Convento de San Gregorio Betico - Granada

Dating back to the 16th century , the Church of San Gregorio Bético has its origins in a hermitage commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs to honor the Franciscan monks Juan de Cetina and Pedro de Dueñas, who were martyred in 1397 . The two monks were arrested for preaching in front of the mosque of Alhambra, and tied to the tails of horses, they were taken from the Alhambra to the dungeons existing here.

The small hermitage was expanded into a church and an outbuilding. In the middle of the 16th century, the city council ordered it to be rebuilt, because the building had fallen into disrepair. The architect Francisco de Moya was in charge of the design of the new building.

The church is notable for its Mannerist facade of gray Sierra Elvira marble and two stories high . Two Ionic columns with fluted shafts, raised on high pedestals, frame a semicircular arch that gives access to the church, on which pomegranates are depicted.

The interior of the church is a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque with a main chapel where some frescoes have been preserved.

In 1652, the Order of Friars Minor of San Francisco de Caraccilo was established in this temple. From the 17th to the 19th century it was dedicated to worship.

After confiscation, the church was used as a wine and coal storehouse , as well as a brothel and dance hall.

In 1887 the church was again used by the congregation of the Sancti Spiritus sisters.

On March 10, 1936, the church and monastery were burned down . It was partially restored in 1938 and abandoned a few years later due to the dilapidated state of the building.

Since the 1950s, the church and convent have been inhabited by the community of Sisters of the Clarisse.

A good time to visit the church of San Gregorio Betico is in the afternoon, when the nuns sing the Angelus . Even if you're not Catholic, you're sure to find peace and quiet here, and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Willem Vandenameele