The first wedding cake cathedral of the trip was the Cathedral of the Incarnation. During Semana Santa it was only possible to visit for a few hours during the day — the rest of the time is was closed for the processions.
Massive, beautiful, and important, the cathedral is a mishmash of different styles. As you wander amongst pillars, paintings and statues, it’s fairly easy to pick out the various architectures (Gothic, Spanish Renaissance).
As far as churches go in Europe, Granada’s Cathedral came late to the country (1523). This was because Southern Spain was governed by Muslim/Moorish rulers until the 15th century. It was only after they left, and Catholic rulers took over, that the cathedral was built… atop a mosque.
This was largely due to the efforts of Ferdinand and Isabella who made it their personal mission to rid Spain of its Muslim rulers. They finally succeeded in 1492, the same year they sent Christopher Columbus abroad to expand their trading prowess and influence in the world.
The bodies of Ferdinand, Isabella, and their family are buried in the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) next to the cathedral.
