03/11/2026
Granada, Spain - Monasterio de San Jeronimo de Granada
The Grand Church features a single magnificent nave and was the first in the world consecrated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The nave is built in the Gothic style and contains various chapels. The ceiling is composed of traditional Gothic ribbed vaulting decorated with 18th-century fresco paintings executed between 1723 and 1735. The nave transforms into the main chapel, which is built in the Renaissance style.
The high altar honors military triumphs and early Spanish Renaissance art. There used to be a large metal gate separating the main chapel and nave; however, when Napoleon’s troops occupied the church, they melted down the gate for bullets. Near the high altar, you will find the final resting place of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (the "Great Captain") and his wife, marked by a memorial stone. A replica of his sword is hanging on the left-side of the altar. His widow wanted the main chapel to be a tribute to her husband. The panels on the left-side depict other great heroes like Julius Ceasar, Pompey, Hannibal, and others that he would have been considered equal to in successful military campaigns. On the right-side are biblical, historical, or mythological women that his widow would have identified with like Esther, Judith, Abigail, and Penelope.
For more information on planning your visit, please see my Granada, Spain YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mhC0UmcchIo
