A getaway to Granada? Don’t miss the Cathedral of the Incarnation!
It is one of Granada’s most imposing monuments, even considered the first Spanish Renaissance cathedral. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a remarkable synthesis of architectural styles, harmoniously blending Renaissance purity with Baroque richness. We were captivated by the majesty of the building, from its monumental façade to its richly decorated interiors.
In this article you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit to Granada Cathedral and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Why visit Granada Cathedral?
Is Incarnation Cathedral worth it? Our opinion:
Absolutely, for us it’s one of the best visits to Granada!
We were captivated by its stunning exteriors, including the main façade designed by Alonso Cano in the 17th century. The interior holds even more spectacular wonders, including the splendor of the Baroque choir, which soars 45 meters into the air, combining architectural prowess and decorative refinement.
Why is Granada Cathedral famous?
Granada’s Cathedral of the Incarnation is famous for being the first Renaissance cathedral in Spain. It even served as a model for those in Guadix and Jaén. The building was intended to symbolize the triumph of the Christian faith in Granada, inspired by the diocese’s ancient history and primitive liturgical practices.
It is also noteworthy for its colossal dimensions, with 5 majestic naves and a wealth of interior ornamentation.
Our favorite
We loved the striking dialogue between the immaculate purity of the nave, whose clean lines soar skyward, and the opulence of the choir and organs, adorned in gold and rich ornamentation. This architectural duality, far from being discordant, creates a subtle harmony and makes for a visit full of sparkle.
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History in brief
Here are some key dates for Granada Cathedral:
- 1501: Official start of construction by the Catholic Monarchs after the reconquest of Granada
- 1523: Work begins on the site of the former Great Mosque under the direction of Enrique Egas. The original plan was to build a Gothic cathedral inspired by the one in Toledo.
- 1529: Arrival of Diego de Siloé, who revolutionizes the project by introducing the Renaissance style.
- 1561: The cathedral is commissioned, although the work is not yet complete.
- 1563: Official completion of the main works
How to get there: Granada Cathedral, Granada
Where is Granada Cathedral?
The cathedral is located in the heart of the historic center, on the Plaza de las Pasiegas. It has been called this since 1897, after the Cantabrian women who sold cloth or the wet nurses who breastfed abandoned children or those from wealthy families.
This square is close to the Alcaicería Market, an old souk that will charm you with the architecture of its alleys and buildings.
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How to get there?
It is located in the heart of the historic center. The C4 bus stop on Gran Via Catedral is less than a 5-minute walk away. Visit the official website of the public transport network here.
Parking
Parking San Agustín is the nearest pay parking lot, just a 2-minute walk from the cathedral. Note that it is particularly suitable for small cars.
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Best time to visit
Spring is the best time to visit Granada, with its pleasant weather. You can also opt for a winter visit.
For a visit to the cathedral itself, we advise you to go at lunchtime to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 30min to 1h for the visit, depending on how much time you want to devote to observing the cathedral’s many details. There are no major difficulties in visiting the site, especially as it is fully accessible to PRMs.
Advice on how to visit
Start by visiting the cathedral’s main façade, then explore the interiors, noting the diversity of the 15 side chapels, before admiring the Baroque choir, the edifice’s central jewel.
If you have time, we recommend extending your visit to the Royal Chapel, which houses the mausoleum of the Catholic Monarchs, at an additional cost.
Finally, take a tour of the cathedral to see its astonishing chevet!
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Visiting with children
We didn’t find a suitable route for children, but the little ones should appreciate the splendor of the ornamentation.
Schedules and rates
The cathedral is open daily from 10am to 6:15pm and on Sundays from 3pm to 6:15pm.
Admission is €7, with children under 12 free.
Find updates on the official website here.
Guided tours
The Cathedral doesn’t offer direct tours, so if you’re interested in heritage, we strongly advise you to book a guided tour.
This will enable you to learn more about the building’s wonderful pictorial heritage.
In particular, we’ve spotted a 3-hour tour that reveals the history and many treasures of the cathedral: see info, prices and availability.
Catering
You’re right in the center! Numerous restaurants are located nearby, including the Restaurant Pimiento Rosa, which you’ll soon find in our article on the best restaurants in Granada.
Majestic Renaissance architecture
Monumental doors
As you approach Granada Cathedral, you’ll immediately be struck by the majesty of its main façade, designed by Alonso Cano in 1667.
Your eyes will be drawn upwards, following the elegant lines of the three semicircular arches that rise skyward. Observe the richness of the carved details, which vary from fine plant decorations to geometric ornamentation. In the center, the medallion depicts the mystery of the Incarnation (when God became man in the person of Jesus in the Catholic religion) and was created by José Ruiseño in 1717.
This beautifully crafted façade is a prelude to the spectacular interior of the building!
We also recommend you take a look at the three side doors that make up the building:
- The Ecce Homo Gate is the oldest, dating from 1529.
- The San Jerónimo Gate , built in 1532 by Siloé, with no fewer than 14 works of art!
- The Plateresque Porte du Pardon (Pardon Gate) , completed in 1537, is also attributable to Siloé and is undoubtedly his most important sculptural work. Look at the figures of Faith and Justice! The rest of the iconographic program evokes forgiveness, triumph and joy, in reference to the Reconquista of the Catholic Monarchs.
The unique tower: Siloé’s unfinished masterpiece
And don’t miss the cathedral tower, intriguingly unfinished.
Originally planned to reach 81m with a twin tower, it will stand alone and rise to just 57m. It comprises three superimposed bodies in distinct styles: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Construction was spread over several decades, begun by Siloé, continued by Maeda between 1564 and 1579, and finally completed by Ambrosio de Vico in 1589.
Now it’s time to discover the cathedral’s majestic interior!
You’ll already be struck by the building’s impressive dimensions: 115 metres long and 67 metres wide.
The layout, clearly inspired by Gothic architecture, features 5 naves, serving 13 side chapels of different styles, each housing works of art from different periods.
Observe the 4 rows of pillars separating the naves: they are enhanced by pedestals that increase the height of the cathedral, giving it the appearance of a Roman temple.
We were fascinated by the ornamental work on the cathedral’s very foundations. The details form an art case in their own right, alongside the many treasures we’ll be mentioning later in the article.
First, admire the elegant pillars adorned with pilasters and finely chiselled Corinthian capitals. Look a little higher and you’ll also discover the Gothic vaults with their intricate ribbing. Stunning stone lace!
An opulent interior: treasures not to be missed
Once you’ve admired the contrast between the sobriety of the architecture and the ornamentation of the facades, you can discover the flamboyant details of its decoration.
The Baroque choir
The main chapel is the cathedral’s jewel! It’s visible from the central nave, and we immediately spotted its unusual circular choir.
Take time to admire its grandiose altarpiece.
You won’t know which way to turn among the different architectural elements and materials that blend here and there:
- The 7 paintings by Alonso Cano illustrating scenes from the life of the Virgin,
- The superb, colorful stained glass windows by Juan del Campo and Teodoro de Holanda in the 16th century,
- The sculptures of the apostles on the chapel’s pilasters,
- The starry sky painted in the splendid 45m-high dome!
The decor here is clearly Baroque, with mouldings, stucco and gilding!
Sparkling organs
You can also admire the twin organs, masterpieces of Leonardo Fernández Ávila. We were won over by the sumptuousness of the pieces that make them up, and in particular the gilded, polychrome sideboards adorned with angel musicians that majestically crown the ensemble. Look at their curious horizontal fan-shaped pipes!
Did you know? These remarkable 18th-century instruments have contributed to the development of a veritable artisan ecosystem in Granada, attracting organ builders, tuners, sculptors and other craftsmen from all over Andalucia.
Refined and varied ornamentation
If Granada Cathedral is truly impressive, its majesty is revealed in its smallest details. We were impressed by the subtle blend of arts and crafts: goldsmiths’ work sits side by side with sculptures, while paintings interact harmoniously with precious draperies. Among these treasures, we particularly appreciated the tabernacle, a work of silver with contemporary lines, contrasting harmoniously with the cathedral’s gilded details.
Another curiosity of the cathedral is the incredible decoration of the internal doors. Each testifies to a great artistic mastery and presents a unique decoration.
We particularly enjoyed the north portal of the royal chapel, designed by Enrique Egas and presided over by a sculpture of the Virgin and Child.
Look above the festooned bow: you’ll see the coat of arms of the Catholic Monarchs, accompanied by their emblems, the yoke and arrows.
Last but not least, the cathedral’s 14 chapels are filled with beautiful works of art.
Two chapels deserve special mention:
- The Chapel of the Virgin of Anguish (Capilla de la Virgen de las Angustias) contains the cathedral’s most original altarpiece, made entirely of slightly pink Lanjarón marble.
- The Chapel of Our Lady of the Antique (Capilla Nuestra Señora de la Antigua), featuring a superb 15th-century statue of the Virgin and Child.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the best view of Granada Cathedral?
Just a 20-minute walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the Mirador San Nicolás, a square high above the Albaicín, Granada’s old Moorish quarter.
From this vantage point, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Cathedral, its circular chevet and its unique square tower, standing out majestically against the urban landscape.
What can you see in the Royal Chapel of Granada Cathedral?
The Chapelle Royale is an annex to the cathedral.
You can visit it at the same times as the cathedral, for an entrance fee of €5, including an audioguide (more information here).
This building houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando I of Aragon and Isabel I of Castile, and their descendants.
From the outside, you can admire its Plateresque style, with sober walls and a ribbed Gothic vault. Inside, you can see the sculptures that make up the tombs, a remarkable altarpiece by Felipe Bigarny, considered a late Gothic masterpiece, and a series of works of sacred art.
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