Granada – Iglesia de Santa Ana y San Gil

Iglesia de Santa Ana y San Gil © Robert Bovington

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Diego de Siloé was a very famous and prolific architect and sculptor. His early works were principally carried out in his home town of Burgos – the gilded staircase in Burgos Cathedral being just one of many of his beautiful creations. He was the primary architect in the construction of a number of cathedrals including Granada’s. He did quite a lot of work in Granada including the planning of this church – Iglesia de Santa Ana y San Gil, a 16C church that stands in the Plaza de Santa Ana.

Granada Alhambra – Torre de la Vela

view from the Plaza Santa Ana © Robert Bovington

 

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The tower in this photo is the Torre de la Vela. The bell was used by the Arabs to announce disasters. From this privileged position a vast expanse of territory could be seen including the Vega of Granada. 

 

The tower was, therefore, critical for defence and surveillance. 

Later, the Christians used the bell to strike the hours and to announce the time that farmers could irrigate their fields. 

The Spanish flag was placed on the tower on January 2, 1492 at 3 pm.