San Juan de los Reyes

North of the synagogues lies the early-17th-century Franciscan monastery and church of San Juan de los Reyes, notable for its delightful cloisters, which encircle a classic garden with a fountain, orange trees and roses.

Provocatively built in the heart of the Jewish quarter, the monastery was founded by Isabel and Fernando to demonstrate the supposed supremacy of the Catholic faith. The rulers had planned to be buried here but, when they took the greater prize of Granada in 1492, opted for the purpose-built Capilla Real.

Throughout the church and cloister, the coat of arms of Isabel and Fernando dominates. The chains of Christian prisoners liberated in Granada dangle from the outside walls. The prevalent late Flemish Gothic style is enhanced with lavish Isabelline ornament, counterbalanced by Mudéjar decoration, like the magnificent wooden ceiling in the upper cloister.