Spain: Why You Should Visit Segovia Cathedral
Most of the churches around Spain have the title of the cathedral – and Segovia Cathedral is one of them. It adorns the premises of the town’s Plaza Mayor. You can’t miss its giant structure coated in yellowish color. This might be the only Gothic Cathedral you’ve seen with such color!
The construction phase of it had taken nearly 50 years, from 1525 to 1577. It was one of the most time-consuming projects in its era. If this was done in two years, it wouldn’t be the kind of marvel that we see today.
If you ever get a chance to visit Segovia, do make sure that the cathedral finds a spot in your itinerary.
Related: Things to do for One Day in Segovia
Why Should You Visit Segovia Cathedral
You can go on a day trip from Madrid to Segovia (together with Toldeo and Avila). But, if you want to stay here for a night because you need to see and experience a lot more, book yourself a nice place to sleep.
See the dazzling interior.
From floor to wall to dome, the cathedral’s interior is breathtaking. Visitors can access it via three doors of the sixth century, called San Goreto and San Frutos (on the southern side) and Puerta del Perdon on the northern side.
Right when you step into the interior, the handmade figures, statues, and structures, from the paintings to the stained glass windows will dazzle you!
The altar
Designed in about 1768, the altarpiece of the cathedral speaks of lavishness and grandeur. It surely is a huge gilded piece with shades of immaculate brown, courtesy of the bronze and jasper incorporated together. Making it was definitely one hell of a task, but Francesco Sabatini has done it with perfection.
The Gothic Vaults
The cathedral’s architecture is Gothic, except for its dome. Three huge vaults support this dome, and they, too, exhibit a Gothic style. They are 33 meters in height, 50 meters in width, and 105 meters in length.
The Retablo Mayor
Just behind the altar, the retablo mayor shows the Virgin of the Peace carving. Francisco Sabatini’s religious devotion and artistic forte are obviously gleaming through this carving which is both captivating and indulging. The carvings flanking the main Virgin Mary are those of the Segovian Saints Engracia, Geroteo, Valentin, and Frutos.
The Chapel
The chapels around the cathedral are secluded places everyone can access for dedicated prayers. There are over 20 chapels lining the walls and the cathedral’s apse. Some of the most prominent are Santisimo Sacramento, San Andres, Piety, and Deposition.
The Chapel of Deposition is located to the right of the entrance and features a lamentation group carved out of wood by Gregorio Fernandez.
The Cloister
Just on the southern transept, a door leads to the cloister. Along with the door, it was transported from the previous site of the cathedral. Therefore, the cloister and the door leading to it are older than the cathedral itself.
The Museum
Just beside the cloister, the cathedral museum is located with its 17th-century gilded and white ceiling, religious artifacts, and old manuscripts. It features the works by Sanchez Coello, Pedro Berruguete, and Van Orley.
As you can see, the Segovia Cathedral is an example of carefully crafted Gothic art splendidly lit by stained glass windows. Visiting it would definitely give you a glimpse into the era when this style of architecture was dominant.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEGOVIA
You can go on a day trip from Madrid to Segovia (together with Toldeo and Avila). But, if you want to stay here for a night because you need to see and experience a lot more, book yourself a nice place to sleep.
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