The word cathedral inherently carries several meanings: Catholic worship, ceremonies, big buildings and venues of bishoprics. Always the cathedral buildings have been extended over time, hence the combination of various architectural styles. Today they form part of the historical, architectural and religious heritage of Spain. We approach the most important:

Photography by vito7

The Cathedral of Santiago:

Located in the city of the same name, Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain). Gains great importance because in it lie the remains of the Apostle, in a crypt below the altar. Reason why many pilgrims visit each year, the Holy Sepulchre by the so-called Camino de Santiago. The year 2010 marks the Jacobean years, through July 25 day of martyrdom of the Apostle Santiago, as it coincides on Sunday.

Santiago is an example of Pilgrimage Church. Among its architectural features include: The Latin-cross plan with unequal arms, the longer the transverse-longitudinal, a cruise of about 70 meters and an aisle or walkway that allows you to walk around the tomb of the saint.

They highlight the facade of the Plaza del Obradoiro, the North of the Cathedral and the Quintana. They all combine different architectural styles.

La Catedral de la Almudena:

In the heart of Madrid, next to the Palacio de Oriente, stands the Catedral de la Almudena. This construction is characterized, on the outside of the neoclassical style, while the interior reflects more the gothic. The statue of Pope John Paul II receives in the courtyard. Structurally, the Almudena has a floor divided into three naves with chapels and a cruise of about 66 meters.

As a curious note, it is necessary to mention that she received the sacrament of marriage, the current Prince of Asturias, Don Felipe de Borbon and Letizia.

Photography by currybet

The Cathedral of Seville

In 1401 the various canons agreed: «Let a church that those who see us have as crazy.» And so they built the Cathedral of Seville on the site of the former Great Mosque. Today it is preserved, its minaret, the Giralda.

Taking into account the dimensions of the cathedral of Seville is in third place, ranking after St. Peter in the Vatican and St. Paul’s in London.

Structurally, it consists of five ships and several side chapels. Works of art of Murillo, Valdés, Zurbarán … you can visit their shrines. Roofing vaults ships, except the center where the cruise to 56 m in height.

The interior surprised by the wealth of glassware, grills and stones. You can also visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus and his remains. In this cathedral the Dukes of Palma joined in holy matrimony. Today, they are divorced.

Old and New Cathedral of Salamanca

Salamanca is a city that is characterized by its rich student life. Old and New Cathedrals are a fundamental part of the history and daily life of its inhabitants. They are located in the heart of the city. Very close together.

Photography by free photos of spain

Old Cathedral:

It is a magnificent Romanesque-style building, begun in the twelfth century and completed in the XIII. It consists of wide naves separated by pointed arches and covered by vaults. The capitals are carved with various sculptures, belonging to different masters.

Stresses the famous Torre del Gallo (the cimbrorrio) that rises above the transept. Relied for its implementation in the cathedral of Zamora, but it is more beautiful and perfect.

We can not leave without scrutinizing the Old Cathedral, the magnificent polychrome altarpiece of the History of Salvation, chairman of the Virgen de Vega, patron saint of Salamanca. We’ll be amazed!

New Cathedral:

From the Old Cathedral is accessible to the New. This is a temple larger than the Old, and Gothic-Renaissance style. At the end of the fifteenth century it was decided its construction, as the Old Cathedral was too small for religious worship.

The main facade stands out for its exquisite decoration based on human figures, animals, carvings and heraldic motifs hornamentales. Ramos in the door, stands the figure of an astronaut, is carved their right flank. Many visitors those are committed to find it with his eyes.

Structurally, the temple has a Latin cross plan with three naves and chapels. Inside, the choir stands, the work of Alberto Churriguera, described as the most important Spanish baroque. The baroque dome, stands on the cruise to 80 meters high, and produces an impression of grandeur.

La Sagrada Familia:

It is the most characteristic monument and visited Barcelona. The most important work of Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí, although he neither started nor, of course, is complete.
It takes many years in construction, because, as say, being built with money from the faithful and collected from the visits.

His style is described as Catalan modernism, even though it has echoes of other styles such as Art Nouveau.

Photography by Gill Rickson

The Catedral of Leon

It is considered by many as the best representation of Spanish Gothic. His plan is almost a replica of the Cathedral of Reims. A work of art. Their chapels house art treasures and masterpieces from different periods and styles.

Zaragoza Cathedral:

The Santiago Apostol ordered built in the 40s, after the request by the Virgin, who appeared on a pillar. It is considered the oldest church in Christendom. The current basilica was built over the space left by the small chapel built by the Apostle Santiago.

Its construction was completed on the day of the Pillar, October 12, 1869, with the placement of the central dome. Then, this temple, jewel of the Baroque in Aragon, has been refurbishing.

Olé!