Located at the heart of the old town, it has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike since its construction in 1492.
The square was named after Isabella I of Castile, who together with her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon funded Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America. It was built on top of what used to be a Muslim cemetery, which is why it features some Islamic-style architectural elements such as horseshoe arches and Mudéjar tiles.
Isabella the Catholic Square is surrounded by several historical buildings, including the Royal Chapel where Isabella and Ferdinand are buried; The Town Hall; The Casa de los Tiros (the House of Shots) – one of Granada’s most important Renaissance palaces; And La Lonja (the Exchange), which used to be a market during Moorish times but now houses various shops and restaurants.
The square also contains many monuments dedicated to key figures from Spain’s history such as El Cid Campeador, Hernán Cortés, Miguel de Cervantes and Francisco Franco among others. Every Sunday there are free musical performances that take place here too.
If you’re visiting Granada then make sure you stop by Isabella, the Catholic Square – it’s definitely worth seeing.
