The Cathedral of Granada - History, Opening Hours, Prices and Interesting Facts

Queen Isabella the Catholic ordered the construction of the Cathedral of Granada in 1505, shortly after the capture of the city, and selected the site where the Mosque of the Alhambra stood as its location.


However, due to the project's scope, there was a need to find a larger site, resulting in its relocation to the center of Granada, demolishing the Great Mosque.

Work had already begun on the Royal Chapel in the same location, where it would house the tombs of Catholic Monarchs.

The first stone of the Cathedral was laid in 1523, on the day of the Incarnation. Its construction lasted for 181 years, and it was completed in 1704.

Emperor Charles V, always respectful of the memory of his grandparents, wanted the works to be carried out as the Catholic Monarchs had wished.

He also decided to place the mausoleum of the entire royal family, the Spanish Habsburgs, in this temple. However, Philip II moved it to the Escorial Monastery in Madrid.

Masterpiece of the Renaissance

The Cathedral of Córdoba features impressive facades and a magnificent interior with a spectacular altarpiece.

From its central nave, you can contemplate the beauty of its Main Chapel, a true jewel of the Spanish Renaissance.

The side naves are filled with numerous chapels of different periods and styles, all adorned with exceptional works of art, including the Virgen de la Antigua, Granada's first patron saint.

The Cathedral of Granada is a monumental complex that includes the Sanctuary and the Royal Chapel, making it one of the largest in Europe.

Its first architect was Enrique Egas, a master of florid style of late Gothic architecture. His work lasted only five years and was limited to the foundations.

He was replaced by Diego de Siloé, another Spanish artist trained in Italy. His first decision was to change the Gothic style of the cathedral to the Renaissance style.

And here lies the great skill of master Siloé: to build a Renaissance cathedral on a Gothic layout and foundation.

However, this imposed certain limitations. The façade of the Cathedral of Granada remained incomplete.

Of the two towers planned, only one was erected and its height had to be lowered by almost 30 meters, as the foundation for a Gothic building couldn't withstand the heavy mass of the tower.


When Diego de Siloé died, his disciple Juan de Maeda continued the work, which was not completed until 1704 by several other masters.

The impressive main façade of the temple was the work by the Granada-born painter, Alonso Cano.

Alonso Cano, a multifaceted artist, also left us important paintings and sculptures in the interior.

Other great artists of the time created magnificent masterpieces for this cathedral, such as Ruiz del Peral, Pedro de Mena, Bocanegra and Francisco Pacheco, among others.

Granada Cathedral Admission Prices, Year 2025, and Where to Buy

You can purchase tickets directly at the ticket office on the day of your visit, right at the Cathedral entrance. Tickets are always available.

You can also purchase tickets online, although there is a 50-cent administration fee.


For the Royal Chapel (next door), you'll need to purchase a separate ticket. It's situated in a different building, with its entrance door located opposite the Madrasa.

Granada Cathedral Opening Hours, Year 2025

The Cathedral of Granada is open:


The visit to the Granada Cathedral typically lasts approximately 1 hour.

Photos are permitted, but flash photography is not allowed.

Where to eat near the Cathedral of Granada?

There are many restaurants near the Cathedral of Granada. Some of them are located in the charming Plaza de la Romanilla, offering terraces in the sun, along with numerous tapas bars.

It is also a good idea to stroll through the small streets leading to Plaza de la Trinidad, another authentically Granada location, or the commercial Mesones Street, always full of life.

There, you will find some interesting taverns, such as those on Sillería Street or Pescaíto de Carmela on Marqués de Gerona street.

Here are some additional recommendations for you:

Almona Andalusian Palace Restaurant

Wild Food Restaurant

Other places to eat near the Cathedral

Location and How to Get to the Cathedral

The Granada Cathedral is located in the city center, bordered by Oficios, Plaza de las Pasiegas and Gran Vía de Colón streets.

Nearby you can find some of the most important buildings from the Moorish era: Madrasa, Banuelo, Alcaiceria, etc.

Address: Gran Via de Colon 5, 18001. Telephone: 958 222 959.

How to Get to the Cathedral

: You can reach the Cathedral of Granada using city buses:

• Lines 4, 8, 11, 21, 33, the bus stop is called 'Gran Via 1' or 'Cathedral';

• Lines C31, C32, C34, the bus stop is called 'Plaza Isabel Catolica'.

: you cannot access Granada Cathedral by car because the city center is closed to private transport.

: You can also get to the Cathedral by Taxi, as taxis are allowed to circulate in the city center.

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