Almudena Cathedral: The Century-Long Neo-Gothic Saga

Why is it significant?

Stand in the vast granite courtyard of the Plaza de la Armería and look up at the soaring white neoclassical columns and twin towers of the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Stand in the vast granite courtyard of the Plaza de la Armería and look up at the soaring white neoclassical columns and twin towers of the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena. When you step inside, the cool air welcomes you beneath soaring ribbed vaults painted in vibrant, modern geometric pop-art patterns that contrast unexpectedly with the classical exterior.

When King Philip the Second made Madrid the imperial capital of Spain in fifteen sixty-one, the powerful archbishops of Toledo blocked every attempt to build a cathedral in Madrid. Construction finally began in eighteen eighty-three, but wars and financial crises delayed its completion for over a century until Pope John Paul the Second finally consecrated it in June nineteen ninety-three.

Notice how the exterior stonework in grey granite and white limestone matches the Royal Palace directly opposite; architects intentionally altered the design so the church would harmonize perfectly with the monarch's residence.

Turn around and cross the Armería square toward the colossal gates of the Royal Palace of Madrid.