Church of Santos Justo y Pastor, Granada

The Church, or Iglesia in Spanish, of Santos Justo y Pastor is one of the many ornate churches found in Grenada, particularly around the Almoravid and Albayzin districts. These Catholic places of worship were built after the Conquest of Granada in 1492. Granada was the final city in Andalucía to be reconquered by the Catholic monarchs, Spanish royals who brought a religious crusade to the region. Prior to this date, the region was known as Al-Andalus, and was ruled by the Moors, a Muslim people that settled in Iberia. Granada was ruled by Emirs, who lived in the Alhambra palace which still overlooks the city.

This church is located opposite the main campus of the University of Granada, and was once the university chapel. It still remains popular with students, as a result. It is notable for its elegant façade, with a large stone engraved decoration around the portal. Inside, you can view a stunning altarpiece designed by Bocanegra. Construction on Santos Justo y Pastor began in 1575, roughly halfway through the period when most of Granada’s churches were built. This also marks the era of the Spanish Inquisition, when many non-Catholics were executed as part of the Reconquisition of Spain by the Catholic monarchs.