Hotels near Royal Chapel of Granada

The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) is the royal mausoleum that Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon built next to the future cathedral, and where their bodies still rest. Completed in 1521 in late Gothic Isabelline style, it contains the carved marble tombs of the Catholic Monarchs alongside those of their daughter Joanna of Castile and son-in-law Philip the Handsome - the lead caskets are visible in the crypt below.

The chapel's sacristy-museum houses Isabella's personal collection of Flemish and Italian paintings (Botticelli, Memling, Bouts), her crown and sceptre, and her illuminated prayer book. As one of the most historically significant sites in Spain - this is where the Reconquista ended and the funding of Columbus's first voyage was decided - it draws a steady stream of school groups, so morning visits are calmer.

Pro Tip: No photos are allowed inside the Royal Chapel - phones must be put away. Plan around 45 minutes including the museum, and don't miss the elaborate gilt reja (iron screen) by Master Bartolomé.