Granada: The Complete Guide
Granada is a provincial capital in the Andalucia region of Spain. Once home to the Iberian Moorish royalty it is rich in history and culture, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain for visitors. In addition to a rich multicultural history, the Alhambra and other monuments, it is Spain’s liveliest cities with a student-driven nightlife, and skiing and trekking in the nearby Sierra Nevada, Granada offers a break from the summer heat of other Andalusian cities such as Córdoba or Seville.
Alhambra is a sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens.
Granada is located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, at the confluence of four rivers, the Darro, the Genil, the Monachil and the Beiro. It sits at an average elevation of 738 m above sea level, yet is only one hour by car from the Mediterranean coast, the Costa Tropical.
Visiting Granada for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Granada on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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34 Best places to See in Granada
This complete guide to Granada not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Granada and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Carmen de los Mártires

The Carmen de los Martires or Carmen of the Martyrs is a park located on the side of the valley opposite the Alhambra in Granada. It is the largest garden in the city of Granada and stretches out over seven hectares along the southern slopes of Mauror Hill. It is a haven of flowerbeds, small ponds and leafy paths is only ever sparsely populated with guests. In spring and summer, its shaded walkways provide a sanctuary from the powerful sun, and its views of the landscape beyond Granada give a sense of space that can be lacking in the cramped city center. A fairy-tale tower sits in the middle of this verdant oasis; climb up its small spiral staircase and survey the gardens and Granada from the city’s most romantic viewpoint.
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Address: Calle de Antequeruela Alta, Granada, España | Hours: From April 1 to October 14: From Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 14:00 pm. and 18:00 pm. to 20:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am. to 20:00 pm. From October 15 to March 31: From Monday to Friday from 10:00 am. to 14:00 pm. and 16:00 pm. to 18:00 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am. to 18:00 pm.| Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.89km
Alhambra Complex

The Alhambra or literally ‘The Red One’ is an opulent palace and garden complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The plain walls of the red Alhambra red fortress towers look imposing, standing on a fortified plateau, rising from a wood of cypress and elm. Across the valley lie the Generalife gardens with its leafy tree-lined walkways provide pleasant shade and coolness, enhanced by the abundance of water that flows in its streams. The snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada are a magnificent backdrop to both.
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Address: Alhambra Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 8.30am-8pm Apr–mid-Oct, to 6pm mid-Oct–Mar, night visits 10-11.30pm Tue & Sat Apr–mid-Oct, 8-9.30pm Fri & Sat mid-Oct–Mar | Price: Adult €14,12-15yr €8, under 12yr free, Generalife & Alcazaba only adult/under 12yr €7/free NB Advance ticket reservations are almost essential for admission to the best parts of the Alhambra. | Website | Full Alhambra Guided Tour with Skip-the-line Tickets Available! | Distance: 1.26km
Puerta De La Justicia

The Puerta De La Justicia or the Gate of Justice, is a city gate in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It was built by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, in 1348 and was the main entrance of the Alhambra, which had three other gates. It is also known as the Puerta de la Explanada or Gate of the Esplanade because of the large space that extended before it. Above the gate stands the Torre de la Justicia or Justice Tower.
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Address: Justice Gate Calle Real de la Alhambra, 18 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.32km
Generalife

The Generalife or Architect’s Garden is the sultans' gorgeous whitewashed summer palace, which dates to the 14th century. It is on the hillside facing the Alhambra and to get to it you need to pass a string of elegant rectangular plots with tinkling water features, the Jardines Nuevos to get there. Generalife is a soothing arrangement of patios, pathways, pools, fountains, flowers and trees. It occupied the slopes of the Cerro del Sol or Hill of the Sun, from which there is a complete view over the city and the valleys of the rivers Genil and Darro.
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| Distance: 1.33km
Palacio de Carlos V

The Palacio de Carlos V or Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance building in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain.. The structure was commanded to be built by Charles V (1500–1558), Holy Roman Emperor, who also was the King of Spain (Castile and Aragon) from 1516. He wanted to to establish his residence close to the Alhambra palaces. it is the finest example of High Renaissance architecture in Spain.
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Address: Palacio de Carlos V, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Spain | Hours: 8.30am-8pm Apr–mid-Oct, to 6pm mid-Oct–Mar, night visits 10-11.30pm Tue-Sat Apr–mid-Oct, 8-9.30pm Fri & Sat mid-Oct–Mar | Price: Access to the Palacio de Carlos V is free via the Puerta de la Justicia on the southern side of the Alhambra. | Website | Distance: 1.39km
Patio de los Leones

The Patio de los Leones or Lion Courtyard is a courtyard in the Palacio de los Leones. The Palacio de los Leones is one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. This patio was built by order of Mohammed V and is famous for its marble fountain which channels water through the mouths of 12 marble lions. It is enclosed by several beautiful galleries which give access to different rooms.
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Address: Patio de Los Leones Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de los Leones see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Patio de los Leones is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Palacio de los Leones

The Palacio de los Leones or Palace of the Lions is one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It was built in the second half of the 14th century, by the command of Muhammad V. This palace comprised of private rooms which belonged to the royal family. Lion’s Palace is built at an angle between the Patio de los Arrayanes and the Baths.
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| Hours: For opening times of the Palacio de los Leones see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Palacio de los Leones is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.40km
Palacio del Partal

The Palacio del Partal or Partal Palace is one of the Palaces of the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It was built by Muhammad III of Granada who ruled from 1302 to 1309.
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Address: El Partal Callejon Guindo, 2T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Palacio del Partal see Alhambra Opening Times | Price: The Palacio del Partal is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.41km
Patio de los Arrayanes

The Patio de los Arrayanes or Court of the Myrtles is the central courtyard of the Palacio de Comares. Which is one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. This palace was started by Ismail I, continuing through Yusuf I and finished by his son Muhammad V in 1370. It was the official headquarters of the Sultan, although he had other palaces. The original function of Comares was to house the executive, government power.
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Address: Court of the Myrtles Calle Real de la Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de los Arrayanes see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Patio de los Arrayanes is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.42km
Puerta de las Granadas

The Puerta de las Granadas or the Gate of the Pomegranates is an gateway or entrance to the Alhambra, located in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. The road starts in the city centre at the Plaza Nueva, and continues up the Cuesta de Gomérez, after the Gate you walk through the Forest of the Alhambra to the Nasrid palace.
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Address: Puerta de las Granadas, Cuesta de Gomérez, Granada, Spain | Website | Distance: 1.42km
Palacio de Comares

The Palacio de Comares or Comares Palace was the official residence of the king and it comprises several rooms that surrounded the Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes). The rooms have galleries with porticoes at the ends. Some examples are the Hall of the Boat (Sala de la Barca) to the north and the Hall of the Ambassadors (Salón de los Embajadores) inside the Comares Tower (Torre de Comares), from which a view over the valley of the river Darro may be enjoyed.
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| Hours: For opening times of the Palacio de Comares see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Palacio de Comares is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Distance: 1.43km
Palacio Nazaríes

The Palacio Nazaríes or Nasrid Palaces is a palace within the Alhambra complex located in Granada, Spain.
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Address: Nasrid Palaces, Calle Real de la Alhambra, Granada, Spain | Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Fast-Track Ticket Available! | Distance: 1.44km
Palacio del Mexuar

The Palacio del Mexuar or Palace of the Mexuar is one of the three palaces of the Palacio Nazaríes, in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. The other palaces are the Palacio de Comares and the Palacio de los Leones.
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Address: Patio de Machuca Calle Real de la Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Palacio del Mexuar see Alhambra Opening Times.| Price: The Palacio del Mexuar is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Distance: 1.44km
Plaza de Los Aljibes

The Plaza de Los Aljibes, or the Square of the Cisterns is a square in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. The Plaza de Los Aljibes is a public space located in the Alhambra complex but free to access. Looming over the cypress trees in this square are crenelated towers. There’s a busy snack stand in the middle. The square’s a handy place to take a seat on one of the walls before or after walking up and down the cobbled paths and towers of Alcazaba. The square forms a vast esplanade between the towers and the defenses of the Alhambra on one side and the Puerta del Vino or Wine Gate, the Palacio Nazaríes or Arabic palaces and the Palacio de Carlos V on the other side.
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Address: Placeta de los Aljibes Plaza Algibes Alhambra, 1T 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.44km
Sala del Mexuar

The Sala del Mexuar or Hall of the Mexuar is part of the Palacio del Mexuar, one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain.
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Address: Mexuar room s/n Calle Real de la Alhambra 18009 Granada Spain | Website | Distance: 1.45km
Patio de la Acequia

The Patio de la Acequia or Patio of Water Channel is a patio in the Generalife in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. It is probably the oldest garden in the West that has preserved that use since its origins.
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Address: Court of the Water Channel Camino Fuente del Avellano, 4 18010 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Patio de la Acequia in Generalife see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Patio de la Acequia is part of the Generalife of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.45km
Cuarto Dorado

The Cuarto Dorado or Golden Room is one of the rooms of the Palacio del Mexuar. The Palacio del Mexuar is one of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain.
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| Website | Distance: 1.45km
Patio del Cuarto Dorado

The Patio del Cuarto Dorado or Courtyard of the Golden Room is a small patio located in the Palacio del Mexuar. One of the palaces that make up the Palacio Nazaríes in the Alhambra Complex, in Granada, Spain. Official hearings were held in this courtyard. This is where the king received his subjects in audience in the second half of the 14th century.
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| Hours: For opening times of the Patio del Cuarto Dorado see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Patio del Cuarto Dorado is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.45km
Alcazaba

The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortification withing the Alhambra Complex in Grenada, Spain.
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Address: Alcazaba 18009 Granada Spain | Website | Distance: 1.48km
Torre de la Vela

The Torre de la Vela or Watch Tower or the Candle Tower is a watchtower within the Alhambra palace complex with superb views over the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a very recognizable feature at the Alcazaba owing to its flags and the bell tower. There are currently four flags are flown over the tower: the European flag, the Spanish flag, the Andalusian flag, and the flag of Granada.
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Address: Torre de la Vela, Alhambra Cuesta de Gomérez, 39 18009 Granada Spain | Hours: For opening times of the Torre de la Vela see Alhambra Opening Times. | Price: The Torre de la Vela is part of the Alhambra Complex and access it you need to purchase Alhambra Tickets or a Alhambra Guided Tour. | Website | Distance: 1.49km
Realejo

The Realejo or Realejo-San Matías is a district of Granada, in Andalucia. It was the old Jewish neighborhood of Muslim Granada. Realejo is now a heavily populated neighborhood, and its streets are vibrant with a distinctive character.
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| Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 1.50km
Corral del Carbón

The Corral del Carbón or The Coal House is a 14th-century market located in the Spanish city of Granada in Andalusia. It was originally Granada's grain market, which would have been called an Alhóndiga. This old grain market lies in the center of the El Albaicín district. Nowadays, a number of cultural institutions, a tourist information center and small crafts shops are situated in this building and the hosts an occasional open-air performance in the courtyard. The building consists of an entrance pavilion and a courtyard surrounded by galleries and traditional workshops.
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Address: Calle Mariana Pineda, 8 Granada | Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 19:00 Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 14:00 | Price: Free | Distance: 1.61km
Arab Baths of Granada

The El Bañuelo de Granada or the Moorish Baths of Granada are 11th Century baths in Granada, in Spain. The 11th-century Moorish or Arab Baths which used to be part of the Mezquita del Nogal or Mosque of the Walnut Tree. One of the oldest and largest baths of the kind in Spain, this was once a popular place among locals who frequented the baths to get a haircut or a massage. Brides-to-be would also come here before their weddings. Today, this historic site is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Albaicín and it is certainly worth the visit for its exquisite architectural style. The highlight are the octagonal holes in the roof that acted as a natural ventilation system.
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Address: Arab Baths, 31 Carrera del Darro, Granada, Spain | Hours: September 15th - April 30th: Daily from 10:00 - 17:00 May 1st - September 14th: Daily from 9:30 - 14:30 and 17:00 - 20:30 | Price: € 2.50 | Distance: 1.64km
Alcaicería

The Alcaicería is a market in Granada, built on the same location and in the same style of the original Moorish silk market. It is located near to Granada’s Cathedral. The market was rebuilt in 19th century and has local jewelry and souvenirs on offer.
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Address: Calle Alcaicería, 1 Granada | Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. During the months of June and July closed on Sunday from 15:00. Closed on sunday from January 6th to March 19th. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.69km
Royal Chapel of Granada

The Capilla Real de Granada or Royal Chapel of Granada is an Isabelline style building and originally integrated in the complex of the Granada Cathedral. It is the burial place of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand. The Building also contains a gallery of artworks and other items associated with Queen Isabella.
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Address: Royal Chapel, Gran Via de Colon 5, 18001 Granada. | Hours: 10:15 - 18:30 (Monday - Saturday); 11:00 - 18:00 (Sunday & holidays) | Price: 5€ (adults), 3.50€ (students, disabled, children), 0€ (children under 12) | Website | Distance: 1.75km
Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation

The Catedral de Granada, Santa Iglesia Catedral Metropolitana de la Encarnación de Granada or Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation is a Roman Catholic church in the city of Granada in Spain. This cathedral is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance style. This grand 16th century church largely dates back to the Renaissance and is 115 metres long and 67 metres wide. The Capilla Real, the Royal burial chapel, abuts the cathedral and can be visited separately, holds the effigies of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella created by Granadino sculptor Pedro de Mena. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were the Catholic monarchs who seized Granada from the Moors in 1492.
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| Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:15 - 18:30 Sunday: 11:00 - 18:00 | Price: € 5, Up to 10 years: free / 65+ and students: € 3.50 | Website | Distance: 1.79km
Sacromonte

The Sacromonte district is a district of Granada, located on the Valparaiso hill. It is one of the six neighbourhoods that make up the urban district of Albayzín. The district is famous in Andalusia for its unique gypsy neighborhoods, which are full of caves of flamenco music. The Sacromonte also offers views of the towers of the Alhambra, the white slopes of the Albaycin, the Valparaiso valley and the River Darro.
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| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Flamenco Show at Cuevas Los Tarantos Tickets Available | Distance: 1.86km
Mirador de San Nicolás

The Mirador de San Nicolás is a viewing point in the in the historic Albaicín neighborhood of the Spanish city of Granada, in Andalusia. The Mirador de San Nicolás is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in Granada. If you are planning a trip to Granada, Mirador de San Nicolás as a must for those classic sunset shots of the Alhambra sprawled along a wooded hilltop with the Sierra Nevada mountains looming in the background. The Mirador is located in the Albayzin neighborhood and is famous for the charm of its surroundings, its cobbled streets, white houses, tapas bars, and its people.
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Address: Mirador San Nicolás Plaza Mirador de San Nicolás, 2 18010 Granada Spain | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 1.92km
Parque de las Ciencias Granada

The Parque de las Ciencias Granada or Science Park and Science Museum in Granada is a is a 70,000 square metre interactive science museum located in Granada. The exhibitions invite participation in order to understand the science behind things like inertia, gravity and Archimedes' principle. This is the most visited museum in Andalusia since the opening in 1995. It is based just outside the center of Granada. Visiting it makes a fantastic day-out for the whole family.
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Address: Avda. de la Ciencia, s/n Granada | Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00 Sunday and public holidays 10:00 - 15:00 Closed on Mondays 1st of January, 1st of May and December 25th closed Times of the planetarium are available daily at the ticket office. Approximately every hour a session. | Price: Regular tickets: € 7 / planetarium € 2.50 65+ and under 18: € 6 / planetarium € 2 | Website | Distance: 1.92km
Church Of San Salvador

The Iglesia del Salvador or the El Salvador Church is a 16th century church in Granada, built on the site of the Albaicín Great Mosque. The church has a very interesting architectural style that reflects the blend of strict Classicism with Moorish elements.
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Address: Church of San Salvador, Placeta del Abad, 7, Granada, Spain | Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-1pm and 4.30-6.30pm | Price: 1€ | Distance: 2.00km
Albaycin

Albaycin is a neighborhood and district of the old Moorish quarter in the city of Granada. The neighborhood has neat narrow lanes and well-kept traditional houses, the area has retained its old charm and is the ideal place to discover Moorish architecture. Albaicín is especially famous for its dramatic views overlooking the Alhambra palace. This old neighborhood on the Granadan hill delimited by Calle Elvira and the Darro river was declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1993.
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| Distance: 2.01km
Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra

The Palacio de Dar-Al-Horra or Palace of the Honest Woman is a palace situated in the Albaicín district of Granada. The 15th century palace was the residence of the sultana Aixa; who was the mother of the last Moorish sultan, Boabdil of Granada.
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Address: Callejón Ladrón del Agua, 8 in Granada | Price: €5, Sun free | Website | Distance: 2.07km
Plaza Larga

Plaza Larga or Long Square, is a vibrant Plaza in the Albaicín quarter in Granada, Andaulsia. The square is characterized by its attractive cobblestone paving which holds the vegetable and fruit market every morning. aza Larga also has a growing culinary culture with many restaurants and cafés serving delicious tapas with original Arabic touches. Several of the restaurants use its space as an outdoor restaurant during the warmer months of the year.
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Address: Plaza Larga, Albaicin, Granada | Hours: 24 Hour | Price: Free | Distance: 2.11km
Monastery of Cartuja

The Monasterio de la Cartuja is a monastery which once housed Carthusian monks located on a northern hill of Granada. The monastery with a special interior in baroque style dates back to 1506, but was not completed in its current state until three centuries later. The main attraction is its baroque church. This monument is often overlooked by tourists in Granada, as it sits away from the main sites, but it is well worth a visit. The Monastery of Cartuja iso officially known as 'Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción'. La Cartuja has been described as "the grandest and most outrageously decorated Carthusian monastery in Spain", which seems odd, for such an austere order.
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Address: Monasterio de la Cartuja, Paseo de Cartuja, Granada | Hours: Summer: 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-20:00 Winter: 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-18:00 | Price: €5.00, Up to 12 years free / students up to 25 years € 3.50 | Website | Distance: 3.27km