The Catholic Monarchs founded the Royal Hospital of Granada in 1504. After the medical facility opened in 1525, it initially served the poor, people with syphilis and wounded soldiers. Later it treated insane patients. The impressive Baroque entrance was added in 1632. The ensemble was crafted from Elvira stone by Alonso of Mena. Flanking the statue of the Virgin Mary in the middle are sculptures of the benefactors, King Ferdinand II of Aragon (left) and Queen Isabella I of Castile (right). Since 1979, Hospital Real has been part of the University of Granada.
