Royal Hospital of Granada: First Christian Hospital, Evolution, Opening Hours, and Prices
Enjoy a special day at the Alhambra with a guided tour
Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces: discover the wonders of the Alhambra with this all-inclusive tour: the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Alcazaba, and more.
Alhambra + Albaicín + Sacromonte: a perfect combination of a guided tour of the Alhambra in the morning and a guided tour of the Albaicin and Sacromonte in the afternoon.To this end, they devised a significant transformation of the city, commencing with the construction of three major works: the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real, situated in the heart of Albaycín; the Royal Chapel, located in the medina; and the Royal Hospital, situated outside the city walls.
Throughout history, Granada has been a city with a long tradition of hospitality.
Here was the only hospital in Al-Andalus for which data exists: the Maristan; and here, the Catholic Monarchs established one of the three great royal hospitals they created: the Royal Hospital of Granada.
On the other hand, St. John of God founded his hospital and hospital order in Granada, and its headquarters are still located there today.
The Royal Hospital Combines Five Artistic Styles in One Building
- Due to the long period of time that elapsed during its construction, the Royal Hospital of Granada reflects various artistic styles spanning from the 15th to the 18th century: Gothic (seen in the dome), Mudejar (present in the roofs of the naves), Plateresque (evident in the windows), Renaissance (observed in the courtyards), and Baroque (reflected in the façade).
The History and Evolution of the Royal Hospital of Granada
The Royal Hospital of Granada was founded by the Catholic Monarchs shortly after
conquering Granada in 1504.
It was constructed on the outskirts of the city, near Puerta Elvira, where a large Muslim cemetery once stood.
This new hospital was built to care for pilgrims, poor and the sick outside the city walls, adhering to the hygienic standards of the Renaissance.
However, it did not begin functioning until 1525, at which point patients from Maristan, primarily the mentally ill and the needy, were transferred here.
As time passed, the Royal Hospital absorbed other hospitals. Initially, it integrated the one founded by the
Catholic Monarchs the Alhambra for the wounded.
Later on, it also incorporated the institution known as the House of the Insane and the Innocent, which was established by Charles V in the Convent of the Trinity.
Finally, the Hospice for the Elderly, the Seminary for children of the Doctrine and those of Mercy, and poor children of Providence from the time of Ferdinand VI, were also added.
With the disentailment, the Royal Hospital passed into the hands of the Provincial Council, which adapted it to retain
only the Asylum for the Elderly and the Home for the Insane.
In 1961, the Royal Hospital was purchased by the Ministry of Education, which found it in very bad condition and initiated its restoration.
By 1971, it became the property of the University of Granada (UGR), which decided to convert it into its headquarters by 1980.
What is presently located within the Royal Hospital?
- At present, the General University Library, the Rectorate, and the General Services of the University are situated here.
Who built the Royal Hospital?
The Royal Hospital was built by the great artists and architects of the time.
The layout of the Royal Hospital was designed by Enrique Egas, who was concurrently working on the
Royal Chapel.
He followed the model of Filarete.
Diego de Siloé and Pedro Machuca also contributed to the project.
Enrique Egas followed the model that Filarete had used in the Hospital Mayor of Milan.
The construction works began in 1511 in the Gothic style. By 1516, only the first floor was completed when King Ferdinand the Catholic passed away, causing the project to be halted.
In 1526, his grandson, Emperor Charles V, resumed the construction, and the master stonemason
Juan García de Pradas and carpenter Juan de Plasencia took charge. This marked the shift towards the Renaissance period,
characterized by a notable rise in Renaissance artistic expression.
In 1527, the construction of the second floor of the building was completed. However, the decoration of the courtyards remained unfinished, and it wasn't until the end of the century that this task was completed, following a new interruption.
The façade had to wait until 1640 and was designed by Alonso de Mena.
Assistance for the needy and the sick.
- More than half of the funds received by the hospital were destined to attend to the poor and sick, which often caused the works to be interrupted due to a lack of money.
The different artistic styles harmoniously combine in this marvelous monument, without any interruption. Even in the decoration of the façade, which dates back to the 17th century, the Catholic Kings are included as the founders of the Royal Hospital.
Structure of the Royal Hospital
The Royal Hospital underwent numerous modifications with the construction of additional wings to serve new functions, especially during the 19th century.It consists of two naves in the form of a cross with equal arms and four symmetrical courtyards at the corners.
In the crossing, where the naves meet, there is a dome adorned with pyramids and pointed parapets. This area is divided into two floors, which was quite uncommon for the time.
On the façade, four richly decorated Plateresque windows display the initials and emblems of the
founding kings. This work is attributed to García de Pradas.
The façade, constructed from Elvira stone, dates back to 1632 and represents Granada's earliest example of Baroque style.
The lintel is supported by four Corinthian columns, above which rises a second level with a central niche containing a statue of the Virgin.
On either side, white marble sculptures of the Catholic Monarchs in prayer adorn the structure. These sculptures are attributed to Alonso de Mena.
Why is the Royal Hospital of Granada important?
The Royal Hospital holds significant importance in the history of the city for several reasons:
- In the Royal Hospital, for the first time in the history of Spain, the monarchy took responsibility for the welfare of the poor and the sick. As a result, the State undertook the responsibility for maintaining hygiene in the medieval city.
- With the arrival of patients from other hospitals, it transformed into a general hospital, a completely novel concept. The Royal Hospital provided care for all types of patients, including those with mental health conditions.
- It represents a new model of hospital, built specifically for accommodating the sick, independent of a monastery or religious establishment, and following the Filarete model: with open-air courtyards that help ventilate the rooms and filling them with light.
What's around the Royal Hospital of Granada?
There are many interesting
places and
monuments close to the Royal Hospital:
- Triunfo: 13th century gardens.
- Puerta Elvira: the oldest entrance gate of Granada.
- Gran Vía: the main street of Granada.
- Fray Leopoldo: for the devout, a crypt and museum dedicated to the memory of a Capuchin friar who lived in Granada.
Visiting Hours and Prices of the of the Royal Hospital
Visiting Hours of the Royal Hospita
You can visit the Royal Hospital from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; it does not close at noon.
Additionally, it is advisable to visit the General University Library, which is open until 8:30 pm.
Royal Hospital is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission fee
Admission to the Royal Hospital is free. For consultations you can call 958 243 060.
What is the duration of the visit to the Royal Hospital?
- You can see everything, including the General University Library, the courtyards, and gardens, in 1.5 hours.
How to get there and where to park near the Royal Hospital?
The Royal Hospital is located near the Triunfo Gardens.
Address: Avenida del Hospicio, 1, 18012, Granada.
How to get to the Royal Hospital by city bus?
You can get to the Royal Hospital of Granada on line C31 or C32, the stop is Avda. del Hospicio - Hospital Real.It is the closest stop, but you can also get there by any of these Granada city bus lines: 4, 11, 21, 33, N1, N3, N5, N9, getting off at the stop Avda. Constitución 2 - Triunfo.
The Royal Hospital is 2 minutes away from this stop.
Also, on lines 8, N8 y C34, Ancha de Capuchinos - Jardines del Triunfo stop is just 1 minute away from the hospital.
Where to park near the Royal Hospital?
The closest parking is Parking Triunfo: Avda. de la Constitución, 20, Granada. It is a bit expensive, 2.85 euros per hour.Given that the visit to the Royal Hospital lasts 1.5 hours, parking there might be a good idea.
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Page Updated: Feb 15, 2024
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Opinions about Royal Hospital of Granada
Worth a visit
A place with a university atmosphere and has pretty buildings and gardens.You can also visit galleries, exhibitions, a cloister, a library, and four interior courtyards.
My favorite parts are the Marble courtyard, the Chapel, and its impressive facade. And don't miss the Arch of Elvira and the Triunfo Gardens nearby.
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