Church of San Salvador Albaicín
A historic church built on a 13th-century mosque, preserving ancient patios, cisterns, and art. A hidden gem in Albaicín.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Church of San Salvador Albaicín
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church built on a 13th-century mosque, preserving ancient patios, cisterns, and art. A hidden gem in Albaicín.
"A magnificent work about the city's mosque, which I highly recommend you visit!"
💰 Budget-Friendly Gem
Admission is incredibly affordable at just 1 euro, making it a must-visit for budget travelers. :euro:
🗣️ Chat with the Priest
The priest is known for his passion and detailed stories about the church's history. Don't hesitate to ask him questions! :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Patio de las Abluciones
Mosque Courtyard
The preserved ablution patio of the ancient mosque, a serene space offering a tangible link to the past.
Ancient Cistern
Underground
A remarkably well-preserved, deep cistern from the mosque era, showcasing impressive historical engineering.
Parish Museum
Inside the Church
Discover salvaged artworks, including pieces by José de Mora and Bocanegra, saved from historical events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the Mosque's Echoes
Hidden Treasures Within
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Albaicin and Sacromonte
💰 Budget-Friendly Gem
Admission is incredibly affordable at just 1 euro, making it a must-visit for budget travelers. :euro:
🗣️ Chat with the Priest
The priest is known for his passion and detailed stories about the church's history. Don't hesitate to ask him questions! :speech_balloon:
Tips on enjoying Granada?
🚶♀️ Explore Albaicín
This church is a perfect stop on a walk through the historic Albaicín neighborhood. Enjoy the views and winding streets. :walking:
📸 Look Beyond the Facade
The true treasures are inside and in the preserved mosque elements. Be sure to explore the patio and museum. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Gem
Admission is incredibly affordable at just 1 euro, making it a must-visit for budget travelers. :euro:
🗣️ Chat with the Priest
The priest is known for his passion and detailed stories about the church's history. Don't hesitate to ask him questions! :speech_balloon:
🚶♀️ Explore Albaicín
This church is a perfect stop on a walk through the historic Albaicín neighborhood. Enjoy the views and winding streets. :walking:
📸 Look Beyond the Facade
The true treasures are inside and in the preserved mosque elements. Be sure to explore the patio and museum. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Church of San Salvador Albaicín for its incredible historical significance, particularly its origins as a mosque, and its affordable entry fee. The preserved elements like the patio and cistern are highlights, as is the warm welcome from the priest who shares fascinating stories. Some find the exterior unassuming compared to the treasures within.
"A magnificent work about the city's mosque, which I highly recommend you visit!"
Toño Gonzalez
"The Church of the Savior
Built on the old Main Mosque of the Albaicín, which can still be seen: a beautiful patio, the Patio de las Abluciones, a deep cistern in very good condition and some columns.
clock tower of the San Salvador church in Granada It is said that this was the most beautiful mosque in all of Al-Andalus, built in the 13th century by Muslim refugees who arrived after the conquest of Baeza.
The church of El Salvador was one of the first parishes in the city, consecrated in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros with the aim of promoting the Christian faith in this Moorish neighborhood.
The new building was completed in 1594 and its main doorway made of Malahá stone is worthy of admiration.
placeta de aliator in albaicín A smaller side doorway from the 17th century gives access to the old courtyard of the mosque, today the atrium of the church.
Inside the Church of El Salvador you will find relevant works by artists of the time, such as José de Mora, Bocanegra and Pablo de Rojas.
They are all gathered in the parish Museum.
When you leave the church, and before continuing our tour of Placeta del Abad, you should know that you are very close to Plaza Aliatar, a place very famous for its tapas bars and sunny terraces.
fountain in the placeta de abad in the albaicín If you want to take a break and enjoy the gastronomy of Granada, this is a good place.
The Church of the Savior
Built on top of the old Greater Mosque of the Albaicín, which can still be seen: a beautiful patio, the Patio de las Abluciones, a deep cistern in very good condition and some columns.
clock tower of San Salvador church in Granada It is said that this was the most beautiful mosque in all of Al-Andalus, built in the 13th century by Muslim refugees who arrived after the conquest of Baeza.
The Church of El Salvador was one of the first parishes in the city, consecrated in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros with the aim of promoting the Christian faith in this Moorish neighborhood.
The new building was completed in 1594 and its main doorway, made with stone from the Malahá, is worthy of admiration.
Aliator small square in Albaicín A smaller side doorway from the 17th century gives access to the old courtyard of the mosque, today the atrium of the church.
Inside the Church of El Salvador you will find relevant works by artists of the time, such as José de Mora, Bocanegra and Pablo de Rojas.
They are all gathered in the Parish Museum.
When you leave the church, and before continuing our tour of the Placeta del Abad, you should know that you are very close to Plaza Aliatar, a place very famous for its tapas bars and sunny terraces.
fountain in the placeta de abad in the albaicín If you want to take a break and enjoy the gastronomy of Granada, this is a good place."
Set Contreras
"The Church of Our Savior is located in the oldest part of the Albaicin (Granada), built on the old Great Mosque of Granada, built in the 13th century.
It was burned down in the 1930s. It has a small museum of what was saved from the fire and a beautiful patio. Its priest is very pleasant and talkative, he knows the entire story in detail and tells it with great passion. A place that on the outside does not show the treasures it has inside."
Valentina Gobbo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the heart of the Albaicín neighborhood. You can reach it by walking from the city center, which offers beautiful views, or by taking a local bus that stops near the Plaza Aliatar. Be prepared for hilly, winding streets.
While the Albaicín's streets can be a bit tricky, there are street signs to help guide you. It's part of the charm to wander and discover hidden spots.
Many visitors recommend a walking tour to truly appreciate the historic Albaicín. The church is a key stop on many routes, offering great views and historical context.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically costing only 1 euro per person. This makes it an excellent value for experiencing its history and art.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally or arrive earlier in the day for the best experience.
No, advance booking is typically not required due to the low entry fee and the nature of the site. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
As it is a place of worship, modest dress is recommended. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautiful Patio de las Abluciones, a deep and well-preserved cistern, and some original columns from the mosque.
The museum houses salvaged works by notable artists of the time, including pieces by José de Mora, Bocanegra, and Pablo de Rojas.
The historic nature of the Albaicín and the church itself, with its ancient structures, may present challenges. The patio is generally accessible, but some areas might be difficult.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always good practice to be respectful and avoid flash photography, especially during services.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you're very close to Plaza Aliatar, which is famous for its tapas bars and sunny terraces. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy local gastronomy.
You'll find traditional Andalusian tapas and local Granada dishes. It's a perfect area to sample regional specialties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the art in the museum might be less captivating for very young children, the stories shared by the priest can be a highlight. Encourage them to look for the oldest parts of the building and imagine the mosque that once stood there. Visiting the nearby Plaza Aliatar for tapas afterwards can be a fun reward.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's also perfectly situated within the Albaicín, an area best explored on foot, saving on transportation costs. Combine your visit with a walk through the neighborhood and enjoy affordable tapas in the nearby Plaza Aliatar for a complete, budget-friendly experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Mosque Reimagined: History of San Salvador Albaicín
Visitors can still witness the mosque's legacy through the preserved Patio de las Abluciones and a remarkably deep cistern. A smaller side doorway from the 17th century leads to the mosque's old courtyard, now serving as the church's atrium. This unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture offers a profound historical narrative, making it a significant site for understanding Granada's cultural evolution.
The church also played a role in the city's religious and social history, serving as one of the few churches with the right to asylum for decades. The sanbenitos of those punished by the Inquisition, previously displayed in the Cathedral, once hung in its cloister. This history adds another layer to the church's significance beyond its architectural merits.
Artistic Treasures Within
Key pieces include the painting of the 'Holy Supper' by Bocanegra, the titular image carved by Pedro Duque de Cornejo, and the 17th-century carving of the 'Lord of the Blood' (Cristo del Perdón). These artworks, created by prominent artists of their time, are carefully preserved and contribute to the church's cultural value.
Many visitors are struck by the passion with which the local priest shares the stories behind these artworks and the church's history. This personal touch, combined with the artistic merit of the pieces, makes a visit to the museum a particularly enriching experience.
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