Almudena Cathedral, Madrid
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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 yet modern design reflects its youth.
History
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 in Madrid began in the 16th century after King Philip II made it 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 the archbishop of 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 today still retains the 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 a new architect took over, introducing 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, much-needed 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
The bright interior of Almudena Cathedral is much more modern and modest than its larger counterpart in Toledo. It reflects an uncertain blend of styles and its stained glass windows are of the "pop art" variety. Z
Although not famous for its architectural merit or historical significance like many other 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
| Address: | Calle Bailen 10, Madrid, Spain |
| Phone: | 91-542-22-00 |
| Metro: | Opera |
| Bus: | 3, 39, or 148 |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-2pm and 5-9pm |
| Cost: | Free |
Sources
- Personal visit (April 1, 2007)
- Frommer's Madrid, 1st ed.
- A View on Cities.
Travel Resources
- Madrid City Maps - our interactive city map plus links to more online maps
- Madrid Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Madrid Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews from fellow travelers plus price comparisons
- Madrid Day Tours - sightseeing tours and excursions
- Madrid Car Rentals - explore Spain with a car picked up in Madrid
- Madrid Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Madrid
- Spain Rail Pass - discounts on multiple train journeys
