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Cartuja Monastery – A Jewel of Spanish Baroque in Granada

Cartuja Monastery – A Jewel of Spanish Baroque in Granada

Cartuja Monastery in Granada

Cartuja Monastery is one of those places that is always on my to do list. It´s not so easy to get to on public transport. The monument is a way out of the historic centre of Granada. The Monasterio de la Cartuja is on the main road from Granada to Alfacar. (close to the University Campus of Cartuja) 

This institution dates back to the 1500´s in Granada and has French origins. Let´s take a closer look at this Carthusian Monastery.

Granada Charterhouse Cartuja

The Carthusian Order

Founded by Bruno of Cologne in June 1084. The Carthusian order began in Saint Pierre de Chartreuse, close to Grenoble France. The building, now the Musée Grande Chartreuse can be visited, in this remote and idyllic corner of the Isere Valley.

As the Carthusian order grew, the monks looked for new monasteries. Bruno of Cologne opened a second Charterhouse in Calabria Italy in the year 1100. After his death in 1101, more Charterhouses were opened up. In Spain, France and beyond. 

Granada´s Charterhouse housed monks coming from Toledo. 

Monasterio Cartuja Granada inside

Granada Charterhouse

The Carthusian order was keen on locations away from towns and cities. The monks looked for peacefulness and isolation for contemplation and prayer. This location away from the busy city of Granada was in a countryside setting at the time. This site had monks living here for hundreds of years. From the early 1500´s right up until 1835.

Cloister at Cartuja Monastery

Once you get inside the monastery the first thing you will see is the beautiful cloister. With its central fountain, orange and quince trees, it really is a calming setting. The layout of the building allows access to all rooms from the Cloister.

Monasterio de la Cartuja

From the Cloister garden you can follow the guided tour through your smartphone. (Download the app when you arrive, following instructions on the entrance wall)

This routes guide us through the building along the smooth timeworn flagstones. First we come to a small area with an altar. This is where the Carthusian monks would have washed before entering the dining room. Then continuing on into the refectory. This is the oldest part of the Charterhouse dating back to 1531.

Monasterio de la Cartuja Granada-

Of note are the paintings by Fray Juan Sánchez Cotán that line the refectory walls.  These works of art outline the daily life of the Carthusian monks at the time. 

Baroque details

This Cartuja Monastery is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque architecture remaining today. Even though it was been alt

 

ered over the years. For example the rooms where the monks would have slept are no longer there. The cloister is smaller than it would have been in it´s day.

Ceiling Detail Carthusian Monastery Granada Spain

The most impressive parts of the building are the Church and the Sacristy which were built in the 16th and 17th centuries.   

The Sacristy

Oozing with intricate plasterwork, wooden carvings, inset oil paintings, sculpted columns, delicate wooden inlays and marble accents. This Spanish baroque style leaves no area without decoration.

Santorum Cartuja de Granada

Despite my best efforts the photos of the grandeur inside don´t quite seem to do it justice. The Sacristy and Church Altar are just spectacular. It takes a while standing to take time to view each part in an attempt to take in all the detail. The colours are vibrant. The delicate marble and wooden designs are intricately carved and carefully preserved. 

Compared with the stark exterior of the building its a huge contrast on the inside.  

Sacristy Cartuja Monastery

Monasteries in Spain

This is not the only remaining Cartuja Monastery in Spain. These are still inhabited.

  • Burgos – Cartuja de Santa María de Miraflores
  • Valencia – Cartuja de Santa María Porta Coeli
  • Castellon – Cartuja de Santa María de Benifasar
  • Barcelona – Cartuja de Santa María de Montalegre (Tiana)

Cartuja Cloister Granada

Jasmine Rosary

As I left the Monasterio de la Cartuja something caught my attention in the small shop on my way out. A sign Reading: Hay Rosarios de Petalos de Rosa. I didn´t know what that meant so I went off to investigate. It turns out that here they sell Rosary beads as well as other souvenirs. However these beads are quite special. Made by convent nuns in Spain the Rosary is made from of real rose petals. It seems that they roll the petals together tightly until they form a ball.

The final result of this delicate task is a Rosary in a coral red color, with the beads retaining their natural rose scent. So as the lady in the shop shows me the ítem, when opening the small keepsake box a beautiful rose perfume arises from the coloured beads. The white one shown in the photo is the one I bought. It was made from Jasmine petals. The scent is just like the fragrance of an Andalusian Summer evening with the heady scent of Jasmine in the air. It´s a real treasure to have in my drawer at home. It would make an unusual souvenir or gift for someone too.

Cartuja Monastery Granada Spain

Visit Cartuja Monastery in Granada

Getting there

  • Take the Bus U3 to the Cartuja Campus. (Not on Sundays)
  • Go by car and park up at the main entrance.
  • Take a taxi. 

Other details

  • Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
  • Saturdays from 10am to 1pm – 3pm to 6pm
  • Sundays 10am to 6pm
  • Entrance ticket: 5 euros
  • Address: Paseo de Cartuja, Granada
  • Visit takes around 1 hour 

Carthusian Monastery in Spain Timetable

  1. Michael says:

    Visiting a monastery is always good. The quiet and stillness in there is comforting. Those rosaries made of rose petals are extraordinary. Will have to keep this in mind.

  2. Meg Jerrard says:

    How fascinating, I love exploring monasteries while overseas. They really are some of the most historically well preserved buildings, and the artwork is fascinating. The roof reminds me of the Vatican. That artwork is so intricate. Amazing!!! So glad you had a great visit 🙂

  3. This is another one for the bucket list. What a lovely place.

  4. My daughter studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain and one of her favorite places was Granada. I would love to visit Granada and this lovely Monastery one day. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Leigh says:

    Always in awe of the over the top architecture. Thanks for the beautiful tour.

  6. Jody Robbins says:

    A rosary made of real rose petals? That is so precious. I’m not religious, but I’d love that as a souvenir. I hope that wouldn’t be offensive to Catholics, though.

  7. Manni says:

    Stunning!
    Loved it Molly. Thanks for the tip on the number 8 bus! X

    • Molly says:

      Yes, the bus routes have changed (end of 2014) so I´ll update the details
      but the buses still have a stop outside the Monastery

  8. Lindsay says:

    I loved reading this and seeing the photos, I can smell the rosary beads from here! There are so many places in our cities that people miss out on because they only have time to “do” the more famous monuments, this being a perfect example!

  9. Paul Murphy says:

    Molly

    I went to Cartuja once when I was living in Granada in the 1970s, my 20 year old self was not impressed. I love your photos though and the rose petal rosary sounds irresistible.

    Paul

    • Molly says:

      Thanks Paul. The scent of the rose from that rosary seemed unreal, magical.. I couldn’t resist taking a jasmine one home with me despite not requiring a rosary…

  10. Sophie says:

    I really enjoyed this post, your pictures have me dreaming of all of the events those walls have seen. I have yet to make it Granada but when I do (hopefully), I’ll keep this lovely monastery in mind.

  11. The Cartuja Monastery Granada, Spain - Photo Es... says:

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