The altarpieces of Sacromonte Abbey

The Sacromonte Abbey is one of the most visited monuments in the city of Granada, due to the works of art that can be found inside and the beauty of its surroundings. For this reason, today we explain the history of the altarpieces of the Sacromonte Abbey.

Would you like to get a thorough information about the altarpieces of the Sacromonte Abbey? Stay and read our post, we show you everything you need to know below!

Altarpiece of the chapel of Santiago de las Santas Cuevas

Following the discoveries that were made in the Valparaíso Valley, such as the remains of San Cecilio or the Libros Plúmbeos, the construction of the Santas Cuevas (Holy Caves) was determined. Thus, a series of chapels were created in which pilgrims could pray and venerate the relics found in this place.

Among all the chapels, the chapel of Santiago stands out for evoking the Christian origins of Granada and for having an altarpiece made with marble from Granada, together with a representation of the Immaculate Conception in the centre of the altar. This altarpiece was made during the 17th century and received a large number of believers to honour the memory of the Holy Martyrs.

Altarpiece of the church of the Sacromonte Abbey

Without a doubt, the most impressive altarpiece of the Abadía del Sacromonte is to be found in its church, measuring 3.27 metres wide and 8.49 metres high.

Its execution was in the hands of Blas Antonio Moreno, with the help of Domingo Cabrear for the sculptures and José Bustos for the polychrome work.

It has 3 sections and 3 streets where we can find the figures of Santiago, San Cecilio, San Hiscio, San Tesifón, San Setentrio, San Maximino, the Assumption, the Virgin Mary and the archangels San Gabriel, San Rafael and San Miguel.

Restoration of the altarpiece of the Sacromonte Abbey

With the aim of caring for the artistic heritage of Granada, a restoration plan was developed for the altarpiece of the Abadía del Sacromonte, achieving the same appearance it had in 1745.

To achieve this, it took 8 months of work in which great professionals cleaned, corrected and conserved all the elements that make up this altarpiece, restoring the colour and brightness that had been lost over time. As a result, we can now see the altarpiece of the Sacromonte Abbey in its maximum splendour.

Why visit the Sacromonte Abbey in Granada?

As we have seen throughout this article on the altarpieces of the Sacromonte Abbey, the group of sculptures and paintings that make up these altarpieces capture the attention of visitors and take centre stage in this monument. The artistic importance of the altarpieces and their depiction of religious scenes stand out.

If you would like to know more about the Sacromonte Abbey, do not hesitate to buy your tickets on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada. 

Discover the charm of this monument and enjoy its art!