Paris1972-Versailles2003

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 again, and found older new pictures to the blog which should be in here, Therefore, here is more of the Real Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid, part IV !!! or the Catedral de Santa Maria Real de la Almudena , Several posts in my blog, do read them,plenty on this beauty, Hope you enjoy this post as I.

The Catedral 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 IIon 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 Palacio Real.

A complete visit to theAlmudena 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 Virgin of La Almudenathe patron saint of Madrid has its altar in the transept of the right aisle, opposite the entrance by calle de Bailén. It is a high altar, which can be accessed by two side staircases with bronze handrail. The original sculpture, representing the Virgin with the child in her arms is an image of Gothic style carved in wood. It is positioned in the central niche of the altarpiece, done by the end of the 15C.

The central chapel on the ambulatory is dedicated toSan Isidro Labradorand his wifeSanta Maria de la Cabeza ,whose image is of baroque polychrome carving from the 17-18C ; the funeral coffins are from the 13C.

TheAlmudena Cathedral organ is located in the high choir at the foot of the nave back and was done with four keyboards ,pedal keyboard with mechanical and electrical links featuring 16 line pipes with the largest at 11 pipes high. 21 on line pipes for a playing keyboard , and a pedal with 3 more.

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

The Madrid tourist office on the Almudena Cathedral : https://www.esmadrid.com/en/tourist-information/catedral-de-la-almudena

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 cathedral. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Real Catedral de la Almudena of Madrid, part IV as I

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