Destinations / The most beautiful cathedrals of Spain / Cadiz Cathedral

 

  The massive building was erected on the ruins of an old cathedral, built in 1260 and destroyed by fire in 1596. The reconstruction began only in 1776, being a project of architect Vicente Arcero, who had also built the Cathedral of Granada. After Arcero left the project, it was continued by many other architects, its construction lasting 116 years. 

 

  The interior of Cadiz Cathedral is 85 m long and 60 m wide, with massive pillars and a magnificent dome, with a height of 52 m. The dome of the cathedral is made of gilded tiles, so it is not hard to spot it in town. Its chapels have many paintings and relics from the old cathedral and monasteries from throughout Spain. Because it took 116 years to be completed, the mixture of architectural styles is obvious - construction started in the baroque style and was completed in neoclassic style. Thus, the result is impressive, the cathedral being built in Baroque style with rococo and neoclassical elements in a thoughtful and balanced mingle. The cathedral has also a museum which displays a rich collection of religious art and relics, including a silver ark - Custody del Millon - 4m high and which is said to be studded with a million gems. In the crypt there are the tombs of several bishops and the composer Manuel de Falla (1876-1946), as well as the poet and playwright José María Pemán, both born in Cadiz. 

 

  Since 2003, the tower, “Torre de Poniente” has become a new tourist attraction: on the top of the tower one can admire the beauty of the city. 

 

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