Built in the 15th century, this structure was once used as a shelter for merchants who sold coal (or “carbón”) during the Moorish period of Spanish history. It is one of the few remaining examples of Mudéjar architecture from this era still standing today.
The Corral del Carbón consists of two floors: on the ground floor there are four rooms with arches and a central courtyard surrounded by galleries; while on the top floor there are three more rooms with balconies overlooking Plaza Nueva. The building has been carefully restored to its original condition, preserving features such as its stone walls, wooden beams, mud-plaster ceilings and tiled roofs. Visitors can also admire some ancient artefacts found during restoration work, including coins from different periods and pottery fragments dating back to Roman times.
In addition to being an important part of Granada’s history, The Corral del Carbón has served as inspiration for many famous writers throughout time, including Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra who mentioned it in his novel Don Quixote de la Mancha and Federico García Lorca who wrote about it in his poem “Romance Sonámbulo”. Today it serves as both a museum dedicated to preserving local heritage and culture as well as hosting cultural events like plays or concerts throughout the year.
