The fall of Granada in 1492 marked a significant turning point in the history of Spain. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, eager to underline its importance, commissioned a series of buildings, including their tomb. Their grandson, Emperor Charles, continued this process of "Christianization" of its architecture with more buildings in which Renaissance art proclaimed the empire and transformed Granada into a palatial city with many works by Diego Siloe.
The most outstanding Renaissance work in Granada, and possibly in all of Spain, is the Palace of Charles V. Designed by Pedro Machuca, it was built in the heart of the Alhambra as a symbol of the new power. Further additions in the precincts of the Nasrid Kings are the Pillar of Charles by Niccolo da Corte and the Door of the Pomegranates.
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Other examples of note in civil architecture showing the transition from the Gothic to the new "Roman" influence are the Hospital Real, designed in 1511 by Enrique Egas and the College of Noble Young Ladies (Colegio de las Niñas Nobles) by Juan de Marquina, responsible also for the façade of La Curia (old university founded by Charles V).
The Cancillería already presents a mannerist façade (end 16th century) by Francisco del Castillo. Under domestic architecture, worthy of note are the Casa de los Tiros and Palacio del Marqués de Caicedo, in the mannerist style.
For religious architecture, there is a fundamental building: the Cathedral. Over Gothic ground plans by Egas and Gil de Hontañón, Siloe designed a new concept of Renaissance temple in 1528 and this can be seen mainly in the Royal Chapel and the Main Chapel and some façades. An outstanding work is the church of San Jerónimo convent, the sepulchre of El Gran Capitán the top of which was designed by Siloe in 1528. The artistic transition may be seen furthermore in the church of Santo Domingo at the convent of Santa Cruz la Real (with a plateresque façade) and in the façades of some mudéjar churches (San Cecilio, San Gil, San Idelfonso or Santa Ana) most of them by Siloe and Juan de Maeda.
Whereas Granada is the principal example of imperial architecture, the churches of some provincial towns are proof of the building spree undertaken by the bishops in view of the avalanche of conversions. Thus, the parish churches in Iznalloz and Montefrío are Renaissance examples by Siloe, as are those of Illora and the church of San Gabriel at Loja (Map). In Antequera, in the province of Malaga, there is the Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor (Map), the first Renaissance building in the Kingdom of Granada.
The Cathedral in Málaga is on this route; it was designed in 1528 as a Gothic temple by Egas and Pedro López, but the project was modified in 1541 by Siloe and it was continued by other Andalusian Renaissance architects, such as Diego de Vergara and Andrés de Vandelvira.
The Renaissance period in Granada and Malaga, marked by the works of Diego Siloe and others, left an indelible mark on the region's architecture. From the grandeur of the Palace of Charles V to the intricate details of the Cathedral in Málaga, these works of art continue to captivate visitors with their beauty and historical significance. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a casual tourist, a visit to these architectural marvels is sure to be a memorable experience.
If you're planning a trip to explore the Renaissance architecture in our region, we recommend considering a guided tour. This will provide you with in-depth information about the history and significance of these architectural marvels. Additionally, car hire in Malaga can provide you with the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover other hidden gems in the region. So, pack your bags and get ready for a journey through time as you explore the palatial town and the works by Siloe.
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