La Cartuja de Granada

A Carthusian monastery famous for its extraordinary Baroque sacristy, considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque art. Founded in 1506 on the site of a Moorish garden.

History

Founded by Gran Capitán Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba in 1506, the Cartuja de Granada was built on the former camp of the Catholic Monarchs during the Siege of Granada. Construction continued for over 300 years, resulting in a stunning accumulation of artistic styles from late Gothic to exuberant Baroque.

Architecture

The monastery is celebrated for its sacristy, designed by Francisco Hurtado Izquierdo, featuring swirling marble, gilded stucco, and tromp l'oeil frescoes. The church contains works by Sánchez Cotán and Bocanegra.

Highlights

• One of Spain's finest Baroque sacristies
• Works by Sánchez Cotán
• 300 years of continuous construction
• Former Nasrid garden site

Visiting

Open daily. Entry fee approximately €5. Located in northern Granada, accessible by city bus.

More Monasteries in Andalucía

• San Isidoro del Campo — Cistercian, 14th Century. A fortified Cistercian monastery near Santiponce, founded by Guzmán el Bueno in 1301. Its Gothic cloister and remarkable murals make it one of the most important monastic complexes in Andalusia.
• Monasterio de la Rábida — Franciscan, 15th Century. A Franciscan monastery where Christopher Columbus planned his first voyage to the Americas. The friars here interceded with Queen Isabella on Columbus's behalf.
• Cartuja de Jerez — Carthusian, 15th Century. A 15th-century Carthusian monastery near Jerez de la Frontera, known for breeding the famous Carthusian horse lineage and its Renaissance portal attributed to Andrés de Ribera.
• Monasterio de San Jerónimo — Hieronymite, 16th Century. The first monastery founded in Granada after the Reconquista, housing the magnificent tomb of El Gran Capitán. Its Renaissance church is a masterpiece of Andalusian architecture.

Explore nearby: Andalucía guide · Granada province · Castles of Granada