Almudena Cathedral is the cathedral of Madrid, Spain. Dating from the late 19th and 20th centuries, Almudena Cathedral is very new by European standards, and its traditional-meets-modern design reflects its youth.

History of Almudena Cathedral

The site on which Almudena Cathedral now stands was originally occupied by Madrid's first mosque, then by a church dedicated to one of Madrid's patron saints, Santa María de la Almudena.

Plans for a grand new church began in the 16th century after King Philip II made Madrid the capital of Spain. But construction was constantly postponed due to various political issues and opposition from the powerful archdiocese of Toledo.

Finally, in 1868, Madrid received permission from Toledo to construct a new church dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena. Construction began in 1883 based on a Neo-Gothic design. The first part to be completed was the crypt, which contains a 16th-century image of Madrid's patroness the Virgen de la Almudena.

A year later, in 1884, Pope Leo XIII created the Diocese of Madrid, giving Madrid a bishop and raising the status of the new Almudena church to a cathedral. The building plans were updated to reflect the elevated status of the building.

Construction on the cathedral progressed slowly and came to a complete halt during the civil war of the 1930s. The process began again in 1944, when the new architect introduced a Neoclassical style that would match the Royal Palace next door.

Almudena Cathedral was completed in 1993 and consecrated in person by Pope John Paul II that same year. A statue of the pope in front of the cathedral commemorates the momentous occasion. The cathedral was given another publicity boost with the sumptuous wedding of Prince Felipe and Doña Letizia in May 2004, the first such royal event in nearly a century.

What to See at Almudena Cathedral

The bright interior of Almudena Cathedral is based in the Gothic style, but modern and modest compared to most Spanish cathedrals. Its "pop art" stained glass windows were recently revealed to be copies.

Although lacking the architectural merit or historical significance of other European cathedrals, Almudena Cathedral is nonetheless worth a visit due to its uniqueness, its modern beauty, and its sheer size: it measures 104m long and 76m wide, with a central dome measuring 20m in diameter.

Quick Facts on Almudena Cathedral

Site Information
Names:	Almudena Cathedral · Madrid Cathedral
Country:	Spain
Categories:	cathedrals
Styles:	Gothic Revival style; Neoclassical
Dedication:	Virgin Mary of Almudena
Dates:	1883-1993
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	40.415579° N, 3.714591° W
Address:	Calle Bailén 8-10 Madrid, Spain
Phone:	91-542-22-00
Hours:	Daily 9am-8:30pm
Lodging:	View hotels near Almudena Cathedral

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Personal visit (April 1, 2007)
2. Frommer's Madrid, 1st ed.

More Information

• A View on Cities
• All-inclusive holidays to Spain - OnTheBeach provides cheap and relaxing Spain holidays
• Photos of Almudena Cathedral - here on Sacred Destinations