Albaicín, Granada

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The houses were constructed in the 16th century by Morisco owners following the Christian conquest of Granada.

2. 2

   The complex was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Property of Cultural Interest) in 1919.

3. 3

   One of the two houses originally belonged to the Morisco leader Lorenzo el Chapiz.

4. 4

   The interior contains an ornate wooden ceiling (artesonado) considered a prime example of 16th-century Mudejar carpentry.

5. 5

   The buildings demonstrate the urban integration of private Moorish residences into the evolving Christian city layout.

6. 6

   The site operates as a dedicated research facility specializing in Islamic history and archaeology.

Overview

The address Cta. del Chapiz, 40 identifies the location of the Casa del Chapiz, a significant historical site within the Albaicín district of Granada. This complex consists of two interconnected 16th-century Moorish houses built upon the foundations of older Islamic structures. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Escuela de Estudios Árabes (School of Arabic Studies), a research institution under the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The site features preserved Mudejar-style architecture, including traditional courtyards, wooden ceilings, and intricate plasterwork. Visitors can observe the transition between late Nasrid and early Renaissance construction styles. The property is known for its well-maintained gardens that offer framed views of the Alhambra complex located across the valley. It functions as both a heritage site and an active academic workspace. Access is primarily limited to the courtyard and exterior areas, depending on ongoing research activities.

Insider tips

• Check the academic calendar in advance, as research activities may occasionally restrict access to certain wings.

• Wear comfortable, flat shoes to navigate the steep, uneven cobblestone streets leading to the entrance.

• Combine this visit with a walk through the surrounding Cuesta del Chapiz to see other historical Moorish houses.