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Granada Cathedralthe Renaissance giant in the centre

Granada Cathedral is a large Renaissance church in the heart of the city, begun in 1523 and built over many decades. It stands right beside the Royal Chapel, but the two are separate visits with their own tickets and opening hours. Here is the short version.

2 min read
1523The year construction began
25 minOn foot from Terraza 6
RenaissanceMainly designed by Diego de Siloé
Next doorThe Royal Chapel is a separate visit
In brief

The building

Granada Cathedral seen over the rooftops
Granada Cathedral seen over the rooftops
What
Granada's cathedral, a large Renaissance church in the city centre
Begun
1523, first planned in the Gothic style by Enrique Egas
Renaissance design
Diego de Siloé took over in 1528 and gave it its Renaissance form, with five aisles and a round main chapel
Façade
The main façade was designed by Alonso Cano in 1667 and built after his death
Tower
Only one tower was built. The planned second tower was never finished
A monument in a central square of Granada
A monument in a central square of Granada
A fountain in a square in the old centre
A fountain in a square in the old centre
A gilded iron screen inside a Granada church
A gilded iron screen inside a Granada church
Inside and out

What to look for

The cathedral tower behind palm trees
The cathedral tower behind palm trees
  • The façade. Look up at the main front, designed in the 17th century.
  • The round main chapel. The most unusual part of the plan and the heart of Siloé’s design.
  • The open interior. Five aisles make the inside wide and airy.
  • The single tower. Of the two towers once planned, only one was built.
Three steps

Visiting

A fountain in a square in the old centre
A fountain in a square in the old centre
  1. Check the official timesHours and tickets change. Check the cathedral’s own website before you go.
  2. Visit the Royal Chapel separatelyThe Royal Chapel next door has its own ticket and hours. See Royal Chapel⁠.
  3. Combine it with the centreThe cathedral, the Alcaicería and Plaza Bib-Rambla are a few minutes apart. See Granada in 2 days⁠.
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

When was Granada Cathedral built?

Construction began in 1523 and went on for many decades. The Gothic plan was changed to a Renaissance one by Diego de Siloé from 1528.

Is the Royal Chapel inside the cathedral?

No. It stands beside the cathedral and is a separate visit with its own ticket and hours. See Royal Chapel⁠.

How long does a visit take?

Allow about an hour for the cathedral, plus a short separate visit for the Royal Chapel.

How far is it from Terraza 6?

About 25 minutes on foot, through the centre.

Do I need to book?

Check the official site for current ticket rules before you go.

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