Museo Sacristía de la Capilla Real

Construction of this Chapel was ordered by the Catholic Monarchs, to be the resting place of their mortal remains. They saw in Granada a symbol of the unity of Spain and the Christian Kingdom. Building work on this Gothic-style construction began in 1506, and it was dedicated to the two Saint Johns: Baptist and Evangelist. It was completed in 1517, during the reign of Charles V, who also transferred the remains of his parents, Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso, to the site.

The chapel is a key example of the flamboyant Gothic style in the Renaissance period. It only has one external façade, being joined to the Cathedral, the Market and the Sacrarium on its remaining three sides. The beautiful Plateresque façade is the work of Juan García de Prada. Inside, special mention should be made of the splendid Plateresque grille, by Bartolomé de Jaén, the Gothic main altarpiece, dated 1522, and the royal tombs, sculpted in Carrara marble. Beneath them is the crypt, with the lead coffins of the four monarchs and prince Michael.

Nowadays, access for visits to the Royal Chapel is through the old Market. This was where traders and moneylenders would come together to do business. Building work here began in 1518, following a design by Enrique Egas, although the project eventually completed was quite different. The Gothic balcony of the upper floor is one of the building´s most attractive elements.