Convento de San Luis
One of the historical events most deeply remembered in the town is the one associated with Queen Isabel la Católica and the Battle of La Zubia. According to popular tradition, in the summer of 1491 (Saturday, 25th August), the Queen decided to go horseback riding to enjoy the beauty of the Alhambra and its surroundings.
The Arabs mistook the monarch’s audacity for an incursion by Christian troops and decided to attack. The Queen, at a clear disadvantage, took refuge among some leafy laurels and prayed to San Luis for help. Her troops won, and the Queen vowed to build a convent dedicated to this Saint Luis. In 1500, the Convento de San Luis, attached to the Franciscan Order, was founded. Today, only the convent church remains, the symbols and initials on its façade commemorating the Catholic Monarchs. The church was renovated in the 18th century, blending Baroque style with simple, sober lines and a neoclassical tabernacle.
There is a viewing point on one side, built for Queen Isabel II’s visit, which offers a marvellous view of the plain over a large area and, in the background, the city of Granada. On the other side are the remains of the 19th century Archbishop’s Palace, built on the remains of an old convent by Archbishop Bienvenido Monzón y Martín. His episcopal coat of arms and the date of completion of the works, 1884, appear on the main façade of the building. The palace was used for a short time only and remained in ruins until a few years ago, when it was rebuilt by the Mercedarian nuns who now occupy the convent. Located on Calle Laurel de la Reina.