Royal Chapel of Granada

Church and Tomb in Granada

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Javi Guerra Hernando

The Capilla Real de Granada is one of the most important monuments in the city, both artistically and historically. Built in the Isabelline Gothic style and originally conceived as part of the cathedral complex, it houses the tombs of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II—the Catholic Monarchs who completed the Reconquista in 1492. It is one of the top attractions in Granada for travellers interested in royal history and late-medieval art, and is often visited on walking tours of Granada that explore the city's monumental heart.

Inside, the chapel contains the exquisite marble tombs sculpted by Domenico Fancelli, a remarkable altarpiece depicting the conquest of Granada, and a rich sacristy-museum filled with personal belongings of Queen Isabella. This spot is one of the best places to see in Granada for understanding how deeply the Catholic Monarchs shaped Spain's political and cultural identity.

History and Significance of the Royal Chapel of Granada
Things to See and Do in the Royal Chapel of Granada
How to Get to the Royal Chapel of Granada
Practical Tips on Visiting the Royal Chapel of Granada
Where to Stay close to the Royal Chapel of Granada
Is the Royal Chapel of Granada Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Royal Chapel of Granada
Nearby Attractions to the Royal Chapel of Granada

History and Significance of the Royal Chapel of Granada

After the fall of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada in 1492, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand chose the city as their final resting place. In 1504, they issued a royal charter ordering the construction of a chapel worthy of their legacy. Designs began that same year, and between 1505 and 1521 architect Enrique Egas built the Capilla Real on the site of Granada's former Great Mosque.

Both monarchs died before the chapel was finished, and their bodies were temporarily interred in the Convento de San Francisco inside the Alhambra. In 1521, their grandson Emperor Charles V ordered their remains to be transferred to the completed chapel, along with those of their daughter Joanna of Castile and her husband Philip I.

Although the original intention was for all Spanish monarchs to be buried here, King Philip II later moved most royal burials to El Escorial, leaving only those of the Catholic Monarchs and their immediate family. Today, the Capilla Real is the last great Gothic church built in Spain, reflecting Isabella and Ferdinand’s preference for Gothic over the rising Renaissance style.

Things to See and Do in the Royal Chapel of Granada

The Royal Chapel is one of the things to do in Granada for travellers fascinated by Spanish royal history. Highlights include:

The Tombs: The alabaster effigies of Isabella and Ferdinand, carved by Italian sculptor Domenico Fancelli, are among the most beautiful Renaissance tombs in Spain. Nearby lie the tombs of Joanna of Castile, Philip I, and Prince Miguel of Portugal.

The Altarpiece: Crafted in painted wood, the altarpiece depicts scenes of the Conquest of Granada, including the baptism of Moors, symbolising the Catholic triumph. Two kneeling statues of the monarchs appear on either side.

The Sacristy-Museum: This extraordinary small museum contains Queen Isabella’s personal treasures—her crown, sceptre, jewellery box, mirror—as well as King Ferdinand’s sword. The gallery also features paintings from the Flemish, Italian, and Spanish schools, including works by Hans Memling, Juan de Flandes, Botticelli, and Rogier van der Weyden.

The Mosque Remains: Outside the chapel stands a well from the original Great Mosque, used for ablutions before prayer.

How to Get to the Royal Chapel of Granada

The Royal Chapel is located beside the cathedral, between the old Fish Market and the Church of the Sagrario, close to the Alcaicería, Plaza Bib-Rambla, the Madraza, and Plaza Isabel la Católica.

The nearest airport is Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Granada on Booking.com.

The main train station connects easily with buses or a short walk to the city centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Parking in the old city is difficult; visitors should use public car parks near Gran Vía or around Plaza de la Trinidad. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Granada city buses 4, 8, 11, 21, and 33 stop at Gran Vía 1 or “Cathedral.”

Practical Tips on Visiting the Royal Chapel of Granada

Suggested tips: Visit the sacristy-museum first to see Isabella’s personal relics, then explore the tombs and altarpiece.
Best time to visit: Morning for quieter entry and better visibility of the artwork.
Entrance fee: 5€ (adults), 3.50€ (students, disabled, children), 0€ (children under 12)
Opening hours: 10:15 - 18:30 (Monday - Saturday); 11:00 - 18:00 (Sunday & holidays)
Official website: https://capillarealgranada.com/en/the-temple/the-royal-mausoleums-and-the-crypt/
How long to spend: Around 30–45 minutes.
Accessibility: Mostly accessible, though some areas have small steps.
Facilities: Ticket desk, small gift shop, and nearby cafés around Plaza Bib-Rambla.
Photography tip: Capture the light falling across the alabaster tombs for maximum contrast.
Guided tours: Many cathedral and city tours include the chapel as a major stop.
Nearby food options: Restaurants and tapas bars fill the streets around Bib-Rambla and the Alcaicería.

Where to Stay close to the Royal Chapel of Granada

For travellers wanting to stay close to Granada’s cathedral district, Eurostars Gran Vía provides elegant rooms near the city’s landmarks. Hotel Casa 1800 Granada offers boutique charm in a restored palace. Another excellent option is Marquis Hotels Issabel’s, right at the historic crossroads of the city.

Is the Royal Chapel of Granada Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Royal Chapel is one of Granada’s most fascinating monuments, combining royal tombs, late Gothic architecture, Renaissance sculpture, and Isabella’s personal treasures. It offers a profound insight into the legacy of the Catholic Monarchs and the political world of early modern Spain.