Convent of San Francisco, Granada, Convent and hotel in Granada, Spain
The Convent of San Francisco, also known as the Palace of the Convent of San Francisco, is a historic building in Granada, Spain, that now operates as a Parador hotel. It features a church with a square bell tower, a cloister, and preserved Nasrid elements such as the Arab Hall and a hammam.
Built in the late 13th century as a Nasrid palace, it was converted into a Franciscan convent in 1494 after the Christian conquest. It later served as a barracks and fell into ruins before being restored in the 20th century and opened as a hotel in 1945.
The building serves as a state-run hotel where guests can stay in a setting that blends Christian and Islamic architecture. The cloister and rooms display art and furniture, and the name San Francisco refers to Saint Francis of Assisi, reflecting its past as a Franciscan monastery.
Visitors can find the entrance within the Alhambra complex, near the main paths, and it is accessible on foot from other parts of the site. It is best to visit during the day when the hotel is open to the public, and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on uneven surfaces.
The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, were initially buried here in 1504 and 1516 before their remains were moved to the Royal Chapel. The original Nasrid hammam was uncovered during excavations in the mid-20th century and can still be seen.
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