Archaeological Museum of Granada - Casa de Castril
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.It is based in a Plateresque-style manor house with wonderful views of the Alhambra, known as the Casa de Castril. It was owned by the family of the secretary of the Catholic Monarchs.
The House of Castril
The Casa de Castril has housed the Archaeological Museum of Granada since 1923.
This 16th century house takes its name from the Señorío de Castril granted by the Catholic Monarchsto their Secretary, Hernando de Zafra.
It was his grandson who built it in 1539, after requesting authorization from Emperor Charles V to establish a mayorazgo (entail) with the town of Castril and other possessions, following the will of his grandfather.
Later, in 1892, it became the property of Professor Leopoldo de Eguilaz, and the state purchased it in 1923.
The Archaeological Museum of Granada and the Museum of Fine Arts were originally located here but Museum of Fine Arts was later moved to the Palace of Charles V.
The Academy of Fine Arts, Our Lady of Sorrows, is now situated in Madrasa.
The beautiful Casa de Castril is built around a quadrangular patio and has a garden in the back with servants' quarters.
From the upper floor, one can enjoy stunning views of
the Alhambra.
The structure of the House of Castril reflects the characteristics of Christian houses in Granada during that time.
The most outstanding feature of the building is its Renaissance façade, which is one of the most interesting in Granada.
From the opposite side, we can observe the Renaissance façade in detail. Notably, it appears displaced from the center and consists of three levels.
The Torre de Comares is depicted in the keystone of the door lintel, showcasing the coat of arms granted by the
Catholic Monarchs to their secretary.
This honor was bestowed for his involvement in the Capitulations of Granada and for discreetly visiting the tower where Boabdil signed the agreement.
The cover is adorned with a frieze featuring monsters and human figures, along with a cartouche displaying the date 1539, marking the completion year of the house.
This magnificent work of art was created by Sebastián de Alcántara, disciple of Jacobo Florentino.
To the right of the entrance, at the upper corner, you will notice a somewhat enigmatic balcony.
Split in two by a column, it unveils a phrase that reads: 'waiting for her from heaven.
This balcony has ignited the imagination of many passers-by, leading to much speculation about its meaning.
According to some legends, this motto refers to the hope for eternal life for whoever lives in the house.
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Archaeological Museum of Granada
The Archaeological Museum of Granada is one of the oldest museums in Spain,
having been founded in 1879.
It has two floors and a charming patio. The museum presents several archaeological periods in its seven rooms, though unfortunately, only the ground floor is open to the public.
Here, you can explore an exhibition of very interesting pieces that illustrate the history of Granada from early human settlement to the Christian conquest.
Due to structural problems with the building, the museum has been closed for several years, and only a partial renovation
has been carried out that allows access to this floor.
In the Paleolithic period, we can understand the economy and daily life of the inhabitants of Granada.
The materials in the room aim to explain the evolution of man, his way of life, and the utilization of stone tools.
The second room presents the transition to an economy of food production, while the third room covers the Bronze Age from 1900 to 1200 BC.
The fourth room presents the era of colonization
and the Iberian world, containing the exotic and luxurious objects with which the Phoenician aristocracy was buried.
In other rooms of the Archaeological Museum of Granada, Roman and Arab culture are represented through items such as bronze lamps, weapons, vases, cinerary urns, small bronzes for everyday use, sarcophagi, and ceramics.
Attention: at the moment, only the ground floor is open with the exhibition of pieces that show the history of Granada from human settlement to the Christian conquest.
Don't Miss Out
- There is a section dedicated to the interesting and unknown Culture of El Argar. The objects found at the Cerro de la Encina site in Monachil date back to 2000 BC, revealing data about a very complex society.
- The Phoenician objects found in the Laurita Necropolis in Almuñécar show us how exotic products from the great cultures of the Mediterranean arrived on our shores.
- The impressive Capitoline Venuses are from the Roman Villa of Salar, an archaeological site that remains active and continues to unveil new treasures every year.
Entrance Ticket Price and Opening Hours
Entry Price of the Archaeological Museum
Entry to the Archaeological Museum of Granada is free for EU citizens.Other countries: 1.50 euros. Free on Sundays.
Schedule of the Archaeological Museum of Granada
The Archaeological Museum of Granada is open every day, including holidays (with special hours).
- From September 1 to June 30: from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00. Sundays and holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.
- From July 1 to August 31 : Tuesday to Sunday and holidays from 09:00 to 15:00.
- Closed every Monday and on January 1 and 6, May 1 and December 24, 25 and 31.
How to Get to the Archaeological Museum?
You can reach the Archaeological Museum by taking bus number C31, C32 and C34.
More information at Albaicin Buses.
It is located very close to the center of Granada, on Carrera del Darro, near Plaza Nueva and Gran Vía, you can also walk.
Contact Information
- Address: Carrera del Darro 41-43, 18010 Granada.
- Phone: 600 143 141.
- Email: museoarqueologicogranada.ccul@juntadeandalucia.es.
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Page Updated: Feb 04, 2024
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Opinions about Arqueological Museum in Granada
Interesting museum but not must see
Has three areas, each offers different periods of the history of Granada. The artifacts are nothing special but the museum has lovely courtyard with amazing view of the Alhambra from the second floor.
Probably the best artifact is the beautiful bronze Roman statue of a man.
Explanation boards in Spanish and English. Not a must museum but you can visit it if you are in the area.
History of Granada up to the Christian conquest
The recently reopened museum located in a beautiful old building called Casa de Castril built in 1539 on the Carrera del Darro. Has artifacts starting from Paleolithic.
Here you can learn about the history of Granada up to the Christian conquests and visit the gallery of the Moorish times. Some artifacts are thousand years old.
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