Granada Cathedral

This construction was based on the Gothic model of the Toledo Cathedral, and was designed by Enrique Egas. In 1529, it was entrusted to the architect Diego de Siloé who designed a new design for the temple based on the Spanish Renaissance style and joining the circular floor with the basilical one which supposed the recognition of the architects of that time.

It has five naves that separated by 20 huge pillars with Classic columns and an ambulatory whose stained- glass windows are Flemish, by Teodoro de Holanda and Juan Campen. The amazing Baroque façade was designed by Alonso Cano and belongs to 1667. It was understood as a monumental Triumphal arch with coffered ceilings and three bays are moved between pilasters, giving intense luminous contrasts to the complex. Siloé firstly planned to build two high towers: one of them was not carried out and the other one only reached 7 meters high of 81 meters as understood.

Inside the temple, la Major Chapel, Siloé´ s masterpiece, is rounded and very high and is supported by 12 thick Corinthian pillars. Here, we can find the Catholic Kings in kneeling position, sculpted by Pedro Mena and Madrazo. The main eaves board of the sacristy is taken up by a great Crucified Christ, by Martinez Montanez. In a low shop window, we can see a small Immaculate Virgin, by Alonso Cano. The lectern is very ornamented and was carried out by Alonso Cano. We should highlight the Virgen del Pilar, Nuestra Señora de la Antigua and de la Trinidad. Close to the Cathedral we can find the Iglesia del Sagrario (Church of the Tabernacle) in a Neoclassic style, with a high dome from the Renaissance, built by Hurtado Izquierdo (1705- 1759).

In the Museum of the Cathedral we can see masterpieces of painters such as Bocanegra, Risueño, Sánchez-Cotán, Raxis, Cieza, Alonso, Pacheco and sculptures of Alonso, Pedro de Mena and Pablo Pacheco.

Interesting resources

   Guided Tours of Granada