Why visit the Royal Chapel of Granada

The Royal Chapel of Granada is one of the most important monuments to learn about the history and culture of this beautiful city. So, today we show you why to visit the Royal Chapel of Granada.

Would you like to know why the Royal Chapel of Granada is a tourist site that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime? Stay and read this post, we show you everything you need to know below!

For its history

The life of the Catholic Monarchs has always been closely linked to Granada, as the reconquest of this city in 1492 was one of the great achievements of their reign. For this reason, when Isabella fell ill, she ordered a Royal Chapel to be built in 1504.

The architect responsible for the construction of the Royal Chapel of Granada was Enrique Egas, who carried out the construction work until 1517, the year in which the monument was completed.

Before her death, Isabella the Catholic modified her will to establish that she should be buried in Granada, and later Ferdinand would make the same decision. Thus, her remains were deposited in the convent of San Francisco de la Alhambra until her grandson, Charles V, moved the bodies of the Catholic Monarchs to the Royal Chapel in Granada.

Charles V's wish was to convert the Royal Chapel into a pantheon for his entire family, so for many years, personalities such as the Empress Isabella of Portugal, Princess Maria Manuela of Portugal and the Infantes Fernando and Juan were also buried here. However, they were sent to El Escorial at a later date.

Today we can see in the Royal Chapel of Granada the mausoleum and tomb of Isabella and Ferdinand, their grandson Miguel de la Paz, their daughter Juana and their son-in-law Felipe.

For the beauty of its architecture and decoration

The exterior of the Royal Chapel of Granada is clearly Gothic with flamboyant ornamentation. Its plain walls are contrasted with the ornamentation of the crestings, vaults, doorways and heraldic motifs.

The interior of the Royal Chapel is equally spectacular, with a vaulted ceiling that captures the attention and amazes the eye. The main altarpiece, the grille and the mausoleum are the main features of the temple, not forgetting the reliquaries.

On the other hand, in the Royal Chapel we can enjoy beautiful altarpieces and significant sculptures made by great artists of the time.

Through its rooms

Inside the Royal Chapel of Granada we can find other rooms in addition to the church. Here we can also visit the sacristy-museum and the commodities exchange.

The sacristy-museum contains a rich legacy of the Catholic Monarchs, where we can find jewels such as the crown and sceptre of Isabella the Catholic and the sword of Ferdinand. Along with numerous items of goldsmith's work, we can admire Flemish panels, Italian and Spanish paintings, the Queen's books and fabrics.

Likewise, the Lonja was the space dedicated to banking and commerce during the 16th century in Granada and today it is decorated with wall paintings, portraits of the Catholic Monarchs and even a copy of Francisco Pradilla's painting of The Surrender of Granada.

As a place of worship

The Royal Chapel of Granada is a sacred place for the Catholic religion and is a place of pilgrimage for many of the faithful. Several side chapels can be found here, where masses are celebrated and different religious acts take place.

In this way, it is a place of prayer and reflection, where visitors can meditate and connect with their spiritual side.  Some of the liturgical celebrations held in the Royal Chapel take place during Easter, Christmas, on the anniversary of the death of the Catholic Monarchs, on Columbus Day and the Taking of Granada.

For its location and accessibility

Finally, to know why to visit the Royal Chapel of Granada, we could not forget to mention its location.

This monument is located in the historic centre of the city, which makes it a very accessible place for tourists. There is a wide range of restaurants and accommodation in the surrounding area, which makes it easy to visit.

In addition, the chapel is located within walking distance of other places of interest in Granada, such as the Cathedral or the emblematic Albaicín neighbourhood.

Visit the Royal Chapel of Granada

As you have seen throughout this article on why visit the Royal Chapel of Granada, this site is brimming with art, culture and beauty, which is why it has become a symbolic monument of the city. It is also of special historical importance as it contains the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs.

If you would like to visit this beautiful place, do not hesitate to buy your tickets for the Royal Chapel of Granada on the official website of the Archdiocese of Granada. Let yourself be amazed by the temple and enjoy all the works of art inside!