This of course, is a must to visit in my dear Madrid, I come to the wonderful awesome Cathedral of the Almudena. Again I am updating this older post with text and link for you and me, and of course see my other posts on it in my blog. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Real de la Almudena was built opposite the Palacio Real (see post) as an old church Santa Maria during the 12C. It is the episcopal seat of the diocese of the city. It is a church 102 meters long and 73 meters high built on a mixture of different styles: neoclassical outside, neo-Gothic inside and neo-Romanesque in the crypt. It was begun to be built in 1883 and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on his fourth trip to Spain on June 15, 1993. It is the only Spanish Cathedral dedicated by a Pope. Therefore, here is again the Real Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid, exteriors !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
A complete visit to the Almudena Cathedral is divided into three phases: Interior of the temple, Museum and dome, and the Crypt. Unlike most cathedrals, whose traditional orientation is East-West, that of the Almudena presents a North-South orientation. This is due to the fact that from its origins it was projected as an integral part of the Palacio Real or Royal Palace complex. In fact, its main façade looks towards the south façade of the Palace. This façade exhibits a large portico with columns on the access floor and on the first, where there is a balcony. Two towers guard the entrance. The main door, which is opened only in extraordinary events, is made of bronze and of great dimensions. Various sculptures and allegorical shields adorn the entire façade.
The Cathedral de la Almudena main façade overlooks Plaza de la Armería, facing the Royal Palace. This façade exhibits a large portico with columns on the access floor and on the first, where there is a balcony. Two towers guard the entrance. The main door, which is opened only in extraordinary events, is made of bronze and of great dimensions. Various sculptures and allegorical shields adorn the entire façade. Unlike other cathedrals, which have an east-west orientation, that of Almudena has a north-south orientation, fruit of its design as an integral part of the complex of the Royal Palace. It is built in stone from Novelda (near Alicante) and granite from Colmenar Viejo (near Madrid). A complete visit to the Almudena Cathedral is divided into three phases: Interior of the temple, Museum and dome, and the Crypt. The museum of the Almudena Cathedral has the mission of preserving, exhibiting, investigating the history of the diocese of Madrid. The permanent exhibition consists of objects of considerable religious and historical-artistic value from the former parish of Santa Maria de la Almudena, cradle of the current cathedral.
The mounting to the dome is a highlight for me. Halfway up is the balcony, with a perfect view of the Plaza de la Armeria of the Palacio Real. Also on the climb you can admire an impressive model of the first project of the cathedral, designed by the architect Francisco de Cubas, from the end of the 19C. But what is most impressive is the view from above, outside the dome. From here you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view, with 360 degree vision, of all of Madrid. The Casa de Campo, the sierra or mountains, the entire flat part of the south plains, the rooftops of the city center of Madrid. Everything is seen with a privileged perspective. Without a doubt, it is one of the best viewpoints in Madrid. In all a must to come here.
Its main element is the dome, which is double; Gothic view from the inside, but from the outside with Baroque reminiscences. It features an octagonal barrel in which four large thermal holes and a small flashlight as an open shot. The roof is dark slate. By way of pinnacles, twelve statues representing the apostles. The main façade, to the Plaza de la Armería, is located at the foot of the temple, facing the south side of the Royal Palace. It consists of a large double-column portico, with the lower story of Tuscan inspiration and the upper Ionic one. All this neoclassical was crowned after the consecration of the Cathedral by a baroque niche, which housed an image of the Virgen de la Almudena. On the balcony, a window of 10 m2 that represents the Virgen de Lis. And four statues representing the four evangelists. There are two large shields,located in the lower part, they are made of stone: they represent the complete arms of the Spanish Royal House and protect the pope who consecrated the cathedral, John Paul II. At the ends of the façade, in two niches, there are bronze statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul finishing off the niches, two reliefs, the delivery of the keys to Saint Peter and the conversion of Saint Paul. The doors are bronze. The center has ornaments with the Trinitarian theme; one of the sides refers to the monarchy of Spain; The other is dedicated to Latin America. Of the two towers on the façade, the right is known as “Mariana” or “Gallega”, since the bells were donated by Galicians and each one has a traditional Marian devotion: Santa María la Real Almudena; Santa Maria de la Paloma; Santa María de Atocha and Santa María de la Flor de Lis.
The two towers on the façade , the one on the right is known by the name of Mariana or of Gallegos (Galicians) as the bells were offered by the Galician’s. Both have Marianne names on each tower such as Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena, Santa Maria de la Paloma, Santa Maria de Atocha, and Santa Maria de la Flor de Lis. On the left tower that gives to the Calle Bailén you find the ringing carillon or bell.
A bit on the construction of the Almudena Cathedral. The exterior has as a main nave dome a height of 32 meters a lot more than the 12 meters between the axe of its columns. The dome is gothic in style seen from the interior but baroque from the exterior. It is covered in stone and tiles with an octagonal drum and its four large windows with a small lantern below it. The dome is decorated with 12 statues representing the 12 apostles.
You can get there on foot as we do from anywhere in Madrid or take it easy on the metro Opéra lines 2 and 5 as well as bus lines 3, 25, 39 ; and 148.
The official Catedral de la Almudena : https://catedraldelaalmudena.es/
The Madrid tourist office on the Cathedral : https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/catedral-de-la-almudena
The Madrid tourist office on the Cathedral’s museum : https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/almudena-cathedral-museum
There you go folks another jewel in my Madrid and you should see it too! Wonderful area, full of architecture and history of my dear Madrid , a must to see the cathedral. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Real Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid, exteriors !!! as I
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 