Convent Sweets in Granada

In Granada there are several convents that sell sweets to earn pocket money. These sweets have been sold over generations and are unique of every convent. Visiting a convent and buying some of these from the nuns is a unique experience and helps the nuns run the convent.

The nuns of the convents in Granada re cloistered to avoid contact with the public. To buy these sweets you will see a small room in the entrance of the convent with a lazy Susan and a list with the prices of the sweets. Once you know which sweets you want to order all you need to do is ring the buzzer on the wall and explain your order to the nun.

Monasterio de las Comendadoras de Santiago

Monasterio de las Comendadores de Santiago was built in 1501 thanks to the support of the Catholic Monarchs. Also known as Monasterio de la Madre de Dios, this convent was the first building for religious women in Granada. With this monastery, the monarchs wanted to give tribute to the protector of Spain, the Apostle Santiago.

Address: Calle Santiago, 20, 18009, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 822 52 50
Specialties: Candied fruits, jams, Christmas sweets and shortcakes.

Monasterio de San Jerónimo

The Real Monasterio de San Jerónimo began to be built in 1504 and was finished in 1522. This church is famous due to its peculiar Renaissance architecture. It has a latin cross and two cloisters around a garden. The nuns that live in this monastery are called madres jerónimas and bake sweets all year round.

Address: Calle Rector López Argueta, 9, 18001 Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 827 93 37
Specialties: Puff pastries, mostachones (a flat looking biscuit), tocinillos (similar to a custard), syrups, roscos (a donut shaped biscuit) and jams.

Monasterio de San Bernardo

Monasterio de San Bernardo is a Cistercian monastery that was built in 1683. The foundation of this monastery was inspired by Francisco de Rois y Mendoza, Archbishop of Granada. From its vast terrace there is a splendid view of the Alhambra and the Albaicin. During Christmas the nuns have a vast offering of sweets but they also bake some other sweets all year round.

Address: Calle Gloria, 2, 18010, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 822 78 92
Specialties:
During Christmas: Rosquitos de anís, almond shortbreads, butter cakes, marzipan pastries and flatbreads.
Rest of the year: Almond pastries, tea pastries and plum cake.

Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Zafra

Santa Catalina de Zafra was founded in 1520 by Hernando de Zafra, secretary of the Catholic Kings and the construction was finished in 1540. The original building caught fire in 1678 and was later on restored. Good stop for a visit as it´s located next to Casa de Zafra and a great example of Renaissance architecture. The nuns of this convent sell their sweets all year round.

Address: Carrera del Darro, 39, 18010, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 822 61 89
Specialties: Butter cakes, roscos de vino, marzipan filled with “cabello de angel” and bizcochada de Gloria (under request)

Monasterio de Santa Isabel la Real

Santa Isabel la Real monastery is a XVI Century church located in the Albaicín neighbourhood. The nuns of this convent are cloistered nuns, which means that they swore a vow to live their lives in the interior of the building taking care of it and restore it. The convent has two main areas: the cloisters, where a dozen of nuns live and the church, of Mudejar style.

Address: Santa Isabel la Real, 15, 18010, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 827 78 36
Specialties: Hojarascas, chestnuts of Saint Isabel and marzipan.

Monasterio de la Encarnación

Built in 1524, Monasterio de la Encarnación in Granada used to have 3 naves and a tower and underwent major renovations over the years. The actual chapel was constructed in 1902 and it’s usually only open to the public a few days during the year.

Address: Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n, 18001, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 827 91 35
Specialties: pastela nazarí (A meaty sweet puff pastry)

Monasterio del Santo Ángel

Monasterio del Santo Ángel in Granada was built in 1626 and originally located in Calle Gran Via. This convent is occupied by Clarisas Franciscanas nuns. The nuns had to be moved to the new building located in Calle San Antón in 1945.

Address: Calle San Antón, 40, 18005, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 826 26 53

Convento Santo Tomás de Villanueva

Convento Santo Tomás de Villanueva was built in 1636. The construction is annex to the Cadima Fortress and has two distinctive areas, the cloister and the church.

Address: Callejón de las Tomasas, 23, 18010, Granada, Spain
Phone: +34 95 827 95 75