Description

The Collegium Maximum seminary was the first building to be erected by the Jesuits in the Cartuja area of Granada, between 1891 and 1894. The building, designed by the architect Francisco Rabanal, is a fine example of mudéjar historicism. Set within a leafy grove, it was founded as a seminary for the Society of Jesus. It is flanked by four towers, and the ground-plan is based on four inner courtyards, two of which are larger than the others. The building comprises four storeys inside the towers, and three storeys in the main sections, divided by distinctive brickwork. Each storey of the towers features three horseshoe arches, framed by alfiz decorative mouldings, and Moorish spandrels and voussoirs decorated in cogged bricks or serrations. The alfiz mouldings of the central arches of the intermediate sections also feature cogged bricks, while the upper section presents serrated Moorish spandrels. The uppermost section of the towers comprises eight horseshoe arches framed by alfiz mouldings. 

The towers pertaining to the façade follow the same pattern as the corner towers, except with one row of horseshoe arches and three on the upper part. In 1916–17, a group of sculptures including the striking image of the Immaculate Heart was added to the façade, replacing the old brick balustrade of the portico. This modification caused the original unified appearance of the façade to be lost.