Location: Province of Granada
Top Things to do in Province of Granada
The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Province of Granada, Andalucia
There’s an Arabic inscription that captures the essence of Granada in a few words: “There is nothing so sad as to be blind in Granada.” The perspicacity of this declaration becomes obvious as soon as you penetrate the austere walls of the Alhambra and take in the full majesty of the architecture, carvings and fountains of the Nasrid palaces. Your ticket (which should be bought well in advance following the instructions on the attraction’s website) also affords entry to the Renaissance Palace of Carlos V and to the exquisite gardens of the Generalife. If you are celebrating a special event, or are in the market for a splurge, you can stay in the lovely Parador, right on site. Make your way down into the city via the atmospheric old quarter of the Albaicin, with its tiny craft shops and restaurants, and head for the Cathedral and Royal Chapel. Also plan a visit to the crypt for the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the instigators of Spain’s imperial adventures to the New World and beyond. It’s worth making the short journey out of town to visit the Monasterio Cartuja, a fabulous Carthusian monastery in the baroque style. Admirers of the poet Lorca should make the effort to visit the Casa-Museo Federico Garcia Lorca in Fuente Vaqueros, about 11 miles from the city centre.
Restaurants in Province of Granada
1. Convento Santa Cruz la Real
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The convent of Santa Cruz la Real is a historical building in the heart of the ancient district of Granada. A peacefull and relaxing atmosphere envolves the cloister, whose construction dates from the sixteenth century. Visitors are just allowed to see the cloister, but under reservation, a free guided tour around the whole building can be offered.
2. Saint Jerome Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 984 reviews
Located in the small village of Tlacochahuaya, this colorful monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of hermits.
Reviewed By ANGELOV230 - Milan, Italy
From the outside, this monastery is not much, and I happened to pass by during the Holy Cross feast, when the outside gardens were crowded with people celebrating. I decided to visit, and it was an unexpected pleasure. From the ticket office, you go to the nice internal cloister with the orange garden. On the cloister open several rooms (chapter, sacristy, and others), and each of them contain great paintings and sculptures / statues. The very last is the entrance to the church, and this is so beautiful and unexpected, with the exquisite and very rich decorations, the paintings, the statues, the frescoes (some of them in need of restauration), the main altar and the stunning reredos behind it. Although the church alone is much, much better than the Granada Cathedral, there were very few visitors here. It is a true hidden gem in Granada!
3. Royal Chapel of Granada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,080 reviews
The Chapel of the Catholic Kings was conceived as a burial site intimately linked to the Cathedral, but without merging with its architecture. It is built with a single nave, an octagonal presbytery preceded by bleachers, a transept with little development and a choir at its feet, for the functions of a pantheon. As a funeral chapel none, in Spain, it excels in size. In it you can appreciate both its simplicity and its wealth thanks to the generous endowment of the queen. The Royal Chapel houses the mortal remains of Don Fernando de Aragón and Dona Isabel de Castilla (who were initially resting in the convent of San Francisco de la Alhambra), as well as those of Dona Juana I, Don Felipe and Infante Miguel. Under the tombs there is a small crypt of marked austerity, in which are deposited the real, lead coffins, identified by the initial of each name on the cover.
Reviewed By nati_s04 - England, United Kingdom
The entrance is quite cheap, it includes an audio guide, and it's quite stunning to see the beautiful architecture and the sculptures made by the best artist of that time
4. Monasterio Cartuja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 958 reviews
Reviewed By rparkera
Completely taken aback by this astonishing gem. It's just a short walk from the town centre, 30 minutes or 5 in a taxi. Yet hardly anyone goes there and certainly very few non Spanish visitors. Yet it is absolutely gorgeous inside - a wonder of baroque art. The strange paintings in the refectory also have a strong yet tragic connection to the equally delightful Charter House in London. Highly recommended for a visit.
5. Basilica de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias
6. Abadia del Sacromonte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 469 reviews
When you come to Granada, you have to visit one of the main sites of its rich history. Sacromonte Abbey is the birthplace of Christianity in Granada. Together with the Alhambra and the Cathedral, it is one of the most emblematic monuments in the town. It is the living testimony of a long history starting with the discovery of the relics of St. Cecilius and the “leaden books”, and displaying a multitude of other curiosities. Join the guided tour of an impressive monument, which fascinates and is permeated of life and tranquility. Most significantly, it is a place for the conciliation of diverse cultures. Discover why in your guided tour.
7. Mezquita Mayor de Granada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By 1512sharik - Paderborn, Germany
Scenic lookout with BEST views of Alhambra in a great courtyard. The mosque itself is also very beautiful and people are very hospitable offering a rare chance to observe the azaan (Muslim call to prayer) live. This place is a true gem offering serenity and calmness all-in-one. Must visit on your Granada visit!
8. Monasterio de San Bernardo
9. Convento de Santa Catalina de Zafra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By totallyblonde22
This experience was by far one of my favorite in the 6 weeks I was in Spain. Across Spain there are cloistered nuns who will secretly sell cookies from within their convent for those who are savvy enough to find them. This is one of those places. First find the main door of the convent, it will have stone carvings above the door and it is on Carrera del daro. Then walk past the main door to another wooden door (to the right of the main door). This second door is also on Carrera del daro. Facing the door, on the left side door frame, there is a doorbell button under a white painted cage-like cover. Press the button and wait several minutes. Eventually the door should open and you may enter (don't worry they will let you out). If the door doeesn't open, come back another time. Nuns do not follow regular business hours and they may be open at odd times. Make sure you have cash - a box of cookies was 6 euros and 50 cents. The nun will be behind a lazy susan in the wall, you will not be able to see each other. But she will talk to you, I think they only speak Spanish. This experience was such a gem!
10. Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves
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