15 Historical Places in Granada That Will Leave You Spellbound!

Granada Historical Sites

The AlhambraCatedral de GranadaRoyal Chapel of Granada, Corral del Carbón, Monastery of St. Jerome, Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja"Casa de Zafra, Plaza Nueva, Puerta De Elvira, Abadía del Sacromonte, Santo Domingo Church, Casa del Chapiz and more. 

Explore the historical places in Granada through time, from the glorious Islamic Golden Age to the Christian conquest and learn about the rich Moorish heritage of the city. Granada is a popular tourist destination of Spain and the pride of Andalucía that welcomes millions of tourists thanks to its scenic landscape, soothing climate and historic attractions. The city is widely famous for its architectural and artistic monuments that depict the ancient history of the place.

Granada historical sites like churches, monasteries, palaces, fortresses and mansions boast of an imposing architecture and flaunt Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical designs. The Alhambra is the major highlight of all attractions in Granada since it is a universal beauty and an architectural marvel with allusions to the Moorish culture. You can also visit other historical sites like the Cathedral, Royal Chapel, Corral del Carbon, monasteries like Monastery of St. Jerome and La Cartuja, and museums like Casa de Zafra and Casa del Chapiz.

Here is the list of best historical places in Granada:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
01

The Alhambra

  • The Alhambra, an 8th century architectural marvel, is an ancient palace of the Nasrid dynasty and is one of the best preserved historical places in Granada.
  • Perched on the top of Sabika Hill, Alhambara is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is an epitome of Islamic and Spanish Renaissance architecture.
  • Alhambra means ’red fortress’ in Arabic which is a reference to its red coloured walls. It also has an elegant Moorish throne room, a rectangle courtyard with fountains and carved stuccos for wall decoration.

    Location: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

    Timings: In summer, 8:30 AM – 8 PM on all days of the week
                   In winter, 8:30 AM – 6 PM on all days of the week

    Click Here to Book: Alhambra Tickets
02

Catedral de Granada

  • Catedral de Granada is a 16th century Roman Catholic Church that is built upon the site of the Great Mosque.
  • It is one of Spain’s largest cathedrals and is an architectural wonder like many other Granada historical sites.
  • The design of the church was originally intended to be Gothic style but was later modified to include Renaissance and Baroque style designs.
  • The lavish gold-and-white interior, stained-glass cupola, the Door of Forgiveness and the artistic facade add to the beauty of the Cathedral.

    Location: C. Gran Vía de Colón, 5, 18001 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6:15 PM, Sunday – 3 PM to 6:15 PM

    Recommended Read: Places to Visit in Granada Spain
                                          Things to Do in Granada
03

Royal Chapel of Granada

  • Royal Chapel or Capilla Real, one of the significant historical places in Granada, is the final resting place of the Catholic monarchs Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon.
  • It is an Isabelline style building with decorative motifs, a single nave, four side chapels and ornately designed vaulting.
  • The tombs of the monarchs, the Temple, the Exchange, the main altarpiece and the Sacristy Museum are the main highlights of the Royal Chapel.

    Location: Calle Oficios, s/n, 18001 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Monday to Saturday -10 AM to 6:30 PM, Sunday – 11 AM to 6:30 PM

    Planning a trip to Granada? Checkout: Granada Tour Packages
04

Corral del Carbón

  • Located in the heart of the city, Corral del Carbón is the oldest monument of all historical places in Granada and dates back to 1336.
  • It was originally built as a grain market during the 14th century and was later used as a coal storage yard in the 17th century.
  • Corral del Carbón is the only standing Arabian alhondiga in Iberian Peninsula and portrays the history of Granada and its Arab legacy.

    Location: C. Mariana Pineda, 21, 18009 Granada, Spain

    Timing: 9 AM to 7 PM on all days of the week

    Suggested Read: Activities In Spain
                                  Places to See in Spain
05

Monastery of St. Jerome

  • Monasterio de San Jerónim is the crowning jewel of all Granada historical sites as it is the first monastery built after the Christian conquest of the city.
  • The monastery is a Renaissance style Roman Catholic church and a Hieronymite monastery that boasts of an amazing architecture and a rich history that dates back to the 16th century.
  • It has two spacious cloisters with gardens which are decorated with huge fountains and orange trees, an exquisite altarpiece, a sacristy, and a facade.

    Location: C. Rector López Argüeta, 9, 18001 Granada, Spain

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

    Must Checkout: Spain Tours
                                Spain Honeymoon
06

Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja"

Image Credit : Monasterio_de_la_Cartuja_Granada
  • 1. Cartuja Monastery is a 16th century sand-coloured Carthusian monastery that is well known for its majestic Baroque architecture, grand golden interiors and vibrant marbles.
  • 2. The monastery houses a beautifully decorated church which is one of the important religious buildings of Granada.
  • 3. The Baroque Sanctuary houses beautiful paintings, marble statues, gorgeous altar pieces and other pieces of artworks designed with intricate details.

    Location: P.º de Cartuja, s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Sunday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday – 10 AM to 12:45 PM, 3 PM to 5:30 PM

    Suggested Read: Things to Do in Seville Spain
                                  Top Things to See in Seville
07

Casa de Zafra

  • If you are looking for intellectual Granada historical sites to explore, visit Casa de Zafra which is a humble museum exhibiting the Moorish culture.
  • Casa de Zafra is one of the best preserved treasures of the Albaicín neighbourhood and is a precise reflection of the life of Arabs during their dominance in Spain.
  • The museum is situated in a 14th century Spanish-Moore house that has beautiful Nasrid wall paintings and offers great views of the Alhambra.

    Location: C. Portería Concepción, 8, 18010 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 4 PM to 7 PM
                 Sunday- 10 AM to 2 PM
                 Monday- closed

    Also Checkout: Seville Packages
08

Plaza Nueva

  • Located between Carrera del Darro and the city centre, Plaza Nueva is the oldest square that houses many of the historical places in Granada including House of Pisa and Royal Chancellery.
  • The square was created to cover the Darro River which now flows underneath and was initially used as a popular arena for hosting various bullfights, tournaments and games.
  • This open public plaza is closer to cafes, bars and pubs and hence is a great location to sit on the terrace and have a drink while enjoying the scenic views of the city.

    Location: Granada Province

    Also Read: Things to Do in Barcelona Spain
                        Barcelona Attractions
09

Puerta De Elvira

  • Puerta de Elvira or Gate of Elvira is a historical landmark in Spain that was once the main gate to the city during Islamic domination.
  • The gate is an example of fine Arabic architecture and initially had a garrison attached to it to defend the city against invaders.
  • With the invasion of Catholic Monarchs and Napoleonic troops in Granada, the gate and the fort were demolished and only the archway remains today.

    Location: Pl. del Triunfo, 19, 18010 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Open 24X7

    Planning for a trip to Madrid? Checkout & Book: Madrid Tour Packages
10

Abadía del Sacromonte

  • Located on the top of Mount Valparaíso at the end of the seven hills trail, Abadía del Sacromonte is a 17th century Abbey that is the birthplace of Christianity in Granada.
  • It is one of the emblematic Granada historical sites along with Alhambara and Cathedral as it contains important relics like the ‘leaden books’ and details about the persecution of Saint Caecilius.
  • The abbey offers guided tours to the underground chapel and catacombs along with stunning panoramic views of the city.

    Location: Cam. del Sacromonte, s/n, 18010 Granada, Spain

    Timing: 10 AM to 2 PM, 3:30 PM -7 PM on all days of the week

    Recommended Read: Madrid Activities
                                          Madrid Attractions
11

Santo Domingo Church

  • Built in the 16th century by Catholic monarchs, Santo Domingo Church is a significant church in the Realejo neighbourhood of Granada.
  • It is considered as a peculiar religious building of all Granada historical sites as its design is an amalgamation of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
  • The facade of the church has a stone portico with pointed arches and Doric columns where the initials ‘F’ and ‘Y’ are inscribed to denote the monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel.

    Location: Santo Domingo Church, Granada - Plaza de Santo Domingo

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

    Suggested Read: Top Things to Do in Valencia
12

Casa del Chapiz

  • Casa del Chapiz is a museum in Granada that is a large Moorish house comprising two 16th century Arab houses connected by a plasterwork arch.
  • The architecture and decoration of Casa del Chapiz incorporates both Christian and Muslim elements giving it a unique design.
  • The museum has been used as the School of Arab Studies of the CSIC since 1932 and houses relics of Mujedar art, a picturesque garden and offers breathtaking views of Alhambra.

    Location: Cam. del Sacromonte, 1, 18010 Granada, Spain

    Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week

    Suggested Read: Churches in Barcelona
13

Plaza de Toros de Granada

  • Granada’s bull ring, Plaza de Toros de Granada, is a striking venue with huge brick archways that host bullfights and outdoor events like concerts and exhibitions.
  • It is a vast space constructed in Neo-Mudejar style that can seat up to 14,500 spectators at the same time.
  • There are numerous bars and restaurants around the bullring where you can enjoy drinks and tapas in the middle of the bullfight.

    Location: Av. Dr. Oloriz, 25, 18012 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Monday to Friday, Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 8 PM

    Also Read: Places to See in Valencia
14

The Moor’s Chair (Saint Helen's Castle)

Image Credit : alhambra-patronato.es
  • Silla del Moro or the Moor’s Chair is a momentous landmark in Granada that is best known for its charming views of the Alhamabara.
  • It was once the Generalife Guard outpost but is presently a hillside vantage point that has the ruins of the 13th century Saint Helen’s Castle.
  • You can capture an exquisite view of the iconic Alhambara and witness its ethereal beauty from the lookout point of Moor’s Chair.

    Location: P.º del Generalife, 1B, 18009 Granada, Spain

    Timing: Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM, Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

    Must Read: Barcelona Best Museums
15

El Bañuelo

  • El Banuelo Museum, located on the site of the 11th century Arab Baths is one of the oldest and best preserved Granada historical sites.
  • It features spacious brick vaults, octagonal and star-shaped skylights, Roman and Visigothic style columns and three important rooms which are cool room, central room and hot room.
  • The baths was once the meeting place for the locals who would come for haircuts and massages.

    Location: Carrera del Darro, 31, 18010 Granada, Spain

    Timings: Sunday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM

    Must Checkout: Barcelona Holiday Packages

People Also Ask About Granada

  1. What can visitors see at the Alhambra?

    Alhambra is an iconic palace that boasts of a stunning Islamic architecture. Visitors can see the magnificent red bricks adorning the walls of the palace, beautiful frescoes, decorated columns and arches and embellished walls that tell the story of Nasrid dynasty. They can also see the Nasrid Palaces, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Gardens at Generalife which are located within the Alhambra complex.
  2. What is the best time to visit the Royal Chapel of Granada?

    The best time to visit Royal Chapel de Granada is during the morning hours as soon as the church opens or in the afternoon from 2 PM to 4 PM to avoid heavy tourist crowds. The chapel requires at least 2 hours to fully explore the place and visit the nearby cathedral and surroundings.
  3. What are the timings for the Catedral de Granada?

    Catedral de Granada is open from 10 AM to 6:15 PM from Monday to Saturday while it is open from 3 PM to 6:15 PM on Sundays and public holidays. The cathedra operates on all days of the year but remains closed on December 25 and January 1.

    Click Here to Book: Catedral de Granada Tickets
  4. Why is Granada so famous?

    Granada is a picturesque city in Spain that is renowned for noteworthy Islamic architecture, artistic monuments with Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical designs and rich Moorish heritage. Granada historical sites like palaces, monasteries and convents are a unique blend of charm and magnificence. It is also popular for its counterculture street art, free tapas and a beer spa.
  5. What are the best things to do in Granada in December?

    Here is the list of best things to do Granada in December

    - Enjoy the charming Christmas atmosphere
    - Celebrate New Year in Sierra Nevada
    - Visit historical places in Granada like Alhambara
    - Royal Chapel and Cathedral
    - Taste Tapas
    - Watch flamenco in the Sacromonte Caves
    - Relish hot chocolate and churros
Newly Added Granada Experience

Granada Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Granada

More Granada Attractions

Royal Chapel of Granada Generalife, granada Hammam Al Ándalus, granada Abadía del Sacromonte, granada Parque de las Ciencias, granada Museo Cuevas del Sacromonte Centro de Interpretación del Valle del Darro , granada La Alcaicería Granada Palacio de los Olvidados, granada Palacio de la Madraza Granada Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja", granada El Bañuelo, granada Plaza Isabel La Católica, granada Museo Casa de los Tiros, granada Patio de Los Leones, granada Alcázar Genil, granada Biodomo Granada Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta, granada Fundación Rodríguez-Acosta, granada Mirador de San Nicolás, granada Puerta de la Justicia, granada Virgen de las Angustias, granada Palacio de los Cordova , granada Huerta de San Vicente Granada Ermita de San Miguel Alto, granada Casa del Chapiz, granada Nasrid Palaces , granada Convento de San Francisco, granada Patio de los Arrayanes, granada Mezquita Mayor de Granada Casa de Zafra, granada Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, granada Cuarto Real de Santo Domingo, granada Carmen de los Mártires , granada El Partal, granada Palacio del Generalife Granada Palace of Charles V Granada Puerta del Vino, granada Palacio Dar al-Horra, granada Zambra María la Canastera, granada Iglesia del Sagrario, granada Sala de los Reyes , granada Plaza de San Nicolás, granada Iglesia de San Gil y Santa Ana, granada Salón de los Embajadores Granada Mirador de San Cristóbal , granada Plaza de los Aljibes de la Alhambra , granada Castril Palace, granada Carmen de la Victoria , granada Aquaola Water Park Granada

More on Granada Tourism

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong