Granada Cathedral: A Renaissance Masterpiece in the Heart of Andalusia

#summervacay Standing in the shadow of the Alhambra, **Granada Cathedral** (Catedral de Granada) is often overlooked—but this **16th-century Renaissance marvel** holds its own as one of Spain’s most breathtaking churches. Built atop the city’s former main mosque, it’s a symbol of Granada’s **Christian reconquest** and a treasure trove of art. Here’s why it deserves your full attention. --- ## **First Impressions: A Monument to Power** Unlike Gothic cathedrals that soar skyward, Granada’s cathedral **sprawls outward**—a deliberate choice to showcase **wealth and dominance** after the Catholic Monarchs reclaimed the city in 1492. The **façade’s gold-tinged stone** glows in the afternoon sun, while the interior stuns with its **sheer scale and light**. ⏰ *Pro Tip:* Visit around **3–4 PM** when sunlight floods through the **stained-glass windows**, painting the marble floors in kaleidoscope colors. --- ## **Inside the Cathedral: A Journey Through Art & Faith** ### **1. The Capilla Mayor (Main Chapel)** - A **dome-topped sanctuary** with a jaw-dropping **altarpiece** of gilded wood, depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary’s life. - The **two kneeling statues** of **Ferdinand and Isabella** (the Catholic Monarchs) remind visitors: *This cathedral is their victory monument.* ### **2. The Royal Chapel (Adjacent but Separate Entry)** - The **final resting place** of Ferdinand, Isabella, their daughter Juana, and her husband Philip. - Don’t miss **Isabella’s personal art collection**, including works by **Botticelli and Van der Weyden**. ### **3. The Sacristy-Museum** - Houses **silver processional crosses, embroidered robes**, and a **pricensecular painting collection**. - The **portrait of Queen Isabella** (painted during her lifetime) is hauntingly realistic. ### **4. The Choir & Organ** - The **wooden choir stalls** are carved with **grotesque figures and saints**—a mix of sacred and playful. - The **18th-century organ**, still used for concerts, has **4,000+ pipes**. --- ## **Why Granada Cathedral Stands Out** ✔ **A fusion of styles:** Begun as **Gothic**, switched to **Renaissance**, and finished with **Baroque** touches. ✔ **The tombs of Spain’s most famous monarchs**—Ferdinand and Isabella launched Columbus’s voyages! ✔ **Less crowded than the Alhambra**, so you can linger without jostling. --- ## **Hidden Gems & Stories** - **The Unfinished Towers:** The original plans included **two 80-meter towers**, but only the bases were built. Rumor says the architect feared collapse. - **A Mosque Beneath Your Feet:** Excavations revealed the **former Grand Mosque’s foundations** under the cathedral. - **The "Gypsy Virgin"**: A beloved statue of the Virgin Mary, draped in **flamenco-style robes**, is paraded