English
The Old College
Description:
We find ourselves facing the first private University in Granada. St. Dionysius College, or Old College, is the oldest construction in the Abbey. Pending of restoration, it is not open to the visitor who nevertheless crosses its small courtyard on the way from the Collegiate Church to the Holy Caves. It was first conceived as a School for the Canons and Priests, and developed into Colleges of Law, Philosophy, and Classical and Semitic Languages. In its last epoch, in the 20 th century, it was a High School for gentlemen, and some old pupils still come to visit.
Some relevant men, like one Secretary of State, Fernando de Saavedra,
studied in the College, and their portraits can be seen on the museum walls. They give credit to the significance for knowledge and academic excellence of this College, which were its founding pillars as envisioned by the Abbey’s founder, Archbishop Pedro de Castro.
One of the most significant spaces inside this College and student Residence is the students’ dining-room which nowadays welcomes events and celebrations of all kinds.
It has kept the dining tables made of marble perfect for meetings and banquets.
