MapSacromonte Abbey stands on Valparaíso Hill, in the very heart of the Sacromonte district. For centuries it was one of the principal places of pilgrimage in Andalusia and, together with the Alhambra and the Cathedral, it is a key landmark for understanding Granada’s cultural identity.
From the Abbey, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Alhambra, the Darro Valley, the Albaicín and the city. Its privileged location and profound historical legacy make it an essential monument for discovering the cultural, scenic and religious richness of Granada.
Yet to fully grasp its significance, one must return to the turbulent final years of the sixteenth century.
History of Sacromonte Abbey
At the end of the sixteenth century, Granada was a beautiful yet wounded city. It bore the weight of a century of tension between Old Christians, newly converted Moriscos and Castilian settlers. The scars of the Alpujarras rebellion were still open, and the forced conversions promoted by Cardinal Cisneros had left a deep fracture in society.
In this unsettled context, on 18 March 1588, during works carried out on the old Torre Turpiana, a lead casket was discovered containing a trilingual parchment (Latin, Arabic and Castilian), a painted cloth, a Marian image and bones attributed to the Apostle James. The discovery caused a profound stir and was soon regarded as tangible proof of Granada’s apostolic past, strengthening the Church’s desire to legitimise Christian orthodoxy in a recently “reconquered” city.
The decisive event occurred on 21 February 1595. In several ancient Roman kilns located in caves on Valparaíso Hill, the remains of Saints Cecilio, Tesifón and Hisicio were found; according to tradition, they had been martyred in that very place. Alongside the relics appeared circular lead tablets inscribed in Arabic: the so-called Lead Books. These texts contained, in addition to the stories of the three saints, the account of an alleged “fifth testament”, attributed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, in which links were drawn between Islam and Christianity, emphasising the points of connection shared by both monotheistic religions present on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Lead Books were studied in great detail and declared false in 1682 by Pope Innocent XI. They were probably the work of the Moriscos Miguel de Luna and Alonso del Castillo. Today they are interpreted as an attempt by the Morisco elite to construct a conciliatory narrative that integrated Christian and Muslim elements. Seen in this light, the Lead Books sought to encourage reconciliation between two communities divided by culture and religion, highlighting their shared roots.
The discovery of the relics sparked an extraordinary wave of devotion. Thousands of pilgrims climbed the hillside, marking the path with crosses —eventually numbering around 1,200— while the city saw the rebirth of a foundational story that reinforced its Christian identity.
To respond to this growing fervour, Archbishop Pedro de Castro established four chaplaincies in 1598. From then on, the hill formerly known as Valparaíso came to be called Sacromonte, the “Sacred Mountain”.
Meanwhile, under the direction of Justino Almerique and later Ambrosio de Vico, master builder of Granada, the caves where the martyrdoms were believed to have taken place were cleared and prepared. Between 1595 and 1597, a first devotional nucleus emerged, with small rock-cut chapels, spaces for prayer and the beginnings of organised clerical activity.
On 30 April 1600, after a long investigation, the Church confirmed the authenticity of the relics. This decision marked a turning point: Sacromonte could no longer remain merely a place of pilgrimage but required solid structures, organised worship and a stable institution.
Pedro de Castro understood the significance of the moment. He conceived Sacromonte Abbey as both a spiritual and doctrinal centre capable of placing Granada on the religious map of Europe. For him, it represented a historic opportunity to heal a fractured society through a “second evangelisation”, an educational and spiritual project aimed at uniting Moriscos, Old Christians and the new Castilian settlers.
After years of planning, construction of the Abbey began in 1609, initially under Ambrosio de Vico and Alonso Segura.
The first phase included the abbot’s residence and the canons’ quarters. Shortly afterwards came the church, completed in 1614, the cave-chapels integrated as a sanctuary, and an initial courtyard shaping the layout of the complex.
From 1615 onwards, the Jesuit Pedro Sánchez took charge of the works, introducing a new general design, of which only the main courtyard was completed.
Between 1614 and 1621, the great cloister was built —the only one of the four planned that was ever finished— becoming the heart of the Abbey’s academic, liturgical and communal life.
During the seventeenth century, the Abbey was far more than a sanctuary: it became one of the first private university institutions in Europe, as well as a seminary, a centre for the study of languages (Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Arabic), a mission base and a major cultural hub in Granada.
In the eighteenth century, the New College was built, the church was enlarged with new side naves and an elevated choir, and the caves were remodelled to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
Over the centuries, Sacromonte Abbey has remained closely linked to Granada’s cultural and religious life. It housed a seminary and served for decades as a student residence. Today, it continues to host the community of canons and also functions as a parish church and ecclesiastical museum.
Description of the Monument
Most of the Abbey’s buildings date from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and combine Granadan Baroque, Mudejar tradition and Neoclassical elements, reflecting the many historical layers that have shaped the complex.
The Holy Caves and Chapels (late sixteenth century)
This area, illuminated by small domes and skylights, forms the emotional and symbolic core of the Abbey, for here the Christian martyrs Saint Cecilio, Saint Víctor and Saint Leoncio are venerated. The caves are enclosed by a brick wall decorated with stars, floral motifs, the founder’s coat of arms and an inscription dated 1598.
Access to the caves is through a chapel dedicated to Saints Leoncio and Víctor. In this same space stands the processional image of the Holy Christ of the Caves or Christ of Consolation, crafted by Miguel Zúñiga Navarro as a replica of the original sculpture by José Risueño, preserved in the church. Beneath the altar, a staircase descends to the Holy Caves and the various chapels:
- The Chapel of the Stone, where, according to tradition, any woman who kisses the stone will find a husband within the year.
- The Chapel of Saint James, traditionally regarded as the place where the apostle celebrated the first Mass in Spain. It contains an Immaculate Virgin by Duque Cornejo and a late seventeenth-century altarpiece.
- The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows.
- The small “oven” of martyrdom, where the saints are believed to have suffered martyrdom. It houses a small bust of Saint Cecilio and the cross carried by Saint John of God during his ministry in Granada.
Next to the caves lies the former cemetery of the canons.
Primitive Residence and the College of Saint Dionysius (Old College)
This part of the Abbey, together with the Holy Caves, is the oldest section of the entire complex. Although part of its structure disappeared with the construction of the main cloister, it remains a space of great historical value, as it is considered the first private university in Spain. Notable figures—including Francisco Saavedra, minister under Charles IV in 1799—studied here. Until the mid-twentieth century it also served as a student residence. The original marble refectory tables are still preserved and are now used for events and meetings.
The heart of the old college was the Patio of the Star, named after the Star of Solomon depicted in its cobbled paving. This courtyard originally distributed the rooms and classrooms, and since its restoration in 2020 it has once again become a gathering place, hosting concerts, talks and a range of cultural activities.
Collegiate Church of the Assumption and Sacristy
The first church, built under the patronage of the Virgin of the Assumption, had a Latin-cross ground plan with a single nave. In the eighteenth century, the temple was enlarged with the addition of side aisles and an elevated choir. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault, while the side aisles are topped with groin vaults.
Inside, the decoration is sober yet rich and luminous. Rising over the central nave is the choir, created by Francisco Díaz del Rivero between 1615 and 1617, notable for its elegant Baroque choir stalls.
One of the side chapels houses the tomb of Pedro de Castro, founder of the Abbey. The main chapel contains an impressive Baroque altarpiece attributed to Blas Moreno, with sculptures by Domingo Cabrera and polychromy by José Bustos. Among the church’s sculptures, the image of Christ of Consolation—also known as Christ of the Gypsies—carved by José Risueño in 1695, is particularly cherished. Every Holy Wednesday, a beautiful replica crafted by Miguel Zúñiga Navarro (1987–1989) is carried in procession, keeping alive one of the Sacromonte’s most deeply rooted devotions.
Between the Collegiate Church and the caves lies the Sacred Heart Courtyard, home to an outstanding collection of contemporary bronze sculptures by the artist Venancio Blanco. Highlights include a Pietà, a Last Supper and a Calvary, in which the sculptor reinterprets Christian iconography through a more modern visual language. This dialogue between tradition and innovation makes the courtyard one of the Abbey’s most distinctive spaces.
Main Cloister and Rectorate
The main cloister, built between 1614 and 1621, is the only one of the four originally planned that was ever completed. It features elegant arcades of semi-circular arches resting on Tuscan columns. The presence of orange trees and a central fountain creates a deep sense of peace and harmony. The upper-floor rooms open onto the courtyard through balconies, forming an ensemble of remarkable beauty.
Sacromonte Abbey Museum
The museum is essential for understanding the Abbey’s rich artistic and documentary heritage. Located to one side of the cloister, it displays a wide collection of sculpture, painting, metalwork and liturgical textiles, alongside an important archive and library.
Among the paintings are works by Sánchez Cotán, Herrera the Elder, Pedro de Raxis, Juan de Sevilla, Luca Giordano and even Goya. The sculpture collection includes pieces by Alonso de Mena, Torcuato Ruiz del Peral, Pedro Duque Cornejo and José Risueño.
The museum also houses an outstanding selection of Flemish paintings by Gerard David, court painter to Emperor Charles V.
Other later additions to the Abbey include the New College and the Neo-Gothic Chapel of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (nineteenth century).
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Summer (1 April – 27 October):
Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 18:00
(doors close at 14:00 and 19:00).
Winter (28 October – 31 March):
Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00
(doors close at 14:00 and 18:00).
Please note: Opening hours may be subject to change. On Sundays, Mass is celebrated at 12:00, so tourist visits are only allowed before 11:30 or once the service has ended.
Admission Fees
General admission (from age 12): €7
Children under 12: free (must be accompanied by a family member; not applicable to school groups)
Reduced admission: €5 (students under 25 with student ID / visitors with disabilities, with accreditation)
Visitor Regulations
Photographs and videos are permitted, provided that flash, spotlights, tripods and selfie sticks are not used.
Tourist visits inside the church are not allowed during liturgical services.
Visitors are asked to remain silent, dress appropriately and remove any head coverings when entering the temple.
Mobile phones should be switched off.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the premises.
Pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and running inside the church is not permitted.
Visitors must maintain order and cleanliness, and respect all heritage and museum elements.
Please follow the instructions given by the staff of Sacromonte Abbey at all times.
For further information, we recommend visiting the official website of the monument.
How to Get to Sacromonte Abbey
On Foot
If you fancy a walk from the centre of Granada, you can choose between two particularly charming routes, both of which pass through historic streets.
The first route starts at Plaza Nueva, continues through Plaza de Santa Ana and climbs up Calle Cárcel Alta to Calle San Juan de los Reyes. From there, follow Cuesta del Chapiz, then continue along the Camino del Sacromonte and past the Hermitage of the Holy Sepulchre until you reach the Abbey.
The second route begins along the Carrera del Darro and the Paseo de los Tristes, before ascending via Cuesta del Chapiz and continuing along the Camino del Sacromonte, following the same path to your destination.
Both walks take approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, you can reach the Abbey from the city centre via Avenida de la Constitución, joining the Carretera de Murcia (A-4002) and then heading towards the Fargue district. From there, follow the Camino Viejo del Fargue (passing the restaurant El Caldero) until you reach the road leading to the Abbey.
Another option is to take the A-92 motorway towards Guadix/Murcia and exit towards the Fargue, following the same final stretch.
Both routes take around 15 minutes from central Granada, depending on traffic. There is also a small free parking area near the Abbey.
Please note that access roads include some narrow sections.
By Bus or Taxi
From the centre of Granada, the C34 city bus departs from Plaza Nueva and stops near the Abbey. The journey takes around 10 minutes and services run roughly every 20 minutes.
Please note that not all buses on this route go all the way up to the Abbey, so it is advisable to check the exact timetable before your visit.
A taxi is also a convenient option, with the fare depending on the time of day and the precise pick-up location.
Where to Eat Near Sacromonte Abbey
The Sacromonte district offers a varied gastronomic scene that blends tradition, local atmosphere and cultural experience. Many of its restaurants are located in the iconic cave-houses, often integrated into flamenco tablaos where you can enjoy both Granadan cuisine and the unique cultural character of the neighbourhood.
Among the most notable options are Venta El Gallo, Cueva Los Tarantos and Cueva Zincalé, where you can savour typical Andalusian dishes in an authentic setting. Casa Juanillo is another excellent choice for traditional Granadan cuisine.
If you prefer something more informal or are looking for a place to enjoy tapas, Bar Bocadillería Pibe, located along the Camino del Sacromonte, offers a varied menu with local dishes, including vegetarian options. Other recommended spots include Casa Juan Maya and Los Faroles.
These are just a few suggestions; the best choice will depend on the type of gastronomic experience you are looking for. In any case, we recommend checking availability and online reviews beforehand to find the place that best suits your visit.
What to See Near Sacromonte Abbey
The surroundings of Sacromonte Abbey offer numerous places of interest that enrich the visit and help you understand the identity of Sacromonte and the neighbouring Albaicín in greater depth.
This picturesque gypsy quarter of Granada still preserves its winding streets and traditional cave-houses, many of which have been inhabited for centuries.
A must-see stop is the Sacromonte Caves Museum, where you can learn how life unfolded inside these dwellings carved into the rock, as well as explore the history and culture of the local Roma community, flamenco and other traditions of the neighbourhood.
Sacromonte also offers spectacular views of the Alhambra, Sierra Nevada and the Darro Valley. Some of the most recommended viewpoints include the Mirador de las Cuevas del Sacromonte, the Abbey’s own viewpoint and the Mirador de la Vereda de Enmedio.
One experience not to be missed is attending a zambra flamenca show inside a cave. These tablaos are true centres of art and tradition. Iconic examples include Cueva Flamenca Venta El Gallo, Los Amayas, Los Tarantos, Cueva Zincalé and La Rocío. Here you can enjoy an intimate evening where flamenco is presented in its most authentic form.
Next to Sacromonte lies the Albaicín, a district declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest part of the city, with an urban layout of Andalusi origin. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, aljibes, churches and cármenes make it a magical place. Highlights include the Dar al-Horra Palace, San Nicolás Viewpoint and Church, San Cristóbal Viewpoint, the Moorish House Horno de Oro, and the Carmen de Aben Humeya.
To complete your walk, nothing beats a stroll along the Paseo de los Tristes and the Carrera del Darro, at the foot of the Alhambra — one of Granada’s most charming and atmospheric routes.
