Royal Chapel of Granada

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The lead coffins of the Catholic Monarchs are located in a simple crypt directly below their elaborate marble sarcophagi, designed to ensure humility.

2. 2

   Queen Isabella's original collection of Flemish paintings, including works by Rogier van der Weyden and Hans Memling, remains displayed within the chapel.

3. 3

   The chapel's construction was dictated by the monarchs' will to be buried in the city they conquered in 1492.

4. 4

   The large iron screen (reja) at the center of the chapel was commissioned in 1511 and took several years to complete, representing the transition to Renaissance style.

5. 5

   Joanna of Castile (the Mad) and her husband Philip the Handsome are buried alongside the Catholic Monarchs in the crypt.

Overview

The Royal Chapel of Granada serves as the final resting place for the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Commissioned in 1504, the building is a prime example of the Isabelline Gothic architectural style. It houses the remains of the monarchs in a crypt located beneath the main altar, marked by simple lead coffins. The interior features a significant collection of Flemish paintings and personal artifacts donated by Queen Isabella to the chapel. The main reredos, carved by Felipe Bigarny and sculpted by Diego de Siloé, illustrates the life of Christ and the monarchs' devotion. The wrought-iron screen, or reja, created by Bartolomé de Jaén, is considered a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance metalwork. Attached to the chapel is the Lonja, which originally functioned as a meeting place for merchants and later as a museum for religious art. The complex is physically linked to the Granada Cathedral, though it retains its status as a separate religious institution.

Insider tips

• Visit the adjoining Sacristy Museum to view the Queen's personal crown, scepter, and sword.

• Look for the marble sarcophagi created by the Italian sculptor Domenico Fancelli, which were imported from Genoa.

• Check for any temporary religious services that may restrict visitor movement within the nave.