Tourist Attractions in Granada

1km/0.75mi north of the Plaza del Triunfo in Granada is the Cartuja, a Carthusian monastery founded in 1516, the finest part of which is the church, with an interior remodeled in Baroque style in the 17th century. The ceiling paintings in the nave were the work of Pedro Anastasio Bocanegra. The most striking feature of the church, however, is the sacristy, designed by Luis de Arévalo, with a riot of elaborate stucco ornament.

The Corral del Carbon (14th century) east of Granada's cathedral is the only remaining caravanserai in Spain. Following the expulsion of the Moors in 1531 it served as a coal depot and later as a theater and residential house.

Along the north side of the Río Darro runs the Carrera del Darro, one of the oldest streets in Granada, from which there are fine views of the Alhambra. At No. 31 is the Bañuelo, an 11th century Moorish bath-house, of which survive the changing room and three bathing rooms with Moorish arches.

At the entrance to Carmen de los Martires in Granada is the water nymphs lurking in the shade of a ferny grotto. In the formal garden is a terrace of tall-trunked palms providing shade to a three-tiered fountain. Along the path, a large circular pool overlooked by a statue of Neptune fringed with arum lilies.

The Casa Morisca del Chapiz is located in Granada. One of the highlights of the estate is a pool in the courtyard with surrounding gardens. The building is a combination of architectural styles including some obvious Moorish influence.

Farther along from Bañuelo, on the right, is the church of San Pedro y San Pablo and opposite this, on the left, the Casa de Castril, a Renaissance mansion with a Plateresque doorway probably designed by Diego de Siloé. This now houses Granada's Archeological Museum, with prehistoric, Iberian and Moorish antiquities and a number of fine Egyptian vases.

The Casa-Museo Federico García Lorca in Granada was the family summer vacation house of the poet, Federico García Lorca. He spent many summers here while he was growing up. On display in the house are family memorabilia, furniture, and portraits.

Southwest from Hospital San Juan de Dios in Granada is the Convento de San Jerónimo, which was founded in 1492. The walls of the church are completely covered with 18th C. wall paintings. In the splendid Capilla Mayor is the tomb of the 'Gran Capitán', Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (d. 1515). Flanking the high altar (after 1570) are kneeling figures of Gonzalo and his wife.

The Fundacion Rodriguez Acosta is named for José María Rodríguez-Acosta. The building which houses the foundation is characteristic of the architecture in Granada. The grounds beautifully landscaped with gardens, ponds, and sculptures.

Southwest of Granada's Paseo del Triunfo is the Hospital San Juan de Dios. The tomb of St John of God, who founded the Hospital in 1552, is behind the outsize retablo of the adjoining church, which has rich Baroque decoration.

The International Music and Dance Festival in Granada takes place in late June and early July and runs for two weeks. The festival includes concerts, operas; zarzuelas, ballet, and flamenco.

Between the Capilla Real and the Sagrario in Granada is the Lonja (the old Stock Exchange), with a beautiful loggia (1518-22).

Directly next to the entrance of the cathedral in Granada is the Madraza, a Baroque building but originally constructed by Jusuf I, in 1349 as a Moorish university.

Facing the west front of the Granada Cathedral, in Plaza de Alonso Cano, is the Archbishop's Palace, mostly dating from the 18th century.

The Palacio de los Cordova houses the archives of Granada. On the grounds are beautiful gardens and walking paths open to the public.

Behind the Archbishop's Palace is the Plaza de Bib-Rambla, which takes its name from one of Granada's the old Moorish town gates, the Bab al-Ramia. In the center of the square is the Fuente de los Gigantones.

Northwest of the Plaza del Triunfo in Granada, on Calle Ancha de Capuchinos, is the Hospital Real, a Renaissance building (by Enrique Egas, 1504-22) now occupied by the University.

From San Jerónimo, Calle de la Duquesa runs southeast to the 18th century building, with a fine Baroque facade, which since 1759 has been occupied by the University of Granada. It was originally a Jesuit college.

The University of Granada is a growing institution and one of Spain's more prominent schools.