Decoration of the sacristy of the Monasterio de la Cartuja in Granada

The Cartuja de Granada is a Baroque monastery considered one of the most remarkable works of the 16th century for the beauty of its rooms, among which the sacristy stands out. For this reason, it is important to know the decoration of the sacristy of the Monastery of the Charterhouse of the Charterhouse of Granada.

Would you like to discover the most interesting information about the decorative elements of the sacristy of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada? Stay and read this article, we will show you everything you need to know below!

Construction of the sacristy

There are some discrepancies regarding the year in which work began on the sacristy of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada. Some authors place this event in 1727, while others put it back to 1732.

What is certain is that the works had to take a long time, as unlike other rooms such as the refectory or the sala de profundis, the sacristy had to be built on top of a vaulted basement.

With regard to its composition, the sacristy is designed as a single-nave church, covered with a highly decorated vaulted ceiling, with lateral alveoli, a transept and a chancel with an altarpiece that serves as the main chapel.

It is worth mentioning that the sections of the nave are uneven, alternating wide spaces with narrower ones. Likewise, the layout is reminiscent of Jesuit projects.

Head, dome and headboard

The chevet of the tabernacle of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada is presided over by a marble altarpiece, to which the oval dome of the transept projects, without a drum, and there is no development of the arms.

The dome is created without taking into account the symmetry between the centre of the short arms of the cross and the axial point of the cross, and it is in these elements where the original solutions are reflected.

Thus, the dome is erected on a small scale following Brunelleschi's construction system in Florence Cathedral, raising a double dome that is joined to the base of the lantern and leaving a corridor between the two. The inner shell is thus prepared for fresco decoration, while the outer shell is reinforced to support the roof itself.

The decoration of the dome is by Tomás Ferrer, painted in 1753, depicting six hermit saints.

The exterior profile recreates the serpentine line, covered with tiles and glazed on its edges. As the chamfered chevet at the chancel, its panels create an octagon, making it one of the most brilliant examples of a dome with a counter-curved profile in the Baroque period.

In the transept, on 4 ledges, we can see images representing Saint Cosmas, Saint Damian, Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Roselina. The exceptional frames that decorate the whole are the work of Luis Cabello, especially those belonging to the first section of the sacristy, framing an Immaculate Conception and a Crucifixion of very good workmanship.

Predominance of abstract forms and counterpoint to white

The sacristy of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada has a spaciousness and height that surpasses the logic of its functionality. Its sense of grandeur is intensified by the central void, the whiteness of its walls and the rhomboidal design of its floor.

The decoration, based on abstract and geometric forms, shows a work of exquisite execution that provokes a striking illusory effect on the visitor. To this end, light is also used, which descends from the upper windows that are hidden behind the splendid cornice that runs around the church, creating shadows and volumes throughout the entire space.

The counterpoint to the white is to be found in the marbled marble base from the quarries of Lanjarón, carved by the architect Vicente Acero.

Why visit the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada?

As we have seen throughout this article on the decoration of the sacristy of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada, opening our eyes in this beautiful place makes us feel the soul, showing us the concept of beauty in its maximum splendour.

If you would like to visit this monument, don't hesitate to buy your tickets to the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada on our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada, book a date and be amazed by this wonderful temple!