The cloister of the Cartuja Monastery

The Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada is a religious site of great importance for the city, standing out for the beauty and spectacular nature of its rooms. For this reason, today we are going to offer you the most complete and rigorous information about the cloister of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada.

Would you like to discover the history and composition of the cloister of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada? Stay and read this article, we will show you everything you need to know below!

Construction and functionality

This cloister was the point of union of the common areas of the cloister and its construction dates back to 1600. Thus, an intimate and secluded space was established, without large volumes, where functionality and the humble spirit of the Order prevailed.

In addition, an outstanding feature of the cloister of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada is the use of light and half-light to create an atmosphere of tranquillity, peace and tranquillity.

Thanks to the arches of the cloister, natural light floods the place, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow. This effect is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the sun shines directly on the courtyard, illuminating its fountain, vegetation and decorative elements.

Galleries

The galleries are covered by vaulted ceilings and open onto the garden through seven semicircular arches supported by Tuscan columns with smooth shafts, carved in Sierra Elvira stone.

After the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the openings of the cloister arches were partitioned off, as some structural deterioration began to be observed.

Thus, access to the orchard was opened up through the centre of each section, which had a square cistern or basin in place of the present fountain.

Paintings by Cotán and Carducho

One of the most outstanding elements to be found in the cloister of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada are the paintings of the great cycles of the Life of Saint Bruno and the Foundation of the Order and the martyrdoms.

These works of art were begun by Cotán and completed by Carducho. Thus, all the parameters of the cloister were filled with paintings depicting lessons of Faith.

It is worth noting that the total number of paintings was 33, which are currently housed in other rooms for the purpose of conservation.

The doorway of the Arma Christi

Finally, in order to learn all about the cloister of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada, we must not forget to mention the doorway of the Arma Christi. This used to connect the cloister with the great cloister.

Today, the doorway remains on the exterior wall of the monastery, showing an iconography related to the Passion of Jesus Christ.

We can also see elements related to Christ such as the crown, the ladder, the hyssop, the nails and the lance. We can also see the intermediation of other characters, such as the head of Judas.

The Arma Christi, or the instruments of the Passion, represented a series of merits in the form of heraldic weapons, conquered by Christ against Satan.

Thus, every time the monks crossed the threshold of this door, they were reminded of memorable events of the Passion, and were able to interiorise them and meditate on each passage of the last moments of the life of Jesus Christ.

Why visit the Cartuja Monastery in Granada?

As you have seen throughout this article about the cloister of the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada, its beautiful arches, its fountain with carved stone ornaments, its lighting and its collection of paintings, make it a true architectural and artistic treasure.

If you would like to visit this monument, do not hesitate to buy your tickets to the Monasterio de la Cartuja de Granada on our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada.

Book the date you want and let yourself be amazed by this wonderful temple!