Description

This building was founded by the Jesuits in 1562 in response to the need for a “house” for the Society of Jesus, alongside the Church of San Pablo (today known as San Justo y Pastor). Together, they formed a cohesive whole around the square. The Jesuit Bartolomé de Bustamante was tasked with leading the building project, which would also involve at various stages Martín de Baseta and Francisco Díaz de Ribero. 

In 1767, the premises became the seat of the University of Granada after the Jesuits were expelled. The Baroque essence of the building can be appreciated particularly in its façade and main hall. Later interventions brought further nuances, such as the work conducted in 1871 by Baglietto to redesign the façade, including the addition of classical window openings. It was also during this period that the original orchards were transformed into the Botanical Gardens, at the initiative of the recently-created Chair in Botany. Since 1980, it has been home to the Faculty of Law. Among its collections are pieces on loan from the National Prado Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts of Granada, alongside works from the university’s own heritage collection.