Catedral de la Almudena (Almudena Cathedral), Madrid

The Almudena Cathedral, also known as Madrid's Cathedral, is the most important religious building in the city. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid, and Pope John Paul II consecrated it in 1993. The cathedral was built on the site of a medieval mosque destroyed in 1083 and stands directly opposite the Royal Palace.

Even though the capital of Spain was moved from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, it took more than 400 years to complete the cathedral of Madrid. Why did it take so long?

For many years the Spanish Empire was occupied with the costs and burdens of expansion in the New World. As a result, the cathedral wound up getting a steady string of postponements. Construction finally began in 1879 by the Marquis of Cubas, but it was held up again by the Spanish Civil War and finally abandoned again until the 1950s.

The final structure is a modern Neo-Gothic cathedral that is like nothing else on the planet. There is a blend of classical and modern elements that makes it truly unique. Historical revival and pop-art decor sit side-by-side, along with statues of contemporary artists.

Since it's across the street from the Royal Palace, the cathedral makes a great stop along the same route. You can tour for a small donation. The crypt (Cripta de la Almudena), which is neo-Romanesque in style, houses a 16th-century image of Virgen de la Almudena. It is entered from the side of the building, not from the main entrance.

Tip:
After viewing the beautiful altarpieces and magnificent vestments, plus manuscripts of the clergy in the museum, you can ascend to the dome for a 360 degree view of the city, plus to see at close proximity the oversized statues of saints perched on top.

Opening Hours:
(Cathedral) Daily: 9am-8:30pm
(Museum) Mon-Sat: 10am-2:30pm