Walking through Granada's historic Albaicín district, you'll stumble upon the Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo tucked away on Carrera del Darro, right across from the Casa de Castril. The location itself tells a story - this 16th-century church sits where a mosque once stood, literally built on layers of Granada's complex past.

What strikes you first is how architect Juan de Maeda managed to create something that feels both grand and intimate. Construction ran from 1559 to 1567, though an unfortunate gunpowder explosion in 1590 meant they had to rebuild parts of the tower and sacristy. These things happen when you're living in a city with military installations nearby.

The church follows that post-Tridentine Latin cross layout, but it's the mudéjar wooden ceilings that really catch your eye. Juan de Vílchez crafted these artesonados with eight-pointed stars and gilded details that seem to shimmer as you move through the nave. The craftsmanship is exceptional - you can spend ages just looking up at the geometric patterns and wondering how they managed such precision.

Pedro de Orea's Renaissance portal from 1589 frames the main entrance beautifully, with stone statues of Saints Peter and Paul nestled in their niche between Corinthian columns. The side portal, finished a bit earlier, shows how different craftsmen brought their own interpretation to the same basic design principles.

Inside, nine chapels line the nave, each with its own character and artworks. The collection spans centuries - from Pedro de Mena sculptures to works by José de Mora and Pablo de Rojas. The baroque organ above the choir has been recently restored and sounds magnificent during services.

One detail worth noting: the tabernacle in the main chapel originally belonged to Granada Cathedral. Diego de Siloé created it, and somehow it ended up here in 1614. Church politics, perhaps.

The tower might look a bit heavy from some angles, but climb up to the main entrance and you'll understand why locals love this spot. The view frames the Alhambra perfectly, with the Alcazaba towers creating a dramatic backdrop. For visitors wanting deeper insights into the architectural details and artistic treasures, an audio guide helps decode the layers of history embedded in every surface.

The church remains active, hosting several religious brotherhoods that process through Granada's streets during Holy Week.