Description
Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena)
Almudena Cathedral (or Catedral de la Almudena) is the Catholic Cathedral in Madrid. Despite its impressive, historic appearance, it was only completed recently, and was consecrated by the pope in 1993. The church is dedicated to Madrid’s patron saint, Santa Maria de la Almudena, and the exterior is made of granite and stone. It is characterised by an impressive double dome measuring 20 meters across. The grand royal wedding of the current Spanish king and queen, King Philip VI and Queen Letizia, took place here in 2004. This was the first royal wedding to take place in Spain for over a century, as Philip’s parents had married in Athens, and was cause for great national celebration. The funeral of the former Prime Minister was also held here. Prior to that, the cathedral had been closed for many years. The building work began in 1883, with a Neo-Gothic design, but ceased completely during the Spanish civil war. The construction work was resumed in 1944, when the exterior was redesigned as a neoclassical building to match the style of the nearby Royal Palace, which we have just visited. The interior remains in the neo-Gothic style, and there is a neo-Romanesque crypt. The cathedral is full of light, with enormous stained glass windows with modern designs. There are lovely side chapels containing modern sculptures and designs. Unlike most churches, which face east to west, Almudena Cathedral faces north to south, again so that it might fit in better with the neighbouring Royal Palace. The crypt is also well worth visiting. It contains ten side chapels belonging to the most prominent Spanish families, decorated with great art and sculptures.
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