Royal Chapel

Kingdom unification

Granada marked the decisive step that allowed unification of the kingdoms of the Peninsula and the birth of a State: Spain. A desire culminates in Granada that tipped the scales definitely in favour of religious unification under one sole crown and its expansion into other areas in Europe, Africa and the Atlantic. It also means the passing from Middle Ages towards Modern Ages. A new form of government, art and culture that would be spread beyond the Ocean.

This great significance Granada has, that we can see today with historical perspective, makes us understand the Catholic Kings’ desire to rest eternally at this city and abandon their initial idea of being buried in Toledo: “I desire and thus order that my body be buried at San Francisco Monastery in the Alhambra, in the city of Granada” , Castillian Queen Isabel said. Also the King expressed his desire to rest next to the Queen in Granada.

Burial of Spanish Kings

In the royal chapel the mortal remains of the following members of the Royal family are buried: the Catholic Kings: Isabel I de Castilla and Fernado V de Aragon, Felipe I El Hermoso and Juana la Loca,  Prince Miguel, grandson of Fernando and Isabel, and Manuel el Afortunado, the two years old heir to Castile, Aragon and Portugal throne. It was also the burial place of Empress Isabel, first wife of Carlos I and the Infantes Don Fernando and Don Juan. It was also the place where the body of the first wife of King Felipe II, Princess Maria, lied until its transfer to the Monastery of El Escorial by Felipe II in the year 1574.

Symbolic architecture

The Royal Chapel was projected by Enrique de Egas between the years 1506 and 1517. It belongs to the trend of commemorative Gothic architecture and is characterized by austere ornamentation. Its sepulchers are from the Renaissance and Santa Cruz Chapel is an excellent example of seventeenth and eighteenth century Granada’s Baroque.

The Royal Chapel is composed of just one polygonal plan nave, with elevated presbyterium, crossing and high choir at the foot of the temple.  It is connected to the cathedral, Sagrario Church and the Lonja. Their vaults are ribbed and decorated with gilded rosettes. At the top and, through the entire enclosure, there is an inscription in Gothic letters on a blue frieze with the date of death of the Catholic Kings, referring to their achievements and conquests.

Baroque painting

Most of the paintings on display for the Baroque period can be classified within Granada School. Its authors are not widely known, but their works are of high artistic quality.

Alonso Cano (1601-1667)

• The "Virgin and Child asleep" is an intimate creation, an approach towards the subtle, where the artist conveys peace and provokes sweetness and devotion.

Jose de Cieza (1652-1692)

• In "San Juan Bautista” oil painting, Cieza modulates light as the most important resource for defining the space, where the character is developed. He uses Baroque expressive and gestural resources although a subtle inclination towards Flemish painting is also noted.  

We recommend:

In one of the most central and emblematic streets of Granada is located the Hotel Corona de Granada, near the cathedral and the Royal Chapel, and adjacent to the main shopping area of the city. In this stablishment you will find the best comfort and more actualized services. It offers their own swimming pool, squash court and garage.

Near the Cathedral is located the Hotel Melia Granada. Its 232 rooms offer you the services to ensure a pleasant stay. This hotel is ideal for business trips or familiar meetings. In its restaurant you can taste a good sampling of Mediterranean cuisine.