The Monastery of Cartuja in Granada, also known as the Monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, is one of the finest examples of Spanish and Andalusian Baroque architecture.

Its construction began as the result of the cession of land by the Gran Capitán, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, although in the end it was not constructed on this site, leading to the withdrawal of the Spanish military man’s involvement.

In 1516, construction work recommenced and would last for three centuries. Only a portion of the original building has been conserved, as certain sections were destroyed, and it remained inhabited up until 1835.

A number of sections, such as the church, the sacristy and the side chapel, feature lavish decoration, wherein attention should be drawn to the final work of the maestro Federico Hurtado Izquierdo.

The monastery boasts a large art collection, and the paintings of the Carthusian monk Juan Sánchez Cotán are particularly noteworthy.

Take advantage of your GRANADA CARD to visit the Monastery of La Cartuja.

Photos by Javier Sánchez