Isabel of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, two Catholic monarchs, are buried at the Royal Chapel of Granada also known as the Capilla Real. Enrique Egas constructed it between 1506 and 1521. Due to its masterful fusion of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, the monument is of exceptional artistic importance. Because of the religious significance of the City of Granada's metamorphosis, it is of enormous historical significance. It was originally intended to connect to the Cathedral of Granada, with which it shares a site.
The Royal Chapel of Granada is a must-see when in Granada because of the enormous historical value it holds. The interior of the structure also features the first altarpiece in the same style, making it one of the finest specimens of late Gothic architecture.
The history and design of this area provide a bridge between the late Middle Ages and the dawn of the modern era. The choir in the Royal Chapel is supported by a low vault typical of Gothic architecture. The yoke and arrows, symbols of the Catholic Monarchs' unified kingdoms, adorn the walls with other heraldic patterns.
Artwork of a religious nature, such as paintings, sculptures, and silver chalices, can also be found there. When you pass the churches, you will see the Main Grille-screen which is the pinnacle of plateresque design in Spain. The tombs are immediately visible once you pass through the grille and into the crossing.
The tomb of Philip and Joanna, influenced by Michelangelo, is on the left, while those of the Catholic Monarchs, also from the Renaissance period, are on the right. The crypt is underneath the tombs, containing the bodies of the departed in lead coffins.
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Highlights
• The Catholic Monarchs of Spain commissioned the building of the Royal Chapel of Granada in 1504 which was intended to serve as a mausoleum for the monarchs.
• Experience the beauty of the Nave's off shooting chapels, which are adorned with holy silverwork, paintings, and sculptures.
• Discover the crypt under the tombs, where the bodies of the departed rest in lead coffins.
• The chapel Museum is housed in the sacristy of the Royal Chapel and features the most prized possessions of the Catholic Monarchs.
• This sacristy-turned-museum houses a superb art collection from the Flemish, Italian, and Spanish schools, including works by such illustrious names as Juan de Flandes.
• The crown and sceptre used by the Catholic Monarchs are two such objects of significant historical worth.
• The chest and mirror once owned by the Queen are among the museum's most prized exhibits.
How To Reach
By bus - The Royal Chapel may be found between Granada Cathedral and the Church of Sagrario, near the historic Fish Market. For this reason, the Royal Chapel of Granada is accessible by the following Granada city bus routes: 4, 8, 11, 21, 33 (get off at 'Gran Via 1' or Cathedral), and C31, C32, C34 (get off at 'Plaza Isabel Catolica').
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the chapel is right when it opens in the morning, any day of the year to escape the crowds. Nonetheless, you should avoid coming on Good Friday, December 25, or January 1 as the Chapel is closed on these days.
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Other Essential Information
Tips to Visit Royal Chapel of Granada
- No photography or filming is permitted within the Royal Chapel.
- Church doors will be locked during the liturgical actions.
- A visit to the temple's interior for sightseeing purposes is prohibited during the liturgical actions.
- Turn off your phone as a sign of respect for people within the Royal Chapel.
- No smoking is permitted anywhere inside the building.
- In the Royal Chapel, only service animals, such as guiding dogs, are permitted.
- Each visitor is expected to help keep the museum and its collections clean and tidy, as well as to act respectfully toward the museum's historical and artistic artefacts.
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Chapel Museum
There is a museum dedicated to the chapel on the building's side, and Isabella's crown, the sceptre and Ferdinand's sword form the centrepiece here. There's also a mirror and the Queen's mistral that might be more intriguing. The mistral was written in 1496 on vellum and features exquisite miniatures. Isabella's exquisite silver mirror was employed as a monstrance to carry the sacrament for centuries, until its true purpose was revealed in the nineteenth century.
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Transept and the tomb
The tombs of the Catholic Kings are located on the right, whereas Philip the Handsome and Joanna I's tombs are located on the left. Carrara marble was used in the creation of the sculpture, which was crafted in Italy. The gryphon-decorated borders and the mix of Christian and pagan symbolism into the intricate iconography of these grave beds are their most distinctive features. The tombs are located above the Crypt. Philip and Joanna are on either side of the centrally-placed coffins of Isabel and Ferdinand. The transept has two Baroque altars and many relics associated with Queen Isabel. A reproduction of Van der Weyden's "Descent from the Cross" hangs on the left wall of the transept. Portraits of Philip and Joanna, Catholic Monarchs, may be found on the left altar, while those of Empress Isabel, Charles V, Philip IV and his wife Isabel de Borbón can be found on the right.
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The Sacristy
The Sacristy-museum is home to two Royal Warrants issued by Ferdinand and Isabella and Emperor Charles. This is because of them that the Chapel was built. The collection of materials includes the flags and standards of the Castilian army, a Crucifixion tapestry, and the garment worn by Empress Isabel. Sceptre of Isabel, her crown, and breast mirror, as well as Ferdinand's sword, are among the silver pieces in the collection. Finally, the Sacristy houses a collection of holy works created by Flemish, Italian, and Spanish artists on wooden panels in the 15th century.
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The Exchange
The structure has a glass front and an octagonal coffered ceiling. The Surrender of Granada, by Francisco Padilla, is reproduced here. Built in 1518, the Exchange served as a primary commercial hub.
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The Temple
Gothic vaults span the nave, and motifs using the royal arms of Catholic kings and queens adorn the walls. St. Ildefonso's chapel — the original entrance to the Cathedral — is located off the nave, and it houses Bernardo de Mora's Ecce homo. A former entrance to the Cathedral, it now houses statues of the Holy Family (by Bernabé de Gaviria) and Saint John of Capistrano (by José de Mora). The Dolorosa and Ecce Homo sculptures, as well as a beautiful Baroque altarpiece, were sculpted by José de Risueo and may be found in the Holy Cross Chapel. The principal grille can be seen at the extreme western end of the nave. Representing Christ's death and resurrection, this is a top-notch Spanish grill.
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The principal altarpiece
The altarpiece is built upon the presbytery's stepped platform and it embodies the Royal Chapel's spirituality and symbolism while serving as a wonderful illustration of the power of artistic expression. It was created by Felipe Vigarny between the years 1520 and 1521. All of the carving, moulding, and painting was a team effort involving many talented artists.
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