Hotels near Granada Cathedral

Granada Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación) was begun in 1518 on the foundations of the city's main mosque, finished only in 1704, and stands as one of the great Spanish Renaissance churches. Architect Diego de Siloé designed the soaring 30-metre nave with five aisles and a domed circular ambulatory at the east end - unusual for Spanish cathedrals - all painted in dazzling white and gold.

The interior holds two magnificent baroque organs, large polychrome statues by Alonso Cano (whose tomb lies in the cathedral itself), and 16th-century stained glass behind the high altar. Entry is via Calle Cárcel Baja and the visitor route includes the cathedral museum with treasures from the Catholic Monarchs era. Allow 45-60 minutes.

Pro Tip: Visit the cathedral together with the Royal Chapel next door - one combined morning covers both, and the Royal Chapel is far busier so it pays to enter when it opens at 10:15.