The Church of the Monastery of San Jeronimo in Granada

The Church of the Monastery of San Jerónimo is one of the examples of the Renaissance in Spain, fulfilling all its characteristics. It is one of the most ostentatious areas of the whole complex. 

In previous articles, we talked about the history and construction of the Monastery of San Jerónimo, as well as some curiosities. So now it is time to talk about its church. 

The Church of the Monastery of San Jerónimo 

The Monastery of San Jerónimo refers to one of the works of Spanish art where Gothic and Renaissance styles meet. Its church is one of the most beautiful and distinguished in the Spanish Renaissance thanks to the patronage of the Duchess of Sessa. It began as a Gothic temple attributed to the architect Enrique Egas. 

Work on the church began in 1526 by the Italian architect, sculptor and painter Jacobo Florentino under the patronage of María de Manrique, widow of the Gran Capitán. The chapel was converted into a pantheon for Don Gonzalo Fernández de Córdova, his wife and family. 

Diego de Siloé was in charge of the works until 1543 after the death of Jacobo Florentino. After the death of the Duchess in 1527, her testamentary disposition left sufficient funds to continue the work. 

The church of the Monastery of San Jerónimo has a Latin cross floor plan with a choir raised at the foot, characteristic of Hieronymite churches, where the stalls made by Siloé and an altar raised by means of a staircase stand out. It consists of a single rectangular nave with transepts, on the sides of which are two side chapels, both with abundant decoration. 

We can highlight the altarpiece of its Main Chapel in Mannerist style where Renaissance characteristics are reflected. It was carried out between 1570 and 1605. Its iconographic programme highlights the military grandeur and heroic deeds of the Great Captain. 

Another stucco altarpiece with Ionic columns was built under the Gospel altarpiece in 1795. It served as the base for a burial of Christ by Jacobo Florentino. It currently houses a Virgin and Child by the Flemish sculptor Roque Balduque flanked by the saints Jerónimos and Paula, statues by the Granada-born artist from the 17th century Santa Paula. 

The exterior 

From the exterior we can highlight its chancel. It consists of thick buttresses that still speak of medievalism, whose decoration in relief is attributed to Jacobo Florentino. The central panel stands out with a large coat of arms with the arms of the Great Captain and his wife, supported by warriors. 

In the second section, attributed to Diego de Siloé, there is an inscription depicting the exploits of the commissioner. It is supported by allegories of Fortune and Industry. 

On the side panels there are two classicist tones with busts representing the dukes, one male and the other female. They are located on the Gospel and Epistle sides respectively. On the other hand, the outer walls of the transept arms also have coats of arms, supported by putti. 

Similarly, the façade of the Church of the Monastery of Saint Jerome is divided into three sections flanked by buttresses. The first section consists of a marble doorway with a central round arch flanked by double Doric columns supporting an entablature. Above this is a niche, which houses a high relief of Saint Jerome attributed to Martín Díaz de Navarrete and Pedro de Orea. 

The second and third niches, on the other hand, are the work of Siloé. There is a central coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs flanked by two quadrangular windows and by the initials F and Y crowned with the yoke and arrows, on the Gospel and Epistle sides. 

These are some of the elements that we can highlight in this marvellous Renaissance complex. To know more in depth this set we propose you a visit with audio guide acquiring your ticket through our website. Buy your ticket online and book your visit to the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo in Granada.