The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) in Granada holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I and Ferdinand V. Discover priceless art and the royal mausoleums in this magnificent Gothic temple.
Overview: History, what to expect, and unique features of the Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) is an impressive building in Granada, annexed to the city’s cathedral. It serves as the final resting place for the powerful Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand V of Aragon. They commissioned the chapel in their Royal Warrant of 1504, specifying it as a “worthy Chapel” for their bodies. Construction began in 1505 in the late Gothic style, known as Isabelline Gothic, and it was consecrated in 1517.
Visitors can expect to see the magnificent mausoleums of the Catholic Monarchs and their immediate successors, Philip I and Joanna of Castile. The Royal Chapel is famed for its architecture, particularly the elaborate Great Grille (reja mayor) that separates the nave from the royal tombs. The chapel houses a substantial Sacristy-Museum, displaying priceless pieces from the monarchs’ personal collections. These include Queen Isabella’s personal art collection, featuring Flemish paintings, her crown, sceptre, and Ferdinand’s sword. The chapel is a potent symbol of Spain’s unified monarchy and its enduring historical legacy.
Royal Chapel timetable: opening hours and access
The **Royal Chapel** offers cultural visits daily, but hours are subject to change due to religious services and specific holidays.
- Weekday hours (Monday to Saturday): Open from 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday and religious festivity: Open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Morning closure note: The chapel is only open in the afternoon (from 3:00 p.m.) on 2nd January and 12th October.
- Annual closures: The Royal Chapel is closed on Good Friday, December 25, and January 1.
- Note: Visitors should always confirm the schedule before a visit, as changes may occur without notice due to worship and religious celebrations.
Royal Chapel admission fees and tickets
The fee for the Royal Chapel includes the cultural visit and an audio guide service.
| Ticket type | Price (Estimate, checked December 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Admission (from 13 years) | €5.00 | Includes a free audio guide service. |
| Groups | €5.00 | Includes a free radio guide for the group. |
| Students (up to 25 years of age) | €3.50 | Requires valid student ID for reduced rate. |
| Different capacities | €3.50 | Reduced rate for visitors with disabilities. |
| Children (up to 12 years) | Free |
Free access: Free visits are available on Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., but visitors must reserve these tickets in advance on the official website.
Accessibility, safety, and amenities
As a historic religious site, the Royal Chapel has some limitations on access and visitor conduct.
- Accessibility: The chapel structure includes steps and uneven surfaces. Visitors with mobility issues should inquire about specific access routes.
- Photography: Photography is generally prohibited inside the chapel and museum areas to protect the delicate artifacts and respect the religious nature of the site.
- Facilities: Toilet facilities and a small area for ticket purchase are available. No café or refreshment facilities are on site.
- Conduct: Appropriate dress and quiet behaviour are expected from all visitors, respecting the fact that the Royal Chapel remains an active place of worship.
Nearby attractions for the Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel is located in the centre of Granada, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s key historical and religious sites:
- Granada Cathedral: Located adjacent to the chapel, this is a massive Renaissance structure considered one of Spain’s greatest cathedrals, completed after the Royal Chapel.
- The Lonja: A historical exchange building next to the chapel, built to promote trade, reflecting the monarchs’ focus on economic power.
- Alcaicería (Old Silk Market): A colourful, rebuilt area of narrow streets near the chapel, offering souvenirs and local goods in a traditional bazaar setting.
- The Alhambra: The globally famous palace and fortress complex is situated on a hill overlooking the city and is easily reachable from the centre. Here’s why you should book tickets in advance.
- The Palacio de los Olvidados: This palace contains a fascinating museum about the Spanish Inquisition.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about the Royal Chapel
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is buried in the Royal Chapel? | The chapel houses the tombs of Isabella I and Ferdinand V (the Catholic Monarchs) and their immediate successors, Joanna of Castile and Philip I. |
| Is the Royal Chapel part of the Cathedral? | The Royal Chapel is an independent building attached to the side of the main Granada Cathedral, but it was designed and built earlier. |
| Can I take photos inside the Royal Chapel? | No, photography is strictly forbidden inside the chapel and the Sacristy-Museum to protect the precious artifacts and tombs. |
| What is in the Sacristy-Museum? | The museum holds Queen Isabella’s personal belongings used in her lifetime, including her crown, sceptre, and a substantial collection of Flemish master paintings. |
| Can I visit for free? | Yes, free access is possible every Wednesday afternoon (2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.), but you must book a free ticket in advance online. |
More Andalucia travel
Other Andalucia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Almeria for first time visitors.
- Does the Almeria to Granada train make for a viable day trip?
- A first-time visitor’s guide to Seville Cathedral.
- Five things to do in Cordoba once you’ve seen the Mezquita.
- How the Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga works.
