After taking Granada in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs set out to make it a Christian capital, and the two buildings at the centre of the old town are the result. The Royal Chapel, the Capilla Real, was founded by Isabella and Ferdinand as their burial place, and they lie there with their daughter Juana and her husband Philip beneath magnificent carved marble tombs behind a gilded iron screen. A narrow stair leads down to the crypt, where the lead coffins themselves are visible, and the sacristy museum holds Isabella’s own crown and sceptre, Ferdinand’s sword and part of the queen’s collection of Flemish paintings. The cathedral beside it was begun in Gothic style and continued as one of the masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance, with a soaring white interior and a gilded main chapel, and a façade later designed by the Granada-born artist Alonso Cano. The two sights are entered separately with their own tickets. This page links to the Tiqets Granada Cathedral page, which sells guided tours of the cathedral and the Royal Chapel together.
Why go: the Alhambra tells you how Moorish Granada ended; these two buildings tell you how Christian Spain began. Standing at the tombs of the monarchs who completed the conquest, sponsored Columbus and unified Spain is one of the most direct encounters with history in the country, and the contrast between the delicate Nasrid palaces on the hill and the triumphant Renaissance cathedral below is the key to understanding the city. A guided visit links the two and fills in the story of the conquest, the conversions and the changes that followed.
Tickets and hours: the Tiqets page lists a two-hour guided tour of the cathedral and Royal Chapel in English, French, Italian or Spanish, small-group and private versions, a longer tour that adds the Albaicín and Sacromonte, and a combination with the Alhambra. The cathedral opens Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:15 and on Sunday from 15:00 to 18:15. Both buildings are places of worship, so dress respectfully and expect visits to pause during services.
Around the cathedral: the streets around it are the historic centre of Christian Granada. The Alcaicería, a rebuilt version of the old silk market, is full of souvenir stalls; the Madraza, the old Islamic university, stands opposite the Royal Chapel; and Plaza Bib-Rambla, with its flower stalls and cafés, is the place for churros and chocolate. Plaza Nueva and the start of the Carrera del Darro are a few minutes away.
What to expect
The experience
A visit to two neighbouring buildings with separate entrances: the Renaissance cathedral and the Gothic Royal Chapel with its royal tombs, crypt and sacristy museum.
Best time
Weekday mornings after opening, before tour groups arrive, or a Sunday afternoon when the cathedral opens at 15:00.
How long
About two hours for both with a guide, or an hour and a half on your own.
Tips
Dress modestly, check service times on Sundays and holy days, and pair the visit with a coffee or churros on Plaza Bib-Rambla.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want the Christian side of the 1492 story to set against the Alhambra.
- Families
- Older children are often fascinated by the crypt and the royal crown and sword; the visit is short enough for younger ones.
- Couples
- A good rainy-day pairing with tea in the lanes around the Alcaicería afterwards.
- Pair with
- The Alhambra the same day for the full story, or the Hammam Al Andalus a short walk away near Plaza Nueva.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Who is buried in the Royal Chapel of Granada?+
Isabella and Ferdinand, the Catholic Monarchs, lie there with their daughter Juana and her husband Philip. Their lead coffins can be seen in the crypt beneath the marble tombs.
Is the Royal Chapel included in the cathedral ticket?+
No, they are separate buildings with separate entrances and tickets. Guided tours on Tiqets cover both together.
What are Granada Cathedral’s opening hours?+
It opens Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:15 and on Sunday from 15:00 to 18:15. Visits can pause during services.
Is there a dress code?+
Both are places of worship, so cover shoulders and avoid beachwear. Hats come off inside.
How long do I need for the cathedral and Royal Chapel?+
Allow about two hours for both with a guide. On your own, an hour and a half is usually enough.
