Monument of Our Lady of the Snows

Monument of Our Lady of the Snows stands more than 2,600 metres above sea level in Sierra Nevada, within the municipality of Monachil, right beside the Veleta massif. It's one of the highest-altitude religious monuments in Spain and a magnet for pilgrims and hikers exploring the mountains above Granada.

How do you get there?

The starting point is Pradollano, the main ski and tourist base of Sierra Nevada. From there, the monument can be reached by car along the mountain road toward Borreguiles, or by a shuttle bus that runs every thirty minutes during the season. The final stretch, through Tajos de la Virgen, is best done on foot — a short but dramatic walk with views over the range's main peaks.

What will you see there?

The centrepiece is a three-metre statue of the Virgin cast in aluminium — a deliberate choice, since the material had to survive extreme high-mountain conditions: frost, wind and months of snow cover. The statue was made in 1962 by the Granada-born artist López Burgos. Around the monument stretches open, rocky terrain right under Veleta, offering views on a clear day across the Monachil valley, deeper into Sierra Nevada, and toward the lowlands around Granada.

Where does the statue's story come from?

The story dates back to 1717. According to local tradition, on 5 August two travellers, Martín de Mérida and his assistant Martín de Soto, were crossing the pass below Veleta when a snow avalanche swept over them. Buried and facing death, they are said to have called on Our Lady of the Snows, whose feast day fell on that very day, and survived. The event permanently linked the cult of the Virgen de las Nieves to this spot and established her as the patron saint of the entire Sierra Nevada range.

When is the best time to visit?

The standout date is 5 August, when the annual romería takes place at dawn — a walking procession from Pradollano through Borreguiles to Tajos de la Virgen, ending with a sunrise mass. It ranks among the highest-altitude masses celebrated in Spain and draws both Granada locals and visitors from across the region. Outside that date, the monument is reachable throughout the summer season, when the roads and lift infrastructure at Pradollano support hikers and cyclists; in winter, snow and alpine conditions make access harder, though experienced ski tourers still reach the site.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need mountain experience to reach the monument? In summer, the approach from Pradollano requires no special preparation — the road and path are manageable for most people with average fitness. In winter, the terrain is high-alpine and calls for proper gear and experience.

Is there an entrance fee? The monument itself is open and free to visit. Any costs relate only to transport — the shuttle bus fare or parking in Pradollano.

Why is the statue made of aluminium rather than stone or bronze? Aluminium was chosen for its resistance to the extreme weather at this altitude — frost, strong wind and prolonged snow cover would quickly damage materials traditionally used for religious sculpture.

What is the 5 August romería, and can visitors join? It's the annual pilgrimage honouring the Virgen de las Nieves, open to everyone. Participants set out early from Pradollano to reach the site in time for the sunrise mass.