Construction of Granada Cathedral: urban context

The Cathedral of Granada was built at a time of change in the concept of the State, thanks to the actions of important historical personalities belonging to political power, the clergy and culture. For this reason, it is important to know the urban context of the construction of the Cathedral of Granada.

Would you like to discover the most remarkable events that took place during the construction of the Cathedral of Granada? Stay and read this post, we show you everything you need to know below!

Medieval times

During the medieval period, the site where the Cathedral of Granada was built was partially occupied by the great 11th-century mosque of the medina, the fortified central nucleus of the Muslim city.

The period from the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs until the mid-16th century brought important transformations to the Muslim city, and the cathedral was established in the Alhambra Mosque from May 1492. However, it was later moved to the lower city, the location of the Monastery of San Francisco Casa Grande, which now houses the Military Training and Doctrine Command (Mando de Adiestramiento y Doctrina Militar - MADOC).

It remained here until 1507, when it was authorised to be moved to the old main mosque, which was converted into a parish church under the patronage of Santa María de la O.

The actions of Charles V

The Cathedral of Granada experienced a decisive turning point during the stay of Emperor Charles V in Granada in 1526, given that his idea was to replace the great royal mausoleum that was being built in the Royal Chapel with the new cathedral.

Thus, Diego de Siloe was assigned as the person responsible for the work and author of the alternative project in 1528. Likewise, the urban image of Granada Cathedral conveyed by Ambrosio de Vico's Platform a few years later is of a large rotunda opened by the main arch, prepared to house the imperial burials.

On the other hand, it is possible to recognise the urban transformations that took place at the beginning of the 16th century in the vicinity of the cathedral enclave. In front of the new church, we can distinguish the establishment of the University and some religious colleges, the reinforcement of facilities aimed at maintaining the commercial potential of the area and the appearance of new religious foundations.

Last third of the 17th century

It was not until the last third of the 17th century that the triumphal façade of the cathedral designed by Alonso Cano definitively closed the basilica body of the church to the outside.

It soon had to overcome its enclosure, a fact that led to the demolition of the Santa Catalina and San Miguel schools, after their relocation, together with the University and the Santa Cruz de la Fe school.

Up to the present day, the surroundings of the cathedral complex have undergone various modifications to adapt it to today's lifestyle and to enrich the city's great heritage.

Why visit the Cathedral of Granada?

As we have seen throughout this article on the urban context of the construction of the Cathedral of Granada, during the years in which this beautiful monument was built, important events took place and influenced the decisions taken by historical figures. As a result, the Cathedral of Granada is a unique and essential place to visit.

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

Enjoy the beauty and history of this temple!