The Cathedral

The renaissance Cathedral of Granada is one of Spain's architectural highlights, founded in 1492 by the Catholic monarchs that retook the city from the Moorish invaders in the same year. In its day, the cathedral was considered to be one of the most majestic churches in Christian Europe, rivaling even St Peter's Basilica in Rome. Work began on the cathedral in 1518 but due to design problems, financing issues and plan changes it wasn't actually finished until 181 years later. 

Due to the number of different architects involved and the changing fashions of architecture, the cathedral has a mixture of styles. The main facade of the Cathedral is composed of three large arches with the bell tower on the left hand side. The square in front (Plaza de las Pasiegas) is the best place to view this aspect of the building.

The visitor entrance to the Cathedral is actually on the opposite side of the cathedral on Gran Vía de Colón.  The entrance fee is €4, or if you have bought a Bono Turistico for your visit to Granada the Cathedral is included so your entrance is free (see our post on Bono Turistico for more info here). The route of the visit first takes you into the Sacristy which houses many paintings and ornate wooden furniture. From here you move into the main body of the Cathedral. The space is vast with giant stone columns throughout raising the ceiling high above. The first thing you may notice is the light. Unlike many cathedrals, the stonework is brilliant white from floor to ceiling which creates a very bright and calm effect.

The sides of the cathedral are dotted with smaller chapels in honour of various saints and religious icons. The star attraction of the cathedral however is the Capilla Mayor, or Main Chapel which resides at the end of the building which you entered first and creating a unique circular domed space. In contrast to the relatively plain interior of the rest of the cathedral, the Capilla Mayor is beautifully decorated with paintings, stained glass windows and gold. The ceiling of the dome is equally spectacular, with a multitude of gold stars set against a delicate blue background.

Finally if you think the bell tower looks a little unusual - then you're not wrong. In the original plans there were two towers on each side, each with four 'tiers' rather than the three that can be seen today. Construction on the tower was started during a period of strong seismic activity and it was decided that the foundations weren't strong enough to support the original 81m height that was envisaged!

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