What to See in Granada if You Are Passionate About Sacred Art

Granada is a city that transcends time. While it is widely known for its Nasrid past and the world-famous Alhambra, its Christian legacy is equally profound and captivating. After the conquest in 1492, some of Spain’s most significant religious monuments were built, shaping a sacred art heritage that continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

From majestic Renaissance cathedrals to richly decorated Baroque monasteries, Granada preserves a spiritual heritage expressed through architecture, sculpture, goldsmithing and painting. In each chapel, altarpiece or sacristy, visitors encounter not only artistic beauty, but also the cultural and religious identity of a city shaped by centuries of faith.

If you're wondering what to see in Granada for sacred art lovers, this guide highlights five essential sites that can be visited with individual tickets or with the Combined Tickets offered by Tickets Granada Cristiana. A practical way to save time, plan your visit and explore more for less.

1. Granada Cathedral: a Renaissance temple of grandeur and light

Located in the historic centre, the Cathedral of Granada is one of Spain’s earliest and most influential Renaissance constructions. Its basilica layout, majestic Main Chapel, richly decorated high altar, pulpits, and sacred artworks create an immersive artistic and spiritual experience.

The building reflects the role of the Church in shaping post-Reconquest Granada and its aspiration to become a beacon of Catholic faith and royal power.

2. Royal Chapel: devotion and royal memory

Next to the Cathedral stands the Royal Chapel, the burial place of Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. This chapel, combining Gothic and Renaissance styles, houses a stunning altarpiece, a royal crypt, a renowned relic collection and a fine display of Flemish paintings.

Visiting the Royal Chapel offers insight into the monarchs’ political and religious vision that shaped early modern Spain.

3. Charterhouse Monastery: Baroque art and spiritual symbolism

One of Andalusia’s most striking Baroque monuments, the Charterhouse Monastery is a sanctuary of visual richness and deep symbolism. The sacristy is a masterpiece in itself, and the church is decorated with polychrome marble, expressive frescoes and elaborate iconography.

Originally inhabited by Carthusian monks, the monastery evokes silence, contemplation and a unique spiritual atmosphere.

4. Monastery of San Jerónimo: faith, power and Renaissance art

Founded in the early 16th century, the Monastery of San Jerónimo exemplifies the fusion of religion and military legacy. Its church is the final resting place of the Gran Capitán (Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba), a key figure in the Reconquista, and its main chapel boasts one of the most spectacular altarpieces in the region.

The monastery’s cloisters and sculptural details make it an essential stop on your sacred art route through Granada.

5. Sacromonte Abbey: legend, relics and tradition

Overlooking the Albaicín, the Abbey of Sacromonte is a spiritual and historical landmark. Founded following the discovery of relics and the mysterious “lead books”, the abbey includes the Holy Caves, a baroque church, and an ancient library filled with heritage.

Its unique position and rich history make it a place where popular devotion and legend come together in harmony.

A Journey into Granada’s Sacred Heritage

For those who wonder what to see in Granada for sacred art lovers, these monuments offer much more than religious experiences — they are powerful spaces where history, art and spirituality merge. Each site brings something unique, but all share a capacity to inspire, educate and connect with the sacred.

Thanks to the Combined Tickets from Tickets Granada Cristiana, you can explore several of these landmarks with a single pass, planning your route efficiently while enjoying Granada’s spiritual and artistic wealth.

Experience the sacred heart of Granada. Book your tickets today and immerse yourself in a cultural legacy that continues to inspire.