Province
& Villages - Granada - Tourism
Granada information
El Carmen de los Mártires
Its origin lies in a Carmelite convent biult on a site previoulsy
used as a dungeon for Christians during the Nasrid era. Its
present-day character dates from the 19th century, with an
interior displaying Oriental style ../images typical of the
time. The gardens evoke a perfect combination of French and
English models, although during the last years of dictatorship,
part of its splendid wood was cut down.
Palace of the Madraza
This school of Koranic studies founded by Yusuf I preserves
notable elements on its past. the glass-covered patio, the mihrab of the ancient medersa or the coffered
ceiling of the sala de los Caballeros Veinticuatro give us a rough idea of the building's possible evolution
throughout its history as well as blend of so many diverse
architectonic languages in the same space.
Corral del Carbón
Having crossed the street where a river once flowed, we arrive
at the Corral del Carbón. The picturesque harmony
of this 14th century building, its almost perfect reflection
of a surviving past recalls many buildings throughout the
Mediterranean, above all in Moroccon; Fez and Marrakesh both
boast many examples of these ancient corrals (fondacs).
Hospital of San Juan de Dios
The growth of the church hospital as an institution in the
16th and 17th centuries can be seen reflected in this Portuguese
saint who adopted Granada as the centre for his work.
The hospital, once the ancient headquarters of the Jerónimos,
is laid out in two patios decorated with tiles and mural paintings.
The staircase leading to the upper floor, with its theatrical
scene painting, was completed in the 18th century, when the
church became joined to the hospital.
Montastery of San Jerónimo
The order of the Jerónimos was especially spoilt by
the Catholic Monarchs, for reason the founding of the monastery
in Santa FE precedes the taking of Granada. Building began
on its present site in 1504, its two cloisters are complete
with gardens, fountains and orange trees. Part of its great
wealth lies in the fact that the widow of the Gran Capitán chose the site as the burial place for both herself and her
valiant husband. The adjacent church boasts a spectacular
altar piece and choir, the work of the most significant craftsmen
in Granada during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Hospital Real
One of the first buildings constructed by the Catholic Monarchs
in Granada, as well as one of the very few civilian ones.
Work on the Royal Hospital was begun in 1504 to attend the
needs of those injured during the taking of the city. Still
unfinished, the building represents a magnificient example
of the transition of styles typical of that era.
The placement of vaults both on the ground and first floor,
gives shape to two of the finest transepts in Elizabethan
architecture, establishing four patios of varied decoration.
The higher transept contains a special magic in which all
the dreams of history can be read: the library of Granada
University.
Cartuja
The location of the monastery on the city's outskirts was
logical considering the work carried out by both monks and
laymen in the orchards, vineyards and olive groves, according
to the canons. Although work began in 1515, from the outset
the project seemed as equally medieval as the order itself.
However, certain delays meant its design would later acquire
grandilocuent features in keeping with the time, far removed
from the austere wishes of its founders. The church, sacristy
and side chapel in particular attain a bewildering decoration,
mixing interesting works by Bocanegra, Sánchez Cotán
and other artists, with magnificient marquetry work and incrusted
stone.
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