All about the sacristy of the Charterhouse of the Charterhouse of Granada

The sacristy of the Cartuja de Granada is an enclave of the monument, which presents certain doubts about its authorship. The Monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción ‘La Cartuja’ is located in the northern part of the city of Granada. Its construction process was very extensive, which began at the beginning of the 16th century and ended during the 18th century.

In this article we are going to talk about the sacristy and all that it entails in this historical monument.

History of the sacristy of the Charterhouse of Granada

The sacristy is located behind the main altar, attached to the apse on the Gospel side. Construction began in 1732 on a project by Hurtado Izquierdo, one of the most outstanding artists of the Spanish Baroque period, and was completed in 1764.

The architect known as José de Bada is considered to have continued the work. Similarly, the possibility that it was the layman Friar José Manuel Vázquez has not been ruled out. What is known with certainty, however, is that the stonemason Luis de Arévalo and the carver Luis Cabello were involved at an advanced stage of the work.

It surpasses the logic of any other sacristy, which is why it is considered a true temple.

Architecture

Its architecture is based on Andalusian Baroque experimentalism with brief references to the Muslim tradition, in its linear and abstract novelism.

It has a rectangular floor plan with four sections, with a nave covered by a barrel vault with lunettes and an apse consisting of a main altarpiece and a dome. We can observe the mixture of carved plasterwork in movement motifs, carpentry and painting.

Light is the key and essential element of its architecture. All along the walls we can see abstract and geometric shapes carved in stucco, which creates an incredible illusory effect on the visitor's vision.

There is a central void in which the effect of grandeur stands out, as well as the whiteness of its walls and the play of its volumes. On the other hand, the rhomboidal design of the floor creates a great sense of depth throughout the room.

Decoration

In terms of decoration, the classical language is exhibited with a new use of orders and proportions. All of this is interspersed with a series of quotations from the Rococo culture of the time.

The large pilasters on which the perimeter of the enclosure is articulated are supported by a red base of veined marble raised under a floor of black and white rhombuses, which organises the nave. This is covered with a succession of mixtilinear mouldings in a broken, ascending rhythm. 

The nave contains Vázquez's coffered ceiling with a Mudejar-influenced inlay design with geometric designs made from fine woods, ivory, silver and mother-of-pearl. All of this was subjected to a study of light and shadow in contrast.

On the other hand, the sacristy of the Charterhouse consists of the altarpiece, which is made under coloured marble with two white marble sculptures, one of Saint Bruno and the other of the Immaculate Conception.

Finally, the dome was decorated in 1735 by Tomás Ferrer, showing the patron saint Saint John the Baptist and the founder Saint Bruno.

Why visit the Charterhouse of Granada

As we have seen, the sacristy of the Cartuja de Granada is one of the most spectacular features of this impressive temple, being one of the most beautiful sites in the city.

If you would like to visit this monument, do not hesitate to buy your tickets to the Monastery of the Cartuja of Granada on our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada.

Book the desired date and get to know the interior of the Granada Carthusian Monastery!