Sacromonte Abbey

Location:
Sacromonte Hill
Granada, Spain

Historical Building

By Christopher Minster

Located on Valparaiso Hill outside the city, the Sacromonte Abbey was founded in 1600 and built over extensive catacombs, which had been established in an abandoned mine that dated back to Roman times. The hill itself has been traditionally the home of the city’s large gypsy population, and the inhabited caves in the hill are good places to go see flamenco shows. The Abbey is rumored to contain the remains of St. Cecil as well as 11 martyrs who died with him.

In about 1600, Los Plomos del Sacromonte were discovered in the catacombs: they are books made of lead and inscribed with the supposed words of the Virgin Mary, who is quoted as advising tolerance for Arabs. The books were determined to be forgeries, a hoax initiated by Muslim scholars who wanted greater tolerance for their people in post-Reconquest Spain. Unfortunately, the books are not available for viewing by the public.

Getting There
Easily found on Valparaiso Hill on the outskirts of Granada.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:11.00 to 13.00 / 16.00 to 18.00 Tues-Sat 16.00 to 18.00 Sunday

Days Closed:Monday

Contact Information:
Phone: 958 22 14 45
URL: www.granadainfo.com/tapichuela/sacromonten.htm