Granada's Cathedral

Lonely Planet review

Granada's Cathedral is a cavernous Gothic and Renaissance building. Construction began in 1521 and lasted until the 18th century. It was directed from 1528 to 1563 by Renaissance pioneer Diego de Siloé, and the main façade on Plaza de las Pasiegas, with four heavy square buttresses forming three great arched bays, was designed in the 17th century by Alonso Cano.

De Siloé carved the statues on the lavish Puerta del Perdón on the northwestern façade, and much of the interior is also his work, including the gilded, painted and domed Capilla Mayor. The Catholic Monarchs at prayer (one above each side of the main altar) were carved by Pedro de Mena in the 17th century. Above the monarchs are busts of Adam and Eve by Cano. In the cathedral museum, be sure to see Cano's fine San Pablo sculpture and the golden Gothic monstrance given to Granada by Isabel La Católica. The cathedral adjoins the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), but is entered separately from Gran Vía de Colón.