Visit Spain’s Historic Homes and Churches
Spain is characterized by red tile roofs, terra cotta styling and rustic medieval churches. As a country well known for its religious tradition, cathedrals and churches make up a great number of Spain’s historic structures, but some as less-known and less visited. Also, many venerable historic homes are largely ignored. Here you will discover some of Spain’s best preserved Renaissance architecture, both places of worship and simpler family residences, and learn which places can be visited as you traipse through Spain.
A Gilded Monastery
If you’re planning to visit Granada, there are some places you should not miss. The Carthusian monastery (or, for the Spanish linguist, La Monasterio de la Cartuja) can be found on a hilltop overlooking the graceful elegance of Moorish Granada. Its origins in the early 16th century were soon eclipsed by the gilded interior added through the centuries. This place is well known as having more worldly tastes then its follow monasteries, but the sinful opulence of Cartuja gives you more photo opportunities and a more beautiful interior view. The gilded beauty of the interior contrasts sharply with the simple brown masonry you will see as you approach.
A Moorish Home
Visit Casa Morisca, a 15th or 16th century home that is now also an inn, and find yourself taken back in time. Although the facade is newer, the original home dates from the days of the Muslim Moors and much of the interior shows this. The courtyard encloses a small pond such as the Moors were fond of, and the woodwork in the upper level, combined with oddly-shaped hallways and a sort of loft overlooking the first story, shows the true origins of the home. Casa Morisca is quite possibly one of the best preserved homes in Granada, and from the street, if you’re lucky, you may be able to look up over the hill and see the famous Alhambra complex.
St. John of God
La Casa de Pisa is another historic home in Granada. Built before 1550 (this is known for sure because St. John of God is said to have died here in that year) La Casa de Pisa is an elegant home created in the Renaissance style. The room where St. John died has been reconstructed to look as it did when he stayed here, and due to the efforts of St. John’s loyal followers, it is kept beautiful and worthy of a tour of at least an hour. La Casa de Pisa’s owners were allowed to build here in exchange for helping to defeat the Moors who once held high court in Granada; this was the way quite a few buildings in Granada came about.
From Home to Museum
Casa de Castril, an old home with a facade dating from 1539, is located on the waterfront street of Carrera del Darro (the Darro River). The ornate facade is covered with detail work and is amazingly designed, making its door one of the most beautiful in Granada. Try to take a closeup shot of this wonderful craftsmanship. You will be able to enter Casa de Castril to explore further, because it is now one of Granada’s museums. Even if the museum itself does not interest you, perhaps the thrill of being inside a home that has stood for almost 500 years will do so.
Santa Catalina’s Allure
Next door to the Casa de Castril is the convent of Santa Catalina de Zafra. Keep in mind that if religious houses are still used as such, you may not able to go inside or may only be able to visit at certain times. A stately and large convent from the 1500s, Santa Catalina – named for St. Catherine – would make a beautiful subject for that perfect Granada photo. Its towers and stone walls, barring it from the outside world, are an example of simple yet elegant Granada architecture.
On to Sevilla
Let’s visit another Spanish city now, in the form of Sevilla. Sevilla may not have as many architectural wonders as Granada, but there are still some structures you will not want to miss. The most important by far is the Cathedral of Sevilla, an amazing church begun in the 1400s and added onto continuously until more modern times. It took centuries to complete the cathedral and get it to look the way its designers envisioned, but we can all appreciate the finished product. There are countless places throughout the cathedral to stop and appreciate the striking craftsmanship; arches, towers, the altar, the view from the top as you look out over Sevilla.
A Quaint Convent
The Convento de Santa Paula (Convent of St. Paula) is a lovely 15th century structure that appears to have changed little over the years. You may not be able to enter the convent but you can certainly admire its simple yet graceful exterior. The convent is one of Sevilla’s many small wonders, a lovely ancient building tucked in among much more modern structures. You may want to stop and contemplate the lives of solitude that those who lived within those walls must have led.
