The lost spaces of the Cartuja Monastery in Granada

A Disappearing Legacy: Introduction to the Lost Spaces

The Carthusian Monastery of Granada stands as one of the great landmarks of religious art in Spain. Its history, deeply rooted in Carthusian spirituality, speaks of a life of silence, contemplation, and retreat. However, not everything that once existed still remains. There are now-vanished spaces that were essential to understanding monastic life. In this article, we delve into the so-called "lost spaces" of the Carthusian Monastery: the Great Cloister, the monks' cells, and the Prior's house.

What Was the Great Cloister of the Carthusian Monastery?

The Great Cloister was the heart of the monastery. Its construction began in 1517 and extended into the mid-17th century. This monumental space measured 53 meters per side and was surrounded by 76 arches supported by columns, likely Tuscan or Doric in style. At its center, a garden with myrtles, cypresses, willows, and palm trees housed the cemetery where monks were buried.

The galleries were covered with wooden trusses and decorated with ceramic tiles. Along each side, the monks' cells were aligned, each with its own garden and pond, functioning as small independent dwellings. The cloister also featured passageways on each side, connecting to the church, sacristy, and other key areas, allowing monks to move about without breaking their vow of silence.

Why Was the Great Cloister Lost?

The decline began in the 19th century with the French occupation and the subsequent Ecclesiastical Confiscation of Mendizábal. Although the cloister had undergone inspections and renovations (notably by Vicente de Acero and Alonso Llanos in the 18th century), it was eventually dismantled in the 19th century. Columns, bricks, tiles, and ceramic decorations were sold off. Some elements were relocated to other sites, like the Carmen del Realejo or the Monastery of San Jerónimo.

Today, only one of the original passageways remains, next to the Arma Christi portal. The rest has been lost to time and 19th-century urban speculation.

The Carthusian Monks' Cells: Isolation and Silence

One of the most distinctive elements of a Carthusian monastery was the layout of its cells. Inspired by the model at El Paular, these cells were spacious, two-story, and included a private garden. Each monk lived in complete solitude, avoiding daily contact with others as part of their spiritual path.

These cells functioned as self-contained worlds where monks prayed, worked, and slept. Some had special roles—such as the archivist, apothecary, or candle-maker—but there were never communal living spaces within the Great Cloister. The Carthusian life was profoundly eremitic.

With the confiscation and eventual abandonment of the monastery, many of these cells were demolished, their materials repurposed or sold. Their layout can still be studied through old plans and aerial photographs, but only a few architectural remnants have survived.

The Prior's House: Bridging the Inside and Outside Worlds

Located at the southwest corner of the cloister, the Prior's House was strategically positioned to maintain balance between the contemplative life of the cloister and the monastery's administrative duties. Rebuilt in 1629 after a storm, it featured a courtyard with Doric columns and arches, topped with vaulted ceilings decorated with plasterwork.

It was the last major space to be demolished, in 1943. Today, its columns can be found decorating private gardens and part of the cloister at the Monastery of San Jerónimo. Its destruction marked the definitive end of the architectural integrity of the original Carthusian complex.

Featured Answers: Insights for the Curious Visitor

• When was the Great Cloister of the Carthusian Monastery built? Construction began in 1517, although it wasn't fully completed until the 17th century.
• What was the function of the Carthusian cells? These were individual living spaces designed for isolation and contemplation.
• Can the Great Cloister be visited today? No, it was dismantled in the 19th century. Only one of its original passageways and a few scattered elements remain.
• What remains of the lost spaces? Some decorative and architectural pieces are housed elsewhere, but most have been lost.

Architectural and Heritage Significance

The lost spaces of the Carthusian Monastery were not only functional but held immense artistic value. The cloister's architecture, tilework, wooden ceilings, and cell layout reflected a spiritual conception of space. Each element contributed to the Carthusian ideal: silence, reflection, and beauty in service of faith.

A Necessary Visit: Rediscovering What Was Lost

While many of these spaces no longer exist, the Carthusian Monastery still offers a unique experience. Its church, sacristy, and even the smaller cloister preserve much of the original splendor. Visiting the site is an act of memory and recognition of one of Granada's greatest cultural treasures.

How to Learn More

You can dive deeper into the history of these vanished spaces through specialized tours that contextualize their lost grandeur. Tickets Granada Cristiana offers the opportunity to explore the Carthusian Monastery with expert guides and exclusive materials.

🔗 Book your ticket to the Carthusian Monastery of Granada on our official website