Granada Cathedral

What makes it special

The Capilla Mayor is the centre of the whole building, a vast rotunda laid out to Roman proportions. Round it runs the ambulatory, a curved walkway that carries you all the way round, so you see the chapel from every side and not only from the nave.

Diego de Siloe directed the works from 1528, and the chapel and its walkway opened for worship in 1560, while he was still in charge. The rotunda you circle today is his.

Against the cathedral's flank stands the Royal Chapel, joined to it yet built as a separate structure with a separate visit. The cathedral itself remains a working church, so expect people at prayer among the visitors.

Visiting

Granada Cathedral opens to visitors from 10:00 to 18:15, Monday to Saturday, and only in the afternoon on Sundays and holy days. You can buy the ticket online through the cathedral's own sales site or on the day. Walk up the nave first, then give most of your time to the Capilla Mayor, going right round it.

Buy the Royal Chapel separately at its own door. On a Sunday it opens in the late morning, so see it before lunch and the cathedral in the afternoon.

Tourists are not admitted while a service is under way, and visits also pause for other religious celebrations. The Royal Chapel does the same, admitting only worshippers during services.

Tips

Take off a hat or cap as you go in, and dress modestly, as the cathedral's rules ask. Food and drink are not allowed past the door, and nor are pets, except guide dogs.

Photography and video are allowed as long as you do not disturb anyone at prayer, so lower the camera near anyone kneeling. The bus stop called Gran Vía / la Catedral is right outside if you are coming from the edge of town.