Plaza de Bibataubín

Plaza de Bibataubín is a small, quiet square in Granada's Realejo-San Matías district, right on Carrera de la Virgen and just a few minutes' walk from the cathedral and Plaza Nueva. It's a spot where Moorish-era Granada meets an 18th-century palace and a 20th-century urban layout — without the crowds, but with plenty of local character.

Where does the name come from, and what stood here before?

During the Almohad period, in the 12th century, a city gate stood on this site — part of Granada's second defensive wall, known as Bib-Atebin (Arabic: bãb al-Tawwabin). Under Nasrid rule it was reinforced with additional fortifications. Two cylindrical Arab towers once flanked the gate, and in 1752 the surviving lower section of one of them was used as the foundation for a new building — today's Palacio de Bibataubín. The square itself, in its current form, only appeared in 1934, laid out facing the palace.

What's worth seeing on site?

The square's centerpiece is an ornate 17th-century fountain, originally housed in the cloister of the Convento del Ángel Custodio and only moved here in 1934, alongside newly landscaped flowerbeds and greenery. Next to it stands the sculpture "Soledad" by Granada artist Francisco López Burgos. The main draw, though, is the facade of the Palacio de Bibataubín: a monumental three-story entrance with a central balcony, framed by arches and Solomonic columns carved from Elvira marble. The palace is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Monument category), and since 2010, following a major restoration, it has housed the Consejo Consultivo de Andalucía, the region's consultative council.

How do you get to Plaza de Bibataubín?

The square sits right in central Granada, an easy walk from most hotels in Realejo and around the cathedral. The quickest route is on foot from Puerta Real or Plaza Nueva — a matter of minutes. City buses running along Carrera de la Virgen stop nearby, but given how compact the historic center is, walking is really the simplest option.

When's the best time to visit?

The square works year-round — it's small and quick to see, making it a natural stop between other Realejo sights. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, good for lingering by the fountain. Summers in Granada can get very hot at midday, so mornings or evenings are the better bet, when both the square and the nearby cafés come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Palacio de Bibataubín? The building serves an institutional role as the seat of the Consejo Consultivo de Andalucía, so interior access is limited to administrative purposes — but the facade and the square itself are freely accessible.

Is the fountain original to this spot? No — it dates from the 17th century and originally stood in the Convento del Ángel Custodio. It was only moved to the square in 1934, alongside the creation of the current layout.

How long does it take to see the square? It's a compact space, so 10–15 minutes is enough to take in the palace facade, the fountain, and the "Soledad" sculpture. It makes a natural stop between Plaza Nueva and Realejo.

What's nearby Plaza de Bibataubín? The square borders Realejo, Granada's former Jewish quarter, and sits close to Carrera de la Virgen, which leads toward the cathedral and the city center — several other historic squares and cafés are within a short walk.