Bullring of Granada, Monumental de Frascuelo
Granada bullring
The Granada bullring is one of the most emblematic and historically rich in Spain, boasting spectacular architecture that makes it one of the most special and significant venues for bullfighters, as well as one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
Also known as the Monumental de Frascuelo, this second-category arena stands out for its impressive size, with 9,000 square metres of built area, a 50.49-metre diameter ring, and a capacity for 12,000 spectators.
With almost 100 years of history, this bullring has been declared a World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore it year-round through exclusive guided tours that reveal its interior and take them on a journey through the countless stories that have unfolded in the Monumental de Frascuelo.
The best time to enjoy bullfighting in Granada is during the Feria del Corpus, the city’s biggest festival, which is held each year from late May to early June.
This square has been the main stage for the bullfights held during the Corpus Fair, a festival that dates back to 1520.
History of the Granada Bullring
Built by local architect Ángel Casas, the Granada bullring was inaugurated on 30 September 1928, with a bullfight featuring renowned matadors Manuel Jiménez “Chicuelo”, Joaquín Rodríguez “Cagancho”, and Armillita Chico, who fought bulls from the Concha y Sierra ranch.
As a historic symbol of Granada’s eclectic architecture, the Monumental de Frascuelo is a neo-Mudéjar style arena that was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1991, elevating its status to that of a Monument.
Ranked among the ten largest bullrings in Spain, it comprises three tiers: the general stands, boxes, and galleries. Its concrete structure is characterised by exposed brickwork that forms decorative patterns adorning the façade, topped with a roof of glazed ceramic tiles. Particularly striking are its semi-circular and horseshoe arches, lending it an Arab aura that perfectly complements other Andalusian monuments like the Alhambra.
Granada has a deep-rooted bullfighting tradition, and the most prominent local matador in history is David Fandila Marín, known as “El Fandi”. He took his alternativa (the ceremony where a novice becomes a fully-fledged matador) in this ring on 18 June 2000, with José Mari Manzanares and Julián López “El Juli” as his mentors.
One of the most memorable moments in the Monumental de Frascuelo’s history occurred on 22 June 2019, when José Tomás delivered a magnificent performance, earning two ears, two ears, a salute, and two ears and the tail, exiting triumphantly through the Puerta Grande. Unforgettable.
The bullring is named after the bullfighter José Moreno Sánchez ‘Lagartijillo’, known as Frascuelo.
How to Reach the Granada Bullring
The bullring is located on Avenida del Doctor Olóriz, in the La Chana district, right in the city centre and close to shopping and dining areas. It is well connected, making it easy to reach on foot if nearby or via public transport. Driving is not recommended due to limited parking options.
INTERESTING FACTS The Granada Bullring in numbers
Second Category
It is one of the ten largest bullrings in Spain, with 9,000 square metres built and a capacity of more than 14,000 seats.
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Bullfights per year
Bullfights per year
When is the Granada Bullfighting Fair? The Feria del Corpus
Apart from being the city’s main festival, the Feria del Corpus is renowned in the bullfighting world as the time when the Granada Bullfighting Fair takes place, from late May to early June. It does not have a fixed date as it aligns with the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, honouring the feast of Corpus Christi.
The Corpus Christi bullfights in Granada feature between 4 and 10 events annually, showcasing top matadors and ranches, with bullfights, rejoneo (mounted bullfighting), and novilladas (novice fights).
The Feria del Corpus kicks off each year on Monday at midnight with the “alumbrado” (lighting ceremony), illuminating the fairground with thousands of lights and concluding the following Sunday with a fireworks display.
With more than 500 years of history, it is the city’s biggest celebration, with a lively fair atmosphere throughout the day, including numerous cultural events, notably the bullfights.
In addition to the Feria del Corpus, bullfights are also held in Granada in September for the fair dedicated to the Virgen de las Angustias, the city’s patron saint.
In 1992, the square was declared an ‘Asset of Cultural Interest’ for its architectural and historical value.
Buying Bullfight Tickets for Granada
Servitoro makes it easy to purchase tickets for the Granada bullring, allowing you to book in advance and secure your spot at one of the most significant events of the season for bullfighting enthusiasts.
You can buy tickets for the Granada bullring online, conveniently through our website, saving you from travel and long queues – an excellent option if you’re planning to visit the city to experience bullfighting in Granada.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Yes, all children over the age of 4 are required to pay the full adult ticket price.
The policy regarding food entry varies depending on the event organiser. We recommend checking this information directly at the box office of the Bullring before attending.
The event organisers reserve all image and intellectual property rights. Therefore, recording or taking photos (with or without flash) during the bullfight is prohibited.
The venue opens 2 hours before the start of the event. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and to find your seat with ease.
For safety reasons and out of respect for the event, spectators are not allowed to enter or leave their seats during the bullfight.
Tickets are sent in PDF format to the email address used for the purchase. They must be printed at home and presented in physical form at the entrance. Please note that organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not present their printed ticket.
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