Almudena Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Madrid is remarkable for its sheer size and for the fact that it took 100 years to be completed.
The Almudena Cathedral is the largest and most significant cathedral of Madrid which is an extremely popular tourist destination site as well. The Almudena Cathedral is located within close proximity to the Royal Palace and took 100 years to be completed. The church presents a unique blend of contemporary European values and traditional beauty.
History of Almudena Cathedral
The Almudena Cathedral of Madrid has a long and interesting past. The site which is currently occupied by the cathedral was originally meant to be used up for the construction of the first mosque of Madrid. The plans of constructing a cathedral were drawn up only after King Philip II chose the city as Madrid’s capital in the year 1561. The construction however could not be started immediately since there was some political pressure and the construction was finally stalled. It was much later in the year 1868, that a group of parishioners met the archbishop of Toledo and received the permission to construct the church in the memory of Virgin Almudena, the patron saint of Madrid.
Construction work of Almudena Cathedral
|
The construction of the cathedral finally started in the year 1883 following the neo Gothic style of Marques de Cubas. The construction work moved slowly but had to be halted during the 1930’s civil war. The building was severely damaged by fire in the year 1944 and was again rebuilt according to the architectural plans of Fernando Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro. The new architectural pattern included more classical touch unlike the original neo Gothic style.
The construction work of the Almudena Cathedral continued till 1999, but it was sanctified in the year 1993 by Pope John Paul II. One can find a statue of Pope John Paul II outside the Almudena Cathedral which celebrates the grand event of sanctification.
Interiors of the Almudena Cathedral
The interiors of the Almudena Cathedral are very lightly decorated in comparison to other Spanish cathedrals. The Cathedral is 76 meters wide and 106 meters long and has 3 altars, 13 chapels and a colossal dome of 20 meters width. The interior decorations are much more contemporary than those found in the Toledo cathedral.
Though the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid is not remarkable for its interior artworks, yet one must visit the place once to see this grand architectural building.
|
