Hospital Real of Granada and the Plateresque Courtyards
Why is it significant?
Arrive before the colossal stone facade of the Hospital Real de Granada, a monumental civic institution commissioned by royal decree in September 1504 by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to provide free medical care to poor citizens and wounded soldiers following the conquest of Granada.
Key Facts
| Place | Hospital Real of Granada and the Plateresque Courtyards |
|---|---|
| Address | Cuesta del Hospicio s/n, 18012 Granada, Spain |
| Geo Coordinates | 37.18350, -3.60250 |
| Part of Walk | Historic Center and Cathedral: Royal Tombs, Silk Bazaars and Golden Baroque |
| Generated | Generated |
Arrive before the colossal stone facade of the Hospital Real de Granada, a monumental civic institution commissioned by royal decree in September 1504 by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to provide free medical care to poor citizens and wounded soldiers following the conquest of Granada. Designed in the plateresque style by master architect Enrique Egas, this vast square complex is arranged around a monumental central Greek cross plan, a revolutionary Renaissance concept that allowed hospital warders standing at the central crossing to monitor patients in all four radiating galleries simultaneously while observing religious masses celebrated at the central altar. The monumental building represented the crown jewel of Renaissance public welfare, providing shelter, hot meals, and medical attention to thousands of pilgrims traveling along the historic royal highway.
Step through the richly sculpted stone portal carved with statues of the Virgin, Saint John the Baptist, and heraldic royal emblems to explore the interior courtyards: the building contains four magnificent two-story stone patios, two decorated in the Mudéjar style with carved wooden galleries and two in the Renaissance style with classical marble arcades and whispering water fountains. Today, this splendid historic monument houses the Rectorate of the University of Granada and its historic library, home to tens of thousands of rare incunabula and illuminated manuscripts.
During the sixteenth century, the hospital served as a pioneering psychiatric institution, treating mental illness as a physical medical condition rather than spiritual demonic possession, a humane medical approach that was centuries ahead of its time in Europe. The building survived multiple fires and military occupations, preserving its original Renaissance proportions intact.
Look up at the wooden artesonado ceilings in the upper galleries: they feature intricate interlocking geometric star patterns carved from aromatic Spanish cedar.
Step out through the grand gates and walk a short distance east into the pleasant shade of the Triunfo Gardens.