On Monday we went to the Monasterio de San Jerónimo in Granada, a 16th-century monastery that was occupied by Napoleon’s troops during his occupation of Spain in the 19th century. Wild!

Around the cloister garden, dozens of tombstones marked the graves of monks from centuries ago.

Ornate view of the main altar from the nave, showcasing the intricate gilded altarpiece with multiple tiers of religious figures framed by elaborately carved architecture. The domed ceiling above is richly decorated with painted panels and reliefs, while stained glass windows cast colored light into the grand interior. Towering columns and mural-covered walls add to the sense of grandeur.Upward perspective of the stone bell tower and ornate facade, seen against a clear blue sky. The structure features Renaissance-style carvings, a sculpted relief above the main entrance, and detailed coats of arms, emphasizing the building’s historical and architectural richness.Marble grave marker inscribed with the name “Fr. Carlos Dávalos” and the year 1652, set among worn terracotta tiles. The engraved stone stands out against the earthy floor, evoking the long history of the site and its monastic inhabitants.Peaceful courtyard garden with neatly trimmed hedges and rows of lush orange trees laden with fruit. In the background, the upper structure of the monastery rises with stone balustrades, arched windows, and decorative pinnacles under a vivid blue sky.Simple monastic dining hall with long wooden tables and benches lining both sides of the room. Soft natural light enters through small square windows, highlighting the whitewashed walls and brick floor. Religious paintings, including a rendition of the Last Supper, adorn the walls beneath exposed wooden beams.View of the bell tower rising above a courtyard of orange trees, with sunlight filtering through the foliage. The tower’s stone facade features arched openings and a small cross at the top, while the vibrant greenery below creates a serene contrast to the golden stone.Side-angle view of the richly detailed altarpiece, composed of multiple niches filled with polychrome religious statues and gold accents. The vaulted ceiling above is intricately carved and painted, adding depth and drama to the vertical space.Close-up of the upper portion of the altarpiece, highlighting expressive sculpted figures arranged in narrative scenes. The gold-trimmed architectural elements frame each panel, while painted reliefs and figures convey intense emotion and devotion.Fresco of a winged saint painted on a column, depicted in ornate armor holding a shield and sword while standing atop a defeated dragon. Surrounding floral motifs and decorative patterns enrich the scene, reflecting the artistic detail throughout the church interior.Altarpiece framed by soaring columns and detailed frescoes, featuring statues of saints and biblical figures set against a painted backdrop. Above, three arched stained glass windows illuminate the richly decorated apse, bringing light and color into the sacred space.