MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES, Granada

The Crypt of Fray Leopoldo Alpendeire is the second most visited monument in Granada, located in the Convent of the Capuchins in Granada, although the dates on which is most visited is the 9th of each month or February when he died, and is remembered affection and devotion because his life was dedicated to the request for alms to help the needy of Granada.

La Cripta de Fray Leopoldo de Alpendeire es el segundo monumento más visitado en Granada, ubicado en el Convento de los Capuchinos de Granada, aunque las fechas en que es más visitada es el 9 de cada mes o febrero cuando murió, y que es recordado con cariño y devoción porque su vida la dedicó a la petición de limosnas para socorrer a los necesitados de Granada.

The Construction of the basilica began in 1617, under the direction of Juan Luis Ortega. Its facade is flanked by two tall towers with spiers covered with glazed tiles, and on the cover, which houses a shrine "Pieta" of Bernardo and Jose de Mora. Every September 15 is celebrated floral offering to the Virgin

La construcción de la basilica comenzó en 1617, bajo la dirección de Juan Luís Ortega. Su fachada está flanqueada por dos altas torres con chapiteles cubiertos de tejas vidriadas, y sobre la portada, hornacina que acoge una "Piedad" de Bernardo y José de Mora. Cada 15 de Septiembre se celebra la ofrenda floral a la virgen de las angustias.

1 more image

The Church founded by the Franciscan Third Order in 1534, in the place where a hermitage. After the secularization of 1835, the monastery became a Capuchin nuns who received it as compensation to the demolition of the convent they had in the Place de la Romanilla.

La Iglesia fundada por los Franciscanos Terciarios en el año 1534, en el lugar donde se encontraba una ermita. Tras la exclaustración de 1835, el convento pasó a las monjas Capuchinas que lo recibieron como compensación al derribo del convento que tenían en la plaza de la Romanilla.

4 more images

The many churches of Granada, all have their own special saints and idols. These are usually paraded through the streets once a year in the local festivals.

There are so many churches here, that I cannot tell which is which from my photo's (will teach me to take notes in future)

All the churches are works of art, and sumpteous.

Many of the churches are heritage buildings, all are gorgeous.

4 more images

The Catholic Monarchs ordered the construction of this monastery, which started in 1496. It was the first monastery built in Granada after the conquest. Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, known as el Gran Capitán since he was a reputed general in the period of the conquest of Granada, was buried here and her widow financed the end of the construction.

All the stones used for its construction were taken from the Arab gate of Elvira.

The monastery has two cloisters. One of them was the residence of Carlos V’s wife, Isabel de Portugal, when she lived in Granada. This one cannot be visited since a community of monks lives in this part of the monastery, but you can see part of the cloister through a door (pic 2).

The cloister we can visit (pic 3) has a courtyard with orange trees in the center. There are 36 semicircular arches with shields with the initials of kings, the first Archbishop of Granada and the monk Jeronimo Hernando de Talavera. Walking along the cloister we see the refectory, some chapels, the chapterhouse and other rooms.

Finally we arrive at the church of the Monastery, richly decorated. The main altarpiece is a landmark in the Andalusian sculpture. The altar is one of the best works of Gil de Siloé. The decoration of the church highlights the military and the heroic grandeur of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the Great Captain, who is buried in the crossing.

This was the first temple ever consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Opening Hours:
Summer: Monday-Sunday from 10:00 to 13:30, and 16:00 to 19:30
Winter: Monday-Saturday from 10:00 to 13:30, and 15:00 to 18:30

This is a former collegiate church which was started by the Jesuits in 1575 and completed in 1589. The Main Altar is the attraction with its amazing fresco painting which was created by Brother Francisco Diaz de Rivero along with other paintings of St Paul’s live and the Barroque altarpiece. The church is open from Fri 10.00am to 2.30pm.

The magnificent Basilica of San Juan de Dios is dedicated to Saint Juan de Dios who dedicated his life to helping others especially the sick. Built in the 18th century the church is probably one of the best examples of the Baroque style, especially the front façad,e in Granada. Within the church is the remains of St Juan de Dios (or St John of God) which are kept in a silver urn in a small chapel behind the altar.

The Church of San Nicolas was constructed where previously a mosque once stood high in the old district of Albayzin. The Roman Catholic church was built during the 16th century and rebuilt after being damaged during the Civil War. Built in the Mudjejar style, it is though to be the oldest Church of this kind in Granada.

The church was built on land which was once occupied by an old Mosque between 1524 and 1554. The design is predominantly Mudejar style, however the tower features some different styles such as Classicist, Gothic and Plateresque.

1 more image

If you just go to the Alhambra, Capillia Real and Cathedral and think that you have 'done' Granada, you will have missed some hidden gems. The best of these is the Monastery of San Jeronimo.

The monastery was founded by the Catholic Monarchs and handed over to the Hieronymite order. In 1523 the Duchess of Sesa obtained the main chapel to use as a family vault. Her architects converted the Gothic structure into the Renaissance style.

Inside is a cloister filled with citrus trees (orange, lemon and lime) edged with jasmine. In the morning the sweet, cloying scent was almost overpowering. Walking anti-clockwise round the cloister, I came to the refectory, which was simply furnished with wooden benches, whitewashed walls and wooden ceiling. The chapter house and sacristy were in a similar simple style, with some religious paintings and statues. There were also memorial stones for members of the monastic community in the cloister floor.

Finally, I came to the main church, which was a total contrast, with deep ceiling relief, painted walls and ceiling and gilded altarpiece. The Duchess' architects had really gone over the top. A recording of baroque music was playing. I had the place virtually to myself and it was very atmospheric.

The exterior has allegorical figures of Fortitude and Industry.

The monastery is open April –Oct 10.00-2.30 and 4.00-7.30, Nov-Mar 10.00-2.30 and 3.00-6.30. Admission €3.50.