Tour Details
Duration
3
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- Royal Chapel of Granada
- Catedral de Granada
- Corral del Carbón
- The Alcaicería
Photos & Highlights
- Gain a deeper understanding of how the city’s monuments were repurposed and transformed after the Reconquista
- Witness the breathtaking views and architectural magnificence of the Royal Cathedral
Select a date
Tour Description
With the fall of Granada in 1492, the last Islamic kingdom of the Iberian Peninsula came to an end, and the Catholic Monarchs ushered in a new political order that shaped the foundations of modern Spain.
Accompanied by a local expert, you’ll journey back to 15th-century Granada, going far beyond what you’ve read in textbooks, standing in places where history unfolded, such as the Corral del Carbón and the Alcaicería. Here, you’ll trace how architecture and urban spaces were reshaped and repurposed as instruments of power and authority by the new rulers, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella I.
As you explore, you’ll uncover how Granada evolved from a vibrant Muslim center into a hub of Catholic authority, and learn how this transformation was solidified through monumental works like the Granada Cathedral, a project commissioned by the new Catholic rulers to solidify their triumph.
By the end of your tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how these profound changes helped to propel Granada and Spain into a new era.
Choose this tour if…
- You are well-versed in the Middle Ages and want an expert who matches your passion
- You want to move beyond the textbook and experience the sites firsthand
- You want to marvel at the Cathedral's radiant light and stunning architecture with your family or friends
Begin your journey at the Corral del Carbón, the oldest surviving civic building from the Nasrid kingdom. Here, you'll imagine the final days of the Al-Andalus when traders bustled through its corridors with spices, textiles, and barrels in a lively commercial hub. Your expert will detail how early Christian authorities adapted and repurposed these structures rather than destroying them.
From there, visit the Alcaicería, which is now largely a 19th-century reconstruction of Granada’s historic silk market. Your expert will uncover how the market thrived with the trade of textiles, dyes, and silks before the Reconquista.
The highlight of the experience is the Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel. It is among the last pre-industrial churches in Europe, and the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella. Constructed across more than a century, your expert will break down the architectural evolution from its Gothic foundations to early Baroque details.
As you take in the Cathedral’s magnificent light and design, you’ll begin to understand how it conveys a message of triumph and modernity. The interplay between the light and architecture reflects both the replacement of the former mosque and the broader shift in worldview and power that marked the dawn of the modern age.
By the end of your tour, you’ll emerge with a deeper understanding of how Granada transformed and evolved through centuries of cultural and political change.
- Corral del Carbón - Preserved 14th-century warehouse from the Nasrid period.
- The Alcaicería - A thriving market that was reconstructed on the site of a former main bazaar.
- Royal Chapel and Cathedral - A key religious site, blending Gothic and modern architecture, burial site of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella I.
Tickets
- This tour includes Royal Chapel and Cathedral entrance tickets.
- Important Note: In order for our team to pre-purchase admission tickets on your behalf, full names and passport details for each group member are necessary. If you do not provide these at the time of booking, a member of our team will reach out to you shortly after your booking is placed.
- Be advised that all tickets are final upon issuance—alterations or refunds are not permitted.
- On the day of your tour, it is mandatory to present the same ID card or passport used for ticket booking to gain entry to the Andulisan sites.
Transportation
This is an all-outdoor walking tour. We cannot currently provide a transfer service in Granada, so we suggest you ask your hotel about the best way to arrive at your tour meeting point.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchairs are accessible for all wheelchair users.
Service dog accommodations
Service dogs are welcome and can be accommodated on this tour.
Why is my passport information required when booking tickets to the Royal Cathedral and Chapel?
The venue requires passport details for each visitor as a security protocol and to prevent the fraudulent use of tickets. Tickets are personalized with a unique identifier—your passport number—to confirm that the visitor presenting the ticket matches the original booking details.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
While not a kid-specific tour, we can accommodate children on this itinerary!
What is the Dress Code?
The Royal Cathedral and Chapel policies require modest attire to respect the sanctity of the site. This generally includes covering shoulders and knees for both men and women (zip-on jackets or scarves are acceptable). It's also advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start