Monasterio de San Jerónimo, Granada facts for kids
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The Royal Monastery of St. Jerome (Spanish: Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo de Granada) is a Christian monastery in Granada, Spain. It was built in the Renaissance style. This means it has a classic, grand look. The church here was the first in the world dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, a special religious idea.
History of the Monastery
The monastery was started by the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. They began building it in a place called Santa Fe. This was during a time when they were trying to take back the city of Granada. This long period was known as the Reconquista.
The actual buildings you see today in Granada began to be built in 1504. The monastery moved to this new spot then. A very important architect and sculptor named Diego de Siloé led much of the work. Other artists also helped, including Jacopo Torni and Pablo de Rojas.
The monks who live here are called Hieronymites. Their church is shaped like a Latin Cross. It has a special area for singing at the back and an altar at the front. The main altarpiece, which is a large decorated screen behind the altar, is very famous. It was mostly made by Pablo de Rojas.
The inside of the church is richly decorated. It has beautiful ceilings, carvings, and sculptures. This shows the style of the late Renaissance period. The art also celebrates the military hero Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, known as the Gran Capitán (the "Great Captain"). He is buried inside the church with his wife.
Building the church continued for many years. Jacopo Torni was in charge until he died in 1526. Then, Diego de Siloé took over. The main chapel was finished in 1522. The bodies of the Great Captain and his wife were moved there.
Over time, the monastery faced many challenges. During the Napoleonic era, French soldiers invaded Spain. The monks were forced to leave, and the monastery became almost a ruin. The Spanish government started to restore it in 1916.
The tall tower of the church had been pulled down by the French. They used its stones to build a bridge over the Genil River. The tower was finally rebuilt much later, in 1989.
In 2022, a special image of "Our Lady of Solitude" at the monastery received a "canonical coronation." This is a special honor given by the Pope.
Monastery Architecture
The monastery has two cloisters, which are open courtyards surrounded by covered walkways. Each cloister has a garden in the middle. The older cloister has more detailed Renaissance decorations. It has seven special archways that look like small chapels. These were meant to be a burial place for the Great Captain.
The second cloister is where the monks live today. It was once used by Empress Isabella of Portugal when she traveled after marrying Charles I of Spain.
The main gate that leads into the monastery grounds is very old. It disappeared in the 1800s but was found again in the 1960s. It was then put back in its original place. The statue of the Virgin of Sorrows on the gate is not the original one.
From 2004 to 2005, the main altarpiece was cleaned and repaired. During this time, it was covered with a huge photo of itself.
See also
In Spanish: Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo (Granada) para niños
- San Juan de Dios Hospital (Granada)
- History of early modern period domes
