Hospital San Juan de Dios

This 16th-century hospital still fulfils its original purpose: to cure the sick. It's worth visiting both the beautiful Renaissance-style patios inside, with their trees, frescoes and ceramic tiles. The rest of the building is for the use of staff and patients. Juan Ciudad Duarte, later canonized as San Juan de Dios, came to Granada as an itinerant bookseller in 1536 after spending time as a shepherd and soldier. After reading holy works he decided on a religious and humanitarian vocation. He rented a house with room for 46 beds and started looking after the sick. In spite of initial hostility, his fame grew, followers arrived to help and funds were donated. In time he founded a charitable order that commissioned this hospital after he died in the Casa de los Pisa in 1550. Admission: free

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• Attraction Type: Historical Buildings

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