cost 5 Euros, 3.5  Euros for students and free for those under 12.
• Extra ticket required for Royal Chapel.
• You get audio guide with the tickets, though not guided in a organized manner.

FAQs for the Catedral de Granada, Spain

What is the history of the Cathedral of Granada?

The Cathedral of Granada was commissioned by Queen Isabella I of Castile in 1523 and took over 180 years to complete. It was built over a mosque after the Christian reconquest of Granada in 1492.

What is special about Granada Cathedral?

The Catedral Granada is one of Spain’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture, although it also features Gothic and Baroque elements.

What is the significance of the Royal Chapel next to the Cathedral?

The Royal Chapel is where the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, are buried. It is a separate building but is often visited in conjunction with the Cathedral.

Are there any special events or masses held at the Cathedral?

Yes, the Cathedral holds regular masses, and special religious events occur during important holidays like Easter (Semana Santa). Concerts and organ recitals are occasionally held, adding a cultural experience for visitors.

Is there a dress code for visiting Granada Cathedral?

As the Cathedral is an active place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shoulders should be covered, and it is advisable to avoid shorts or revealing clothing.

How to reach the Catedral de Granada?

The Cathedral is centrally located in the heart of Granada and can be easily reached by foot from most parts of the city. You can also take public transport or a taxi. The nearest bus stops are Gran Vía and Plaza Isabel La Católica.

Is there an audio guide or guided tours available?

Yes, the Cathedral offers audio guides in several languages for an additional fee. There are also guided tours available, which provide deeper insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the site.

Can I take photos inside the Granada Cathedral?

Photography without flash is usually allowed inside the Cathedral, but it is recommended to respect the sacred nature of the space, especially during masses and religious events.

Conclusion

Visit to the 4^th largest cathedral in Spain, Granada Cathedral, was a grand experience. The catedral 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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