Pre-Islamic history of Granada: do you know the 'Abadía del Sacromonte'?

There is no doubt that the Alhambra was a landmark in the history of Granada, but long before the arrival of the Nasrids, the city was already an important destination for visitors. Did you know that Granada was one of the main centres of pilgrimage in Europe?

At the 'Abadía del Sacromonte', you can immerse yourself in fascinating stories, a mixture of historical facts, traditions and legends. This emblematic monument is involved in various theories about its origin and about the enigmatic 'Libros Plúmbeos', which were kept and studied for years in the Vatican before eventually being returned to the Abbey.

To tell you about this place, I will start with the name of its location: Valparaíso (Paradise Valley). This is the name given to the area surrounding the Abbey, and the views from here over the valley, the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada are a spectacle for the senses.

In 1594, the ashes of Saint Cecilio, one of the disciples of Apostle Santiago, were found in a Roman lime kiln dating from the 1st century A.D, which led to the start of a pilgrimage to this place.
Given the importance of this event, the Abbey was built to venerate the Saint. In addition to being a place of worship, it became one of the first university colleges in Spain.



The 'Libros Plúmbeos'
Together with the remains of Saint Cecilio, some lead plates were found with inscriptions engraved in Latin and in rare Arabic characters. The history of these ‘books’ has been marked by controversy. For years they were kept in the Vatican because they were considered heretical. These texts spoke of the existence of a very ancient union between the Islamic and Catholic traditions. According to some historians, it is a 16th century falsification, but in any case, a 16th century falsification might as well be called a ‘historical falsification’, right?

But the controversy does not end here, all over the building you can see symbols of the Christian faith, however, the most repeated symbol is the Star of David, which undoubtedly reminds us more of Judaism, but actually, what it represents is wisdom. Finally, in the Collegiate Church you can see the famous Cristo de los Gitanos, by José Risueño, while in Las Santas Cuevas there is a replica which is the one that is carried out at Easter in the Procesión de los Gitanos (Procession of the Gypsies). Take a good look at the differences between the two sculptures and discover their symbolism. Note the position of his feet, which is not the usual position in representations of Christ on the Cross.



Plan your visit:
Check opening times on the Abadía del Sacromonte's website before planning your trip.

What to see in the Abadía del Sacromonte:
The Holy Caves: The heart of the abbey are these caves where, according to tradition, the remains of the martyrs were found. Inside, you can visit the chapel dedicated to San Cecilio and admire the beauty of this sacred place.
The Museum: It has a diverse collection of sacred art, manuscripts and liturgical objects. The paintings of great artists such as Pedro Atanasio Bocanegra and even a Goya stand out.
The Church: In baroque style, the abbey church is a place of great architectural beauty. Its front, high altar and altarpieces are impressive examples of the religious art of the period.
The Views: From the Abbey, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Granada, the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. It is an ideal place to take photographs and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.



How to get there
From Abades Hotels, getting to the Abadía del Sacromonte is very handy. If you are staying at the Abades Recogidas 4* hotel, you can take the C34 bus directly, which will take you comfortably to your destination. If you are staying at the Abades Nevada Palace 4* hotel, you can combine bus lines 8 and C34 to get there in a short time. For those who prefer to enjoy a panoramic walk, it is possible to get there walking through the charming neighbourhood of Sacromonte, with its views, its unique atmosphere and its caves where you can enjoy flamenco shows.

Isn't this an ideal plan for an autumn getaway?

Book now at the Abades Recogidas 4* hotel or at the Abades Nevada Palace 4* hotel and discover all that Granada has for you.

Also, if you register for free you will get a 10% discount on your booking and other advantages.

Register and book your next adventure

We look forward to welcoming you soon!