A journey through the history and beauty of Carmen de los Mártires
Nestled on the southern slopes of the Mauror hill, within the Alhambra, Carmen de los Mártires is one of the most fascinating gardens in Granada. Its seven hectares are home to a combination of green spaces that have evolved over the centuries from its origins as a place of seclusion to become an exquisite landscape setting.
This enclave, once known as Campo de Ahabul by the Arabs, was a territory where Christian prisoners were held, earning it the name of Corral de los Cautivos (Corral of the Captives). It was here that Boabdil left to hand over the keys of the city to the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. Isabella the Catholic, in honour of the Christians who suffered here, ordered the construction of a hermitage, the first church in Granada. Although this disappeared over time, its legacy lives on in the name and history of Carmen de los Mártires.
An orchard with a monastic imprint
In 1573, the place passed into the hands of the Discalced Carmelites, who erected a convent with an orchard where they cultivated aromatic and medicinal herbs such as thyme, lavender and oregano. Among its most illustrious inhabitants was San Juan de la Cruz, prior of the convent in the 16th century, who devoted himself to mystical poetry as well as to the design of the gardens and the construction of an aqueduct that is still preserved today.
One of the most striking elements of this orchard is an ancient cypress tree, brought from Mexico by the Carmelite missionaries, where it is said that St. John of the Cross used to sit to write and meditate. Despite being struck by lightning two decades ago, the legendary tree is still standing.
The romantic charm of the lake
After the demolition of the convent in the 19th century due to the confiscation of Mendizábal, the estate passed into private hands. Its greatest splendour came with the Belgian Hubert Merrsmans in 1891, who gave Carmen de los Mártires a romantic air with fountains, sculptures and labyrinthine paths. The pond was transformed into an idyllic black swan lake, with a small island in its centre where arbutus trees and Bussaco cedars still grow. The scene is dominated by a ruined keep offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.
A walk through European gardens
In the 19th century, the Calderón family designed several gardens inspired by different European styles:
The French garden, presided over by a fountain of Neptune, where magnolia, orange and palm trees grow.
The Spanish garden, with a pond surrounded by rose bushes and lime trees, although most of it disappeared in the 1960s.
The English garden, a palm grove with a fountain dedicated to Philip II, added in 1930 by Joaquín de Arteaga, Duke of Infantado.
A nod to Nasrid gardening
The Duke of Infantado, a great admirer of the Nasrid legacy, commissioned the construction of a neo-Nazari courtyard in 1944, inspired by the Patio de la Acequia in the Generalife. Although it does not reach the majesty of the original Moorish courtyards, it is a beautiful interpretation of Andalusian gardening, with jasmine climbing up the windows and a central rectangular pond.
A treasure rescued from oblivion
Listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1943, Carmen de los Mártires passed into the hands of Granada City Council in 1958. However, it was on the verge of disappearing in the 1970s, when a hotel project threatened to demolish part of the estate. Thanks to citizen mobilisation, the works were halted and this green oasis remains as one of the most beautiful corners of the city.
A vantage point with privileged views
In addition to its historical value, Carmen de los Mártires has a viewpoint that offers spectacular views of Granada, the Vega and the Sierra Nevada. Among its most romantic corners is a latticed window from which you can contemplate the city, with an inscription that reads: "Sitting here, I imagined you by my side and I gave you all the birds of the world".
Where to eat near Carmen de los Mártires
If after your visit you feel like enjoying the local gastronomy, near Carmen de los Mártires you will find several restaurants that stand out for their charm and quality:
Mirador de Morayma: A charming restaurant with spectacular views of the Alhambra, ideal for tasting typical Andalusian dishes.
Restaurant Carmen Aben Humeya: Located in a traditional carmen, it offers signature cuisine with one of the best panoramic views of the city.
El Huerto de Juan Ranas: Famous for its tapas and specialities from Granada, with a terrace offering a privileged view of the Alhambra.
Ruta del Azafrán: Located at the foot of the Alhambra, it stands out for its fusion of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.
Your Luxury Getaway in the Centre of Granada
If you are looking for an exclusive stay in a luxury hotel in the centre of Granada, Seda Club is the perfect choice for you. Located just 1.5 km from Carmen de los Mártires, this elegant establishment offers a sophisticated experience, with attention to detail and impeccable service that guarantees an unforgettable stay.
Also, if you want to enjoy a good brunch in Granada, the Seda Club restaurant is an unbeatable option. With a careful and exquisite gastronomic proposal, this brunch becomes the perfect start to your day, offering you a culinary experience that combines local and international flavours in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Book your stay at Seda Club and live a unique experience in the heart of Granada!
