GRANATA, ARCIDIOCESI DI

Its legendary foundation in the 1st century by St CECILIO is well known, but the Council of Elvira (c. 300) already mentions its bishop. The diocese was suppressed in the 8th century with the Moorish invasion, but it was restored in 1492 after the city’s conquest by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and by virtue of a bull of Innocent VIII it was raised to metropolitan status. In 1523 construction began on the Cathedral, originally in Gothic style, which was later modified with Baroque and Renaissance elements and enriched by magnificent paintings by Alonso Cano (who also created the graceful façade and several statues), Juan de Sevilla, and other masters. Adjoining the Cathedral are two famous funerary chapels: one houses the artistic royal tomb of the aforementioned Ferdinand and Isabella; the other contains the remains of the valiant F. Pérez del Pulgar, who during the siege of the city entered alone and nailed a parchment bearing the words *Ave Maria* to the main mosque and also set fire to the nearby Alcaceria. In the sacristy are preserved relics of great value, in the archives precious codices and a rich collection of choir books. The Cathedral is dedicated to St CECILIO and to Our Lady of Anguish, and has borne the title of “apostolic” for many centuries, while its Chapter enjoys that of “excellence.” — See pl. LXXV.