Iglesia de San Andrés, Granada

The Iglesia de San Andrés is one of many historic churches in Granada, and is considered to be one of the finest. Built in the Romanesque style in the 15th century, it was extensively redeveloped in the 18th century. It has been a Spanish national monument since 1923. Lacking the intricate decoration found on many of the city’s churches, it is notable for its simple, elegant design. A three naved church, the Iglesia de San Andrés has a striking apse, decorated in chequerboard black and white tiles. Many valuable paintings and engravings can be found inside the building, including works by Alonso Vàzquez and Gàspar Nuñez Delgado. The church’s most famous artwork is a depiction of an apparition of the Virgin Mary appearing before Saint Bernard.

For centuries, the church has been the home of Los Panaderos, a Catholic brotherhood of local bakers. They originally laid the foundation stones for the original building, and continue to form the guild of the church and participate in the city’s famous Easter celebrations. The church is free to visit, though it is closed to the general public during services. It is generally open to visitors from 10am to 6pm from 1st May to 16th October, closing during the traditional siesta period from 2pm to 4pm.