The Granada Cathedral - or Cathedral of the Annunciation - was designed at the peak of the Spanish Renaissance. In 1529 Diego de Siloé outlined the Renaissance lines of this building upon its Gothic foundations, with a triforium and five naves instead of the usual three. Founded by the Spanish 'Reyes Catolicos' in 1505 next to the largest Mosque in the city. It was begun in 1521 and completed in 1714. This cathedral with its spectacular altar is one of the country's architectural highlights, acclaimed for its beautiful facade and gold-and-white interior.

The first architect was Enrique Egas who designed it in a gothic style. It was remodelled and enlarged in 1563 by the architect Diego de Siloé, making it the first renaissance church in Spain. Several side chapels also decorate the cathedral, and one is especially extravagant: The carved and gilded Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Antigua (Capilla Dorada), which is located on the north wall.

The Capilla Real is located in the south aisle of the Cathedral. This chapel, where were buried the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, was built on to the cathedral in 1506-21. The Catholic Monarchs were buried in a tomb of Carrara marble (1522) created by the Florentine sculptor Domenico Fancelli. Beyond the royal tombs you'll see a carved retablo by Felipe Vigarny, with statues of the Catholic Monarchs by Diego de Siloé. In the transepts are finely carved and richly decorated relicarios (side altars) and in the north transept is the famous Triptych of the Passion by Dierik Bouts.

Other ancient and beautiful churches in Granada shows the history of this region. For instance, Sagrario de la Catedral church was originally a market place, later a Mosque and then finally the church. La Cartuja Monastery which was founded in 1495 by Don Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba. San Jerónimo church is a renaissance style convent and was founded by the Reyes Católicos in 1492. Hospital de San Juan de Dios Basilica, which has a baroque style, is located in the quarter close to the San Jerónimo monastery. This church has a Baroque entrance marked by two towers with slate roofs. Other churchs in Granada are Santa Isabel La Real Monastery, Sacromonte Abbey, Mezquita de Granada, Iglesia de Santa Ana, so on.

Albaicín and around

Alhambra

Capilla Real, cathedral and churches

Fuente Vaqueros Lorca museum

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