The Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid , the Crypt !!!

Posted in Europe, Madrid, Spain

This of course, is a must to visit in my dear Madrid,  I come to the wonderful awesome Cathedral of the Almudena. I visited again and of course need to have more in my blog. Therefore, here is me one more time by the Catedral de Santa Maria Real de la Almudena , Many more in my blog on text with history and description, this post will be on my latest trip with new pictures, Therefore, here is my take on the Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid , the Crypt !!! Hope you enjoy this post as I.

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel Virgen del Rosario jul23

The Cathedral 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, and it is 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. The main façade overlooks Plaza de la Armería, facing the Royal Palace. You can access the crypt from Calle Mayor, A complete visit to the Almudena Cathedral is divided into three phases: Interior of the temple, Museum and dome, and the Crypt.

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel santos pasajes jul23

The Neo Romanesque crypt of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena) is well worth taking the time to visit. The crypt opened in 1911 but was originally a church built in 1868. The cathedral was built on top starting in 1883. The main altar contains a replica of the Virgin of Almudena, The original statue was moved to the Collegiate Church of San Isidro in 1948, which served as cathedral at that time. It was then relocated to the cathedral on June 10, 1993.

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel santos pasajes closeup jul23

Parroquia Santa la Real de la Almundena, better known as The Crypt. It is located on the south side of the cathedral around the corner on Calle Mayor. Supporting the interior of Cripta de la Catedral are 558, 10.8 foot columns. Along the floor are burial vaults of Spanish elite. Each crowned by a different capital adorned with biblical figures, nature scenes and even the symbol of Madrid,(Madroño), the bear and the strawberry tree. It has the same dimensions as the cathedral and is considered to be the largest crypt in the country.  

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel long jul23

Surrounding the perimeter of the crypt are 20 chapels. Each one is beautifully decorated with figures, paintings, mosaics, and other works of art. There are also several colorful stained glass windows. The most important work of art in the crypt is a painting of Our Lady of the Fleur-de-lis (Nuestra Señora de la Flor de Lis). It’s one of the oldest images of the Virgin in Madrid. Experts believe it was made in the 13C. Others argue it was commissioned by King Alfonso VI, which would date it back to the late 11C.

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel jul23

Construction of this crypt began after permission had been obtained from the archbishopric of Toledo, which allowed the construction of a second church for the Virgen de la Almudena. The construction design fell into the hands of the Marquis de Cubas. However, the person in charge of laying the first stone was King Alfonso XII in 1883. The crypt would not be opened for worship until 1911, when the construction of the Cathedral was still underway. The construction of the crypt was based on a pre-Romanesque style, since this is the style of the time in which the image of the Virgin of Almudena was found, or so it is believed. The exterior of the crypt is adorned with a triple door surmounted by semicircular arches, which give it a medieval appearance. It is a unique experience to visit.

Madrid Catedral de la Almudena crypt chapel del Santisimo jul23

The official Catedral de la Almudena : https://catedraldelaalmudena.es/

The Madrid tourist office on the Crypt of the Almudena Cathedral : https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/crypt-almudena-cathedral

There you go folks , another jewel in my dear Madrid and you should see it too ! Wonderful area, full of architecture and history , a must to see the crypt in the Catedral de la Almudena. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid , the Crypt !!! as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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Published by pedmar10

I am a lover of travels to Europe , Americas , Africa and Asia as well ,who like to share my experiences of the last 53 years with the world, visiting so far 81 countries; living in 6, working in 5, and Citizen of 4, speaking fluently 4 languages. I can deal with sports especially football/soccer and love music, arts, wine collector/drinker, and go out to restaurants, and just visit the world. My background comes all the way from Candelaria and Pajara in Tenerife, Spain where my grandparents came from ;not knowing each other then, to Punta Brava, west of Havana, Cuba. There , my parents born in Cuba met and later on I was born there too. 100% guanche (annexed Tenerife to Spain on April 10 ,1496). I left Cuba as many have to Madrid, Spain where I lived for 4 years. Then, move to Perth Amboy ,New Jersey USA (living there 13 yrs) ; where I completed high school, became a US Citizen, learned to drive a car, and learned English. Afterward, went to the university in Florida, ERAU, and upon graduation decided to moved there to Ormond by the Sea, near Daytona Beach, finally moving North Miami, then Hialeah, then another moved to Silver Lakes division in Miramar, Broward county, Florida; in Florida I lived a total of 18 years. Finally , moved to France in 2003 ,Versailles call me for its royalty, and working in Paris was great. It was time to seek frontiers again and moved to Brech near Auray, Morbihan in Brittany , and later move to not too far Pluvigner. Total so far in France has been 20 years, and counting. Moving average a home every 5.5 years hopefully this will be my last. Cheers All rights reserved. No part of this blog may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means or stored in a retrieval system of any nature, without the written permission of the copyright holder, me. No part of this work may be modified, without the written permission of the holder, me.No part of this work may be exposed to public view in any form or by any means, without identifying the holder as the author, and with the before mentioned permission.

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