Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel

Building began in 1523 on the site of Granada's principal mosque, and although the first design was Gothic, Diego de Siloe changed it to a Renaissance scheme with a vast circular capilla mayor and white piers rising to great height, one of the earliest and most ambitious Renaissance interiors in Spain; the west front was later completed by Alonso Cano. Attached to it, and built earlier, is the Capilla Real, commissioned by Isabella and Ferdinand as their burial place: their lead coffins lie in the crypt beneath elaborate marble effigies, alongside their daughter Juana and her husband Philip. The chapel's sacristy holds Isabella's crown, sceptre and a collection of Flemish paintings she owned.

What you actually see

• The Renaissance interior - white piers and a great circular sanctuary.
• The Royal Chapel tombs - marble effigies over the monarchs' lead coffins.
• Isabella's collection - her crown, sceptre and Flemish paintings in the sacristy.
• The Cano facade - a baroque west front on a Renaissance body.

When to go

Year-round; both buildings are indoors and closed for services, with the Royal Chapel keeping shorter hours. Mornings are quieter. The two require separate tickets bought at different entrances.

Honest expectations

Photography is prohibited inside the Royal Chapel and enforced. Tickets are separate, which surprises visitors who expect one. Both close in the middle of the day and for services.

Nearby

The Alcaiceria market and Plaza Bib-Rambla are alongside; the Albaicin and Alhambra lie above.