Royal Chapel of Granada and the Catholic Monarchs' Tombs
Why is it significant?
Stand before the ornate entrance of the Capilla Real, or Royal Chapel of Granada, one of the most sacred and politically significant monuments in the history of Spain.
Key Facts
| Place | Royal Chapel of Granada and the Catholic Monarchs' Tombs |
|---|---|
| Address | Calle Oficios 3, 18001 Granada, Spain |
| Geo Coordinates | 37.17640, -3.59930 |
| Part of Walk | Historic Center and Cathedral: Royal Tombs, Silk Bazaars and Golden Baroque |
| Generated | Generated |
Stand before the ornate entrance of the Capilla Real, or Royal Chapel of Granada, one of the most sacred and politically significant monuments in the history of Spain. Commissioned by royal decree in September 1504 by Queen Isabella the Catholic and King Ferdinand of Aragon, this opulent late Gothic mausoleum was built between 1505 and 1517 to serve as their permanent resting place following the completion of the Reconquista. The chapel exterior dazzles with its flamboyant Gothic cresting, stone gargoyles, heraldic eagles of Saint John, and the intertwined personal monograms of the Catholic Monarchs.
Step inside the soaring single nave and let your eyes adjust to the golden light filtering through high stained-glass windows onto the monumental gilded iron grille, or reja, forged by master smith Bartolomé de Jaén between 1518 and 1520. Beyond the screen stand the magnificent alabaster mausoleums: the tomb of Ferdinand and Isabella, sculpted by Italian master Domenico Fancelli, displays the recumbent monarchs surrounded by classical reliefs of the Apostles, while adjacent rests the equally grand Renaissance tomb of their daughter, Queen Joanna the Mad, and her husband, Philip the Handsome.
Descend the narrow stone stairs beneath the marble mausoleums into the austere subterranean crypt: here, in simple lead coffins resting on stone ledges, lie the physical remains of the monarchs whose marriage united Spain and sponsored the voyage that reached the Americas. In the sacristy museum, you can view Isabella's personal royal crown, Ferdinand's steel sword, and masterpieces by Flemish painter Rogier van der Weyden.
Look at the carved cushion beneath Queen Isabella's head on the alabaster tomb: her head sinks deeper into the pillow than Ferdinand's, symbolizing her deeper intellectual wisdom.
Step out into Calle Oficios and enter the historic facade of the Palace of La Madraza directly opposite the chapel.