Madrid Cathedral (Madrid)

Known officially as the Almudena Cathedral, the construction of Madrid’s main place of worship was only completed in 1993 after becoming a work in progress for over a century. Originally designed in the gothic revival style, it has many modern features and is quite unique for a major catholic church. It is also one of the largest in Spain, measuring over 100 metres in length and topped by a huge central dome. On cheap city breaks in Madrid, you can explore its grounds and interior for just a small donation, and visitors will be struck by the sheer variety of architectural styles employed in its vast interior.

 

It is less opulent than many other Spanish churches but has a light and airy appeal which gives it an almost celestial quality. There is an interesting mixture of medieval style statues, bronze reliefs and even pop art paintings. There are a total of 13 chapels that encompass several architectural styles. The modernist leaded windows are works of art in their own right and perfectly show off the collection of classical statues and the revered tomb of the city’s patron saint San Isidro. On short breaks in Madrid, you can browse an interesting photographic exhibition of its consecration by the Pope in 1993 and admire an elaborate statue honouring this historic event.

 

There is a varied collection of exuberant post-modernist art hanging in the apse, depicting biblical scenes in a refreshingly modern way. Visitors can also venture into the crypt, which houses a 16th century image of the Virgen de la Almudena, whom the cathedral is dedicated to. Here you will also see remnants of the original Moorish mosque which once stood on this site. Festive Madrid weekend breaks can attend uplifting Christmas choral concerts and traditional Easter services are performed with typical Spanish pomp and ceremony.