Name: Catedral de la Almudena
Address: C. de Bailén, 10, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: 915 42 22 00
Rating: 4.6

Baroque Catholic cathedral known for its colorful chapels, plus a Romanesque crypt & museum.

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Catedral de la Almudena

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The Almudena Cathedral took over a century to build, starting in 1883 and finishing in 1993.

Construction Time

Visiting the Cathedral itself is free, although donations are welcome.

Entrance Fee

The Almudena Cathedral Museum features 12 halls showcasing the history of the diocese of Madrid.

Museum Halls

The Almudena Cathedral is located opposite the Royal Palace of Madrid, making it a prominent landmark in the city.

Location

The Catedral de la Almudena, Madrid's relatively modern cathedral, stands out for its eclectic architectural style, a deliberate blend of Neoclassical exterior, Baroque details, and a Neo-Gothic interior. Construction spanned over a century, beginning in 1883 and only concluding in 1993, resulting in this unusual stylistic fusion. Unlike many European cathedrals, Almudena was consecrated by Pope John Paul II, a testament to its late completion. The interior's vibrant, contemporary artwork, particularly the chapels decorated by modern artists, offers a stark contrast to the traditional religious art found elsewhere. A hidden gem is the cathedral's museum, which houses artifacts detailing the history of Madrid's diocese and the construction of the cathedral itself, including original plans and models. The crypt, larger than the cathedral above, is Romanesque in style and predates the main structure, offering a glimpse into earlier religious foundations on the site.

Introduction

As the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid, the Catedral de la Almudena holds significant importance within the archdiocese. Its origins trace back to Pope Leo XIII's 1885 bull, which established the Madrid-Alcalá bishopric, later evolving into the Archdiocese of Madrid. The cathedral's construction, initiated in 1883, reflects the archdiocese's growth and eventual elevation to metropolitan status in 1991 by Pope John Paul II.

The Catedral de la Almudena's consecration by Pope John Paul II in 1993 marked a pivotal moment for the archdiocese, solidifying its spiritual center. The cathedral's dedication to Santa María la Real de la Almudena, the patron saint, underscores its deep connection to the local community and the archdiocese's identity. The presence of mosaics in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel by Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik and icons in the apse by Kiko Argüello, founder of the Neocatechumenal Way, highlights the archdiocese's embrace of modern religious art.

The cathedral has hosted significant events within the archdiocese, including the royal wedding of King Felipe VI in 2004. The Neo-Romanesque crypt, housing a 16th-century image of the Virgen de la Almudena, serves as a reminder of the archdiocese's historical roots. The cathedral stands as a symbol of the Archdiocese of Madrid, representing its spiritual leadership and its role in the religious life of the city and surrounding region.

Madrid Archdiocese

The Catedral de la Almudena's royal connections are deeply woven into its history and significance. Located opposite the Royal Palace, its final appearance was intentionally designed to complement the palace's regal aesthetic, featuring a baroque exterior that mirrors the palace's grey and white façade. This deliberate architectural harmony underscores the close relationship between the cathedral and the Spanish monarchy.

Though plans for a Madrid cathedral were considered as early as the 16th century when the capital moved from Toledo, royal priorities of empire expansion delayed construction. It wasn't until 1883 that the foundation stone was laid, marking the formal beginning of a project that would eventually reflect royal influence in its design and purpose.

Perhaps the most prominent display of the cathedral's royal connection is the marriage of King Felipe VI, then the crown prince, to Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, which took place within its walls on May 22, 2004. This event solidified the cathedral's status as a site of national importance and a venue for significant royal ceremonies. The Royal Palace, a short walk across the Plaza de la Armería, further emphasizes the proximity and symbolic link between the Spanish monarchy and the Catedral de la Almudena, making it a focal point in the heart of Madrid's royal district.

Royal Connections

The Catedral de la Almudena in Madrid is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, the city's patroness, whose feast day on November 9 is a major Madrid holiday. The cathedral houses a medieval statue of the Virgin Mary, though the original statue is lost. The current statue dates to the 16th century and is attributed to Netherlandish sculptor Diego Copín de Holanda. Its name, Almudena, derives from the Arabic term Al-Mudayna, meaning "the citadel."

Legend says the original statue was brought from the Holy Land in the year 38 and hidden within the city walls in 712 to protect it from advancing Muslim forces. In the 11th century, after Madrid was reconquered by King Alfonso VI of Castile, Christian soldiers sought the statue, and it was miraculously revealed after prayers.

The cathedral displays the Virgin of Almudena in the transept, where people gather. The bronze doors of the cathedral depict the procession of the Virgin of Almudena through Madrid every November 9, as well as the discovery of the Virgin by King Alfonso VI in 1085. The altar of the Virgin of Almudena is located to the right of the main altar, accessible via two stairways. Underneath the chapel is the tomb of María de las Mercedes, Queen of Spain for six months. The cathedral's dedication to a statue, rather than a saint, is a unique aspect, reflecting the veneration of Marian images.

Virgin of Almudena

The Almudena Cathedral presents a unique combination of architectural styles: a Baroque exterior, a Neo-Gothic interior, and a Romanesque crypt. This blend arose from its protracted construction, beginning in 1883 and concluding over a century later, resulting in a divergence from the initial Gothic revival plans. The decision to adapt a Baroque exterior was influenced by the desire to complement the adjacent Royal Palace's façade.

The interior showcases a modern Neo-Gothic design, incorporating contemporary art in its chapels and statues, ranging from historical revivals to pop-art decor. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel stands out with mosaics by Fr. Marko Ivan Rupnik, while the icons in the apse are the work of Kiko Argüello. The north-south orientation, unusual for churches, was intentionally chosen to align with the Royal Palace, further emphasizing the cathedral's integration with its surroundings.

The original architect, Francisco de Cubas, drew inspiration from French Gothic cathedrals like Reims, Chartres, and León. Later, architects Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro reduced the building's height to prevent it from overshadowing the Royal Palace. This architectural dialogue between the cathedral and palace underscores the building's design as part of a larger ensemble, rather than an isolated structure.

Architectural Styles

The Almudena Cathedral's completion culminated in its consecration by Pope John Paul II on June 15, 1993, during his fourth visit to Spain, marking a pivotal moment in the cathedral's history after over a century of construction. This event signified the official recognition and dedication of the cathedral as a sacred space for worship within the Archdiocese of Madrid. The largest of the cathedral's bronze doors represents this consecration.

Pope John Paul II's visit and consecration underscored the cathedral's importance to the Catholic Church and the city of Madrid. Following the consecration, further refinements and detailed work continued for several years. A statue of Pope John Paul II stands in front of the cathedral.

Consecration by Pope John Paul II

Catedral de la Almudena

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Museum Halls

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