The mysterious Libros Plúmbeos de la Abadía del Sacromonte (Sacromonte Abbey's Mysterious Books)

Do you know the history of the mysterious Libros Plúmbeos? What are they, what were they and what were they intended to become? They are housed in the Sacromonte Abbey in Granada, a memorial to the Christian origins in this land of Illiberis, the name given to the city of Granada by the ancient Iberian settlers. 

It was here that the remains of the first Christian martyrs of Baetica, which in Roman Hispania occupied a large part of present-day Andalusia, were discovered. An important Christian community flourished in this area, established as Christianity spread across the Mediterranean.

If you are interested in the history of the Plumb Books, read this article.

What are the Libros Plúmbeos de la Abadía del Sacromonte?

The origin of the Abbey is linked to the discovery of the so-called Libros Plúmbeos, found together with the remains of the first Christians of the area in the caves of this mountain, during the 16th century.

They are 223 circular lead plates, about 10 cm long, written in Arabic, which speak of the origins of Christianity in Spain. The history of the Abbey has been linked from its origins to the discussion about its historical veracity. 

It is believed that they were written with the aim of bringing the Moorish community (Muslims converted to Christianity) and the Christian community closer together. The writings were intended to demonstrate the Arab origin of the first Christians and martyrs of the area.

The Libros Plúmbeos, as well as the remains of the first martyrs who evangelised this area, are found in the Santas Cuevas. 

Why are the Libros Plúmbeos of Sacromonte Abbey important?

These books are written in Arabic with very singular characteristics. They tell the story of the first moments of the evangelisation of southern Spain. They also contain treatises on theology with a strong Eastern influence.

Before the Abbey building was erected, some very modest buildings were constructed. They were intended for the large number of pilgrims who climbed the caves of this Holy Mount, which is what Sacromonte means in Spanish. They went to pray in front of the openings of the ‘ovens’, where the remains of the saints and the Libros Plúmbeos were found.

We can find in the Libros Plúmbeos the coat of arms of Archbishop Pedro de Castro and the seal of Solomon, popularly known as the Star of David. It even gives the title to one of them, attributed to Saint Cecilius: Historia del Sello de Salomón, hijo de David (History of the Seal of Solomon, son of David)

Likewise, within the Books we can find the motto of the Abbey ‘Mary was not the first to be touched by sin’. Archbishop Castro made it his episcopal anagram. This is due to the fact that an immaculist movement developed in the Abbey, which defended that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin.

The Plombic Books were subsequently sent to Rome to be studied by the best theologians and Arabists of the time. In 1682, the Holy See declared that their contents did not conform to Catholic doctrine. 

They remained in Rome for almost 400 years until they were returned to the Abbey in the year 2000. A newspaper report reports that they were returned, by decision of the then Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI.

Why visit the Sacromonte Abbey?

As you have seen throughout this article about the mysterious Libros Plúmbeos de la Abadía del Sacromonte, it was thanks to their discovery that this beautiful site was built, which has become one of the most important points of interest in the city of Granada.

If you would like to know more about this site, you can buy tickets to the Sacromonte Abbey on our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada.

Discover the charm of this monument and be amazed by the views of its surroundings!