Granada Historical Sites

Dating back to the 8th century, the Alhambra is a palace that was once the official residence of the Nasrid dynasty. It is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO and is located on the top of Sabika Hill. It is a palace that bears influence of both Islamic and Catholic architecture. The word Alhambra translates itself to red fortress in Arabic and it has got the name due to its red colored walls. The Alhambra can be explored by both individually or by using any sort of guided tours with an audio guide.Timings: 8:30 AM to 8 PM

The Granada Cathedral is a 16th-century Roman Catholic church built upon the site of the Great Mosque. It takes pride in being one of the largest cathedrals in Spain amongst the Granada historical sites and is nothing less than an architectural wonder. Just like any grand cathedral, the construction of this cathedral took up to 180 years and symbolizes the grandeur of the Spanish Renaissance. The Cathedral has a ticketed entry and can be booked either on the spot or well in advance. The Cathedral is also easily accessible by those in a wheelchair.

Timings:Sunday: 3 PM to 6:15 PMMonday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6:15 PM

The Royal Chapel, alternatively known as the Capilla Real is a chapel that bears the influence of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture amidst the Granada historical sites. It is also the place where Isabel of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragon- the Catholic Monarchs, were buried. Apart from the main altarpiece, there is a Sacristy Museum and the Temple filled with motifs and Coat of Arms of Catholic Monarchs. The graves in the crypts contain several relics and iconographic elements from Christianity and mythology.

Timings:Monday to Saturday-10 AM to 6:30 PMSunday- 11 AM to 6:30 PM

Located in the eastern part of the Alhambra palace complex, history suggests that the Generalife was once the summer palace of the royal family of Nasird Rulers. Granada was Emirate back then and this garden was also used as an estate. It is located on the top of a hill that offers stunning views of the entire Granada, so the climb to the top is absolutely worth it. It also looks like it has been altered and rebuilt many times, so historians do not know what it originally looked like.

Timings:Monday to Saturday- 10 AM to 6:30 PMSunday- 11 AM to 6:30 PM

This is the first monastery to be built after the Catholics conquered Granada and is widely considered to be the crown jewel amongst the most popular historical sites in Granada. There is a Roman Catholic Church built with Renaissance style and is attached to this monastery which had to undergo several halts in the construction due to military garrisons. It is a church that has a history that dates back to the 16th century. Tourists visiting this place can also check out the gardens with fountains and orange trees, along with the facade.

Timings:Summer: 10 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 7 PM on all days of the weekWinter: 10 AM to 1:30 PM, 3 PM to 6:30 PM on all days of the week

Alternatively known as the Cartuja Monastery, this is a popular place that is famous for its vibrant marbles, grand golden interiors, and the grand Baroque architecture. The infrastructure of the monastery dates back to the 16th century and has a church which is considered to be one of the most important religious structures amongst the Granada historical sites. The monastery was first inhabited by the Carthusian Monks who belonged to the religious order founded by St Bruno in 1804 in France. The walls of the monastery are intricately decorated with statues and paintings and are worth checking out.

Timings:Sunday to Friday-10 AM to 6 PMSaturday- 10 AM to 12:45 PM, 3 PM to 5:30 PM

Corral del Carbón is considered to be one of the oldest historical buildings in Granada that dates back to the 1300s. This was a place where merchants used to stay while they sold goods in the city. Later it was used as a place to store coal and today, it is one of the best preserved spaces in Spain. Today, it is used as a bookstore and as a tourism office. This building also takes pride in being the only standing Arbian infrastructure in the Iberian peninsula that talks about the history of Granada and the legacy of the Arabs in that region.

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

Tourists exploring the Realejo neighborhood in Granada must check out the Santo Domingo Church. It bears the influence of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles and was built in 1512. Known to be a part of the Monastery of Holy Cross, it is also one of the most important churches and historical places in Granada. The church is dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary- the co-patroness of the city of Granada. This church has also been used by several fraternities like the La Cofradía de la Humildad and La Cofradía de la Santa Cena.

Timings: Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM

A visit to Granada is incomplete without visiting the Nasrid Palaces. Alternatively known as the Palacios Nazaríes, it is the palatial complex located in the Alhambra. This was converted into the official residence of the royal family of Alhambra and bears significant influence of Islamic art and architecture. After Granada was conquered back by the Catholic Kings, this is a Granada historical site that underwent restoration but continues to retain the look of a palace with influence of Islamic architecture. Places like El Mexuar, Palace of Comares, and Lion's Palace are some of the historical places in Granada that are worth having a look at while visiting the palace.

Timings: Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM

The Casa del Chapiz is a house with Moorish architecture that dates back to the 16th century. Today it is a museum in Granada that bears the influence of both Christian and Islamic architecture. Since the 1930s, this place has been used by the CSIC as the School of Arab Studies. Tourists visiting this place can also check out the breathtaking views of Granada from the garden located in its premises. There are also relics of Mujedar art in the Casa del Chapiz that are worth checking out while visiting the historical places in Granada.

Timings: Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 8 PM

Founded by the Nasrid monarch Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, the Palacio de la Madraza was built in the 1300s. Later the place was converted into a town hall, and today, this place is used by the University of Granada. Originally this historical place in Granada was a small building with a small pool with gardens, a facade, and an entrance made up of marble with inscriptions written in Arabic. The striking feature in this building is the prayer that has been preserved for ages. It is located right in front of the Capilla Real and offers stunning views of Granada.

Timings: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm

This is one of the well preserved Arab baths found not only in Granada, but also in the entire of Spain. Visitors checking out this place will get a chance to check out the courtyard with a pool. There are some historical places in Granada that were built during the times of the Romans and there was a time when it was used by the locals for haircuts and massages. The baths in this room are composed of three types- cool, central, and hot. The El Bañuelo is located alongside the banks of the river Darro and today it is widely considered to be a place of cultural interest.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM

If there is any place in Granada historical sites that is the meeting point of religion, history, and art, then it is this one. It is located on the Valparaiso hill and it consists of an abbey dating back to the 17th and 18th century. The Abadía del Sacromonte is also filled with holy caves, collegiate, and the Dionisio church that was once the training center for priests and Jewish scholars. Tourists planning to visit the historical places in Granada can check out the ancient manuscripts of Arabic literature. There is also an opportunity to opt for a guided tour while visiting this place.

Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm

The Plaza Nueva is spread over the Darro River and was originally a place that was used for gatherings and for events like bullfights. Over the years, this place has undergone several renovations, but the Plaza Nueva continues to be a genuine representation of the lifestyle of the Granadians. Tourists visiting this place can check out the pubs and bars located in this place. Even if you are looking for Granada historical sites to unwind, this place has got you covered and is well connected by public transport.

Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm