Guided tour of San Juan de la Cruz and Carmen de los Mártires, don't miss it!

Granada is a city full of history, art and spirituality. One of the most special tours you can do is the guided tour of San Juan de la Cruz and the Carmen de los Mártires. On this tour, you will discover the profound mark left by one of the most universal poets in history and how his spiritual legacy has endured throughout the centuries in this beautiful city. Join us on this journey through the life of San Juan de la Cruz, his writings and his relationship with such emblematic places as the Carmen de los Mártires.

El Carmen de los Mártires: A place of history and beauty

El Carmen de los Mártires is one of the most beautiful corners of Granada, with a history that dates back to Nasrid times, when it was known as the Campo de Ahabul. After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs, the place was renamed Campo de los Cautivos or Campo de los Mártires, due to the underground dungeons where Christian prisoners were imprisoned.

Today, the Carmen de los Mártires preserves vestiges of that past, being an enclave of beauty and spirituality. During the guided tour of this place, you will have the opportunity to enjoy its exquisite gardens, stroll along the walls of the Alhambra and learn about the relationship of San Juan de la Cruz with this space.
 

San Juan de la Cruz: Poet and Mystic

The guided tour of San Juan de la Cruz will take you to discover the life and work of this great mystic poet, whose influence has left a deep mark on spirituality and universal literature. We will learn not only about his poems, but also about his links with key figures such as Saint Teresa of Jesus, with whom he collaborated in the reform of the Carmelite monastery.

Saint John of the Cross lived in a turbulent period, marked by the Catholic Reformation and the Council of Trent, and Granada was one of the key places in his life. Here, he contributed to the founding of the convent of San José de Carmelitas Descalzas, a place that still stands today and which you can discover on this route.

What to see on the Guided Tour of San Juan de la Cruz and Carmen de los Mártires

During the guided tour, you will enjoy a complete experience that will allow you to get to know both the historical and scenic aspects of Granada. Among the key points you will visit are:

1. The Carmen de los Mártires Gardens

This space is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. Here, you can feel the peace that inspired San Juan de la Cruz in his mystical writings. Strolling along its paths and admiring the fountains and vegetation is a unique experience.

2.  The footsteps of St. John of the Cross in Granada

Granada was an important place in the life of Saint John of the Cross. On this route, you will learn about the four Carmelite convents that coexisted in the city from 1508 and how these places are connected to the life of the saint.

3. The close relationship with Saint Teresa of Jesus

Along the route, you will learn about the deep relationship between St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Jesus, who worked together on the reform of Carmel. Their collaboration culminated in the founding of the convent of San José de Carmelitas Descalzas in Granada.

4. The mystical and literary legacy

The guided tour also focuses on the literary legacy of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Jesus, who are considered the greatest exponents of universal mystical literature. Through their beautiful texts, you will discover the profound spirituality that marked their lives and how they influenced the history of Granada.

A unique experience in Carmen de los Mártires

The guided tour of San Juan de la Cruz is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of Granada. Not only will you learn about the life of one of the most influential poets in history, but you will also enjoy the landscapes and monuments that make this city a magical place.

Language available for the tour

The guided tour is available in Spanish, so you will be able to enjoy the detailed explanation of the expert guides on the history of San Juan de la Cruz and the city of Granada.

Rules of the tour

The meeting point will be at the door of the Washington Irving Hotel, a central and easy to find location. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes in advance to start the tour punctually.

Why enjoy the Route of San Juan de la Cruz and the Carmen de los Mártires?

As you have seen throughout this article, the Guided Route of San Juan de la Cruz and the Carmen de los Mártires is an experience that combines history, art and spirituality in a single tour. If you are looking for a unique activity in Granada that allows you to learn more about one of the most important mystic poets in history, this is the perfect option.

If you would like to visit this monument, you can buy your guided tour of San Juan de la Cruz and Carmen de los Mártires on our official website of the Archdiocese of Granada.

Enjoy the history and charm of this temple!