Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja"

Cartuja Monastery, a prime example of the fashionable Baroque style, was started in the 16th century but wasn't finished for almost 300 years. Near the front entry is a tiny garden designed as a cloister, and beyond that are several little chapels decorated with paintings of the martyrs.

The site has a stunning church with a single nave and an elaborate interior. On the outskirts of the city in the 16th century, there existed a Carthusian monastery called Monasterio de la Cartuja. Despite its austere façade, the building's sunny courtyard and magnificent interior give it an air of refined simplicity.

One of the most magnificent churches in Spain is located there. The monastery's Baroque Sanctuary is filled with exquisite works of art, including paintings, marble statues, altar items, and more. The most noteworthy aspect of Luis de Arevalo's church design is the sacristy. The Last Supper, painted by Fray Juan Sanchez Cotan, hangs in the refectory.

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• Visit the Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja" which served as home to a group of Carthusian monks from the time it was built until 1835.
• Exploring the austere exterior of this historic monastic complex conceals one of the most magnificently decorated Carthusian monasteries in all of Spain.
• Enter via the doors and admire the enormous courtyard, up the stairs, and into the monastery's ornate main church.
• View the four sculptures, including an effigy of St. Bruno (the founder of the Carthusian Order), standing in front of the church.
• Check out the elaborate canopies made of wood and mirrors that hang over the main altar, and take note of the countless paintings and sculptures that adorn the walls and ceilings.
• Proceed behind the altar and into the Sancta Sanctorum only to find an extravagant tabernacle made of marble and jasper that stands at its heart.
• Look at the paintings in the Refectory by a monk and artist Juan Sánchez Cotán if you wish to learn more about the background of the Carthusian Order. 
• Take a respite at the cloister's center fountain area, surrounded by orange trees.

The best time to visit La Cartuja is in the early morning hours when there is less crowd and you can explore the infrastructure without any rush. It is advisable to visit the place on weekdays to avoid the crowd.

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Tips to Visit Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción "La Cartuja"

• The remote La Cartuja Monastery provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• To respect the privacy of those who are worshipping here, please dress modestly.
• Within the walls of the monastery, recording video or taking photographs is strictly forbidden.
• It is advisable to book your tickets prior so that you can enjoy your visit without any worries. 
• Please wear comfortable shoes as visiting the monastery includes lot of walking 
• Carry a water bottle with you which will keep you hydrated throughout your trip. 

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By bus - About three kilometers outside of Granada's downtown is where you'll find the Cartuja Monastery. It's recommended that you take one of the following city buses: N7, U1, U2, or U3. Places like "Science Education" and "Paseo de Cartuja" are where you should get off and explore. You can expect to pay around €6 for a taxi ride into the heart of the city.

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