Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real
Experience a unique tradition: buy delicious baked goods from cloistered nuns through a rotating door. A sweet cultural encounter in Granada.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sweets available
Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real
Best Time
Sweets available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a unique tradition: buy delicious baked goods from cloistered nuns through a rotating door. A sweet cultural encounter in Granada.
"Amazing experience that you need to try it out yourselves."
🎯 Bring Cash for Treats
The nuns only accept cash for their delicious baked goods. Make sure to have small bills if possible.
🔔 Ring the Bell to Order
Press the white button to alert the nuns. Be patient and follow their instructions for the rotating door service.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nuns' Baked Goods
Rotating door entrance
Indulge in delicious pastries and truffles made by cloistered nuns. A unique cultural and culinary experience.
Peaceful Convent Atmosphere
Monastery grounds
Enjoy the serene and peaceful ambiance of this historic convent, a tranquil escape in Granada.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sweet Treats from Cloistered Nuns
Navigating the Monastery Entrance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Treats
The nuns only accept cash for their delicious baked goods. Make sure to have small bills if possible.
🔔 Ring the Bell to Order
Press the white button to alert the nuns. Be patient and follow their instructions for the rotating door service.
🗣️ Spanish is Helpful, Not Essential
While knowing some Spanish is beneficial, some visitors report the nuns speak English.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk to Monastery
The monastery is located uphill, so wear comfortable shoes for the scenic walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Treats
The nuns only accept cash for their delicious baked goods. Make sure to have small bills if possible.
🔔 Ring the Bell to Order
Press the white button to alert the nuns. Be patient and follow their instructions for the rotating door service.
🗣️ Spanish is Helpful, Not Essential
While knowing some Spanish is beneficial, some visitors report the nuns speak English.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk to Monastery
The monastery is located uphill, so wear comfortable shoes for the scenic walk.
📜 Check the Menu
The selection of pastries may vary. Look for the menu provided when ordering.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real for its unique and charming experience of purchasing baked goods from cloistered nuns via a rotating door. The pastries are described as delicious and affordable, making it a memorable cultural stop. Some minor challenges include navigating the entrance and the need for cash payment.
"A little walk uphill along beautiful houses.
Amazing experience that you need to try it out yourselves.
We were actually worried at first and stood there for sometime. Thinking to ring the bell or pull the chains or knock. The door doesn’t look like the type that will sell you sweets. But it does! Just press the white little button on the right.
Cash only. We got only 100 euro and was worried. But the nuns were nice to give us change.
The chocolate truffles were nice.
Read from the comments that the nuns actually spoke english. Should have known earlier."
Vonnie Wan
"Like many others, I bought pastries through a small rotating door. Ring the doorbell by pressing the white button, wait, and follow their instructions (be prepared to speak Spanish, and bring cash). We bought a large bag of Magdalenas for only 5€. Looking at others' photos it seems the available selection may change regularly, but I've attached the menu from today.
Hours for buying sweets are 9am to 6:30pm, except during mass on Sundays 10am to 11am"
Ryan Echols
"I got magdalenas and chocolate truffles, it's such a cute and sweet experience"
Cosmina Dorobăț
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monastery is situated uphill from the city center. Many visitors reach it by walking, enjoying the picturesque streets. Public buses also serve the general area, but the final approach often involves a pleasant, albeit sometimes steep, walk.
Parking directly at the monastery is very limited. It's advisable to use public parking garages in the city center and then walk or take a short bus ride to the monastery.
Yes, many walking tours of Granada include a stop at the Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real, often highlighting the unique experience of purchasing pastries.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need a ticket to enter the monastery's public areas or to purchase baked goods. The interaction for buying sweets is through a dedicated service window.
The hours for purchasing baked goods are typically from 9 AM to 6:30 PM daily. However, they are closed during Sunday mass, from 10 AM to 11 AM.
Locate the entrance for sweet purchases, ring the white doorbell, and wait for instructions. You'll interact through a rotating door to select and pay for your items.
No, the monastery only accepts cash payments for their baked goods. It's essential to have euros on hand.
Popular items include chocolate truffles, magdalenas, and 'cocos'. The selection can vary, so check the menu provided at the time of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. While the exterior and the area around the rotating door are generally fine for photos, it's best to be discreet and respectful of the nuns' privacy and the sacred nature of the convent.
The charming houses along the path leading up to the monastery offer beautiful photo opportunities. The unique rotating door itself is also a memorable subject.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the monastery is a place of religious life and does not have public dining facilities. Its primary offering to visitors is its delicious baked goods.
Visitors frequently rave about the chocolate truffles and magdalenas. The 'cocos' are also a popular choice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include bringing cash for the delicious pastries, as it's the only accepted payment method. The walk up to the monastery can be a bit of a climb, so consider this if you have very young children or strollers. However, the scenic route is often part of the charm. The peaceful atmosphere also makes it a calm stop during a busy day of sightseeing.
💰 Budget Travelers
This activity offers great value, combining a unique cultural interaction with delicious local treats without a hefty price tag. The walk to the monastery is free, and the cost of the pastries is minimal, making it a perfect addition to a day of exploring Granada without breaking the bank. Remember to bring cash to take advantage of these affordable delights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Nuns' Bakery Experience
To partake in this unique experience, visitors typically ring a bell by pressing a white button. After a short wait, a menu of available pastries is presented, and orders are placed and paid for through the rotating mechanism. It's a quiet, respectful exchange that feels both intimate and historically significant. Many reviewers highlight the deliciousness of the treats, with chocolate truffles and magdalenas being particularly popular choices.
Practical tips for this experience include bringing cash, as credit cards are not accepted, and being prepared for a potentially quiet interaction. While some visitors have noted that Spanish is helpful, others have found the nuns to be accommodating and able to communicate in English. The entire process is a charming glimpse into a centuries-old tradition, making it a memorable stop in Granada.
A Glimpse into the Monastery's History and Architecture
While the interior is largely dedicated to the cloistered life of the nuns, the exterior and the immediate surroundings offer a sense of its historical presence. The walk up to the monastery itself is often described as beautiful, passing by charming houses that contribute to the overall atmosphere of Granada. The peaceful nature of the convent is frequently mentioned by visitors, offering a serene contrast to the bustling city below.
For those interested in the historical context, understanding that the nuns here live a life of prayer and seclusion adds a layer of depth to the visit. It's not just a place to buy sweets, but a living testament to a long-standing religious tradition. The very act of purchasing goods through the rotating door connects visitors to this enduring way of life.
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