Casa del Chapiz — Attraction in Granada

En el preciso lugar en que el camino del Sacromonte y la Cuesta del Chapiz cruzan sus destinos, en pleno barrio del Albaicín, se yergue imponente una antigua construcción a caballo entre el Renacimiento, el Arte Nazarí y el Mudéjar que es historia viva de Granada: La Casa del Chapiz.

Probablemente edificada sobre los restos de un antiguo palacio árabe, ha llegado hasta nuestros días conocida como un inmueble único, aunque hoy sabemos que se trata realmente de dos casas diferentes, la de Lorenzo «el Chapiz» – del que toman su nombre – y la de Hernán López «el Ferí». Ambos convertidos al Cristianismo, vieron sus bienes expropiados en 1.571 tras el levantamiento de los moriscos, sofocado por la Corona de Castilla.

Ni los años venideros, ni los continuos cambios de propiedad consiguieron acabar con su presencia aunque, eso sí, tuvo que ser restaurada tras declararse Monumento Arquitectónico en 1.919 y adquirirla el estado diez años más tarde. En la actualidad, en ella se sitúa la Escuela de Estudios Árabes de Granada, contando con una biblioteca en la que descubrir valiosos pasajes de dicha cultura.

Ambas propiedades se enclavan en una gran parcela con huerta y jardín, que presenta unas hermosas vistas de la Alhambra. La casa de Lorenzo – la mayor – destaca por su alberca situada en un imponente patio de columnas de mármol blanco donde descansan los arcos del pórtico norte. En el Museo de la Alhambra se conservan aún las gorroneras de la puerta – también de mármol – que daba acceso originalmente a la sala principal.

Finalmente, el aljibe de la casa de Hernán López «el Ferí», almacén de agua proveniente de la acequia de Aynadamar, ayuda a componer tan solo una pequeña parte de los tesoros que nos aguardan en la satisfactoria visita a este pequeño gran trozo de imprescindible de la historia granadina.

In the precise place where the Sacromonte road and the Cuesta del Chapiz cross their destinations, in the heart of the Albaicín neighborhood, stands an imposing old construction halfway between Renaissance, Nasrid and Mudejar art that is the living history of Granada: The Chapiz House.

Probably built on the remains of an old Arab palace, it has survived to this day as a unique building, although today we know that it really is two different houses, that of Lorenzo "el Chapiz" - from which they take their name - and the by Hernán López "el Ferí". Both converted to Christianity, they saw their assets expropriated in 1571 after the Moorish uprising, put down by the Crown of Castile.

Neither the years to come, nor the continuous changes of ownership managed to end its presence, although, yes, it had to be restored after being declared an Architectural Monument in 1919 and acquired by the state ten years later. Currently, the School of Arab Studies of Granada is located there, with a library in which to discover valuable passages of said culture.

Both properties are located on a large plot with an orchard and garden, which offers beautiful views of the Alhambra. Lorenzo's house – the largest – stands out for its pool located in an imposing patio with white marble columns where the arches of the north portico rest. In the Museum of the Alhambra, the door knobs are still preserved – also made of marble – that originally gave access to the main room.

Finally, the cistern of the house of Hernán López "el Ferí", a storehouse for water from the Aynadamar ditch, helps to make up just a small part of the treasures that await us on the satisfying visit to this great little piece of essential of...

Note that all these tourist attractions are free on Sundays. The state has done a lot of work on the renovation of these houses. It gives you insights into the architecture of these Arab Hispanic times. The place has some real nice views of la Alhambra from below/ There is also a big garden in the back. Unfortunately, I was saddened to see that the garden is so badly kept. Most of the plants were dry or dead due to...

It's a gorgeous house-museum, with a great garden and amazing views over the Alhambra. Covid is making everything 'strange', so now you're only allowed to walk in its open areas, but it's still worth it. Sundays are free, but don't think it's expensive in weekdays, no! For 5€ only you can visit four more places apart from this one, all along the Albaycín, so it's a good opportunity to know it...