Pedro de Castro, founder of Sacromonte

Don Pedro de Castro played a fundamental role in the development of the Abadía del Sacromonte, which has led him to be considered as the founder of this beautiful district of Granada. For this reason, it is important to know about his life and his involvement in the city of Granada.

Would you like to discover the most remarkable events of this personality? Stay and read this article, we will show you everything you need to know below!

Ecclesiastical responsibilities and posts

Pedro de Castro was born in Burgos in 1534 and during his studies in Valladolid and Salamanca he demonstrated great juridical wisdom.  He was ordained a priest in 1561 and acted as Visitor of the Royal Chapel of Granada and the Royal Hospital, alongside his work as Oidor of the Chancery, for which he was to become president in 1578.

On numerous occasions he was offered an archbishopric, such as that of Tarragona, Calahorra and Burgos. He declined each of them until 1589, when he decided to accept the archbishopric of Granada, remaining in the see until 1610.

Personality of Don Pedro de Castro

All historians recognise Pedro de Castro as a personality of great qualities. In addition to his wisdom and prestige as a ruler, his contemporaries praised his tenacity of character, his dedication to the service of the people in his pastoral visits and his eagerness to establish good customs.

Likewise, he was a great defender of the rights of his clergy and showed an ascetic style in the greatest voluntary poverty. He showed a remarkable devotion to the Eucharist and to the mystery of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Defender of the Sacromonte Discoveries

In 1595, abandoned caves were found on the hill of Valparaíso, where lead sheets were found written in a strange Hispanic-Betic and Latin alphabet.

This first discovery led to the intensification of research work at the site, until the remains of the first martyrs who evangelised the area were found.

As a result, all the institutions and citizens determined that these findings confirmed the Christian presence in Baetica from the first centuries. Granada thus recovered its character as an old Christian city.

From that moment on, Archbishop Pedro de Castro devoted his life and his rich patrimony to the cause. However, the Holy See expressed serious doubts about the authenticity of everything found and in 1682, Innocent XI concluded the controversy by condemning the books.

They remained in Rome until the end of the 20th century and in the year 2000, Pope Benedict XVI returned the books to the archbishopric of Granada.

Don Pedro de Castro's actions in defence of these discoveries led him to be considered as the head of this movement.

Death and burial of Don Pedro de Castro

The death of Don Pedro de Castro took place in 1623 and, three years later, his remains were transferred to the Sacromonte Abbey in Granada, where they rest to this day.

The mausoleum located in this monument was ordered to be built by the archbishop himself for himself and his family, as his intention was to rest in the most significant place of his life.

Why visit the Sacromonte Monastery?

As you have seen throughout this article about Don Pedro de Castro, this figure was essential for the development of one of the most emblematic quarters of the city, as well as its Abbey, which stands out for its history and for the works of art it houses inside.

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

Discover the beauty of this site and enjoy the views of its location!