The unique architecture of the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid

Visiting the Spanish capital, it is impossible to bypassthe attention of the stunning beauty of the Cathedral of Almudena. The splendor of the interior, the unique combination of architectural styles, the enchanting beauty of the cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena attracts both tourists and locals. About him and will be discussed in the article.

Legends and legends

The Curious History of Almudena Cathedral in Madridknows and will be happy to tell every Spaniard. The legend says that the Apostle James, preaching Christianity and turning the pagans, brought to the territory of modern Spain a statue of the Virgin Mary. Soon the power in the country was captured by the Arabs. The locals hid the sacred relic and for many years it could not be found. In 1083 the country was liberated from Muslims. After the solemn moleben, King Alphonse VI passed with a festive procession through the streets of the city. The wall of the fortress collapsed and an unharmed statue of the Mother of God appeared to all those present. In translation from Arabic, Al mudayna means a citadel or fortress. And the returned relic was called Virgo Almudena.

Today in the temple is a 16th century statue, which the inhabitants of Madrid venerate as the defender of the city of the Virgin of Almudena.

Construction of a cathedral

Not being the center of the diocese, the city did not havethe cathedral. Having proclaimed Madrid as the capital of the state in the 16th century, King Philip II intended to build a church on the site of an Arab mosque. But construction was constantly postponed because of political and economic instability in the country. In 1883, after the sudden death of his wife, King Alfonso XII of Spain built a crypt in which the statue of Maria Almudena was erected.

In 1884, Pope Leo XIII established a dioceseMadrid The capital acquired a bishop and the church received the status of a cathedral. Originally the project was created in the neo-Gothic style by the marquis Francisco de Cubas. Construction of the great church has repeatedly stopped and dragged on for more than 100 years. In 1944, the project was finalized and corrected by architects Fernando Chueca-Goytiya and Karl Cidro. The personal consecration of the finished cathedral by Pope John Paul II took place only in June 1993. The statue of the Pope on the square in front of the temple testifies to this significant event.

Architectural ensemble

Located on the Armory Square oppositeThe Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, combining neo-Romanticism with neo-Gothic and Baroque in its exterior, forms an organic ensemble with the residence of monarchs. During the construction of the temple used limestone, sandstone, marble and granite. Herreresco's light gray facades of the cathedral and palace harmoniously complement each other. The huge bronze entrance gates to the temple are decorated with a plot about the mysterious discovery of the statue of the Virgin Mary. The high (75 m) dome of the cathedral was built under the guidance of Chuek-Goytiya in the neo-baroque style.

The interior of the Cathedral of Almudena

A distinctive feature of the temple is itslocation Traditionally, churches "look" to the west and east, and Almudena Cathedral in Madrid is directed to the south and north. Its internal layout resembles a Latin cross. The very bright space of the temple is modestly decorated with numerous figures, paintings, frescoes and mosaics. In the chapels of the cathedral are important burial of the XIX century. The main altar of Granada green marble topped with a crucifix of Christ in the Baroque style, made in the XVII century by Juan de Mesa.

In the space behind the altar is a pictureFrancisco Rizzi, "Removing the Garb of Christ," written at the same time. The left wing of the transept is decorated with the painting “Immaculate with Fleur de Lis”, dating from the 16th century. From the old church of St. Carmen to the cathedral were transferred to the choir chairs, made at the end of the XVI century of walnut.

The most majestic and significant decorationsthe chapel of the cathedral are the figurine of the Virgin and the stunning beauty of Juan of Burgundy retable, made in the XVI century, the statue of John the Baptist, the work of Michel of the XVIII century, "Christ tied to a post" by Giacomo Colombo. A casket with the remains of Saint Isidra is kept in the altar passage. The restrained beauty of the spacious temple and the huge mosaic dome shake visitors with their grandeur.

Visit the cathedral

Celebrations in honor of the Virgin of Almuden are held inCathedral every year on November 9th. Not paying attention to the great church and the royal family: the Spanish prince, and today the king of Spain Philip VI in May 2004, married in the cathedral of Almudena with his bride, TV presenter Letizia Ortiz. Visitors to the cathedral are taken for free every day throughout the year, with the exception of some holidays. A quick inspection of the entire temple takes about an hour.

The lucky ones who came to worship foreverThe great organ music and singing of the church choir will be remembered. At the temple there is a museum in which for 6 euros you can see church jewels, clothes, books and interior details. Under the dome of the vault there is an observation deck with a stunning view of the city streets.

Settled in the hotel next to the Almudena Cathedral (7islas, Hotel City House Florida Norte Madrid), offers the opportunity to thoroughly explore the sights of central Madrid: visit the San Miguel bazaar, the Royal Opera House, the richest in Europe abode - the barefoot princesses monastery Descalzas Reales and many other amazingly beautiful places.