Cathedrals of Spain

One of the most Catholic countries in Europe, Spain features dozens of beautiful and imposing cathedrals. Follow the links below for articles and photos on the best of the Spanish cathedrals.

	Astorga Cathedral This striking cathedral ranges in style from the Gothic to the Baroque. Among its artistic treasures is a silver monstrance decorated with enormous emeralds.		Avila Cathedral One of the earliest Gothic cathedrals in Castile, this granite monolith, which resembles a fortress, features a Gothic nave filled with notable works of art, including many Plateresque statues.
	Burgos Cathedral Begun in 1221, this lovely cathedral benefitted from creative talent imported from throughout Europe and is the third largest in Spain. El Cid is buried here.		Cadiz Cathedral This Andalusian cathedral was built in the 18th century in the High Baroque style. It is topped by a golden-tiled dome; inside, it is decorated entirely in stone.
	Cordoba Mezquita-Catedral In the 8th century, this was one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the West. Converted to a cathedral after the Reconquista, it is a unique combination of Gothic and Islamic architecture.		León Cathedral This brightly-lit cathedral was begun in 1250 with a design pierced by 125 stained-glass windows and 57 oculi, the oldest of which date from the 13th century.
	Madrid Cathedral (Almudena Cathedral) Dating from the late 19th and 20th centuries, Almudena Cathedral is very new by European standards, and its modern design reflects its youth.		Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Since medieval times, thousands of pilgrims have come here to seek salvation at the tomb of St. James. Much of the cathedral was financed by donations from these pilgrims.
	Segovia Cathedral Constructed in the 16th century, Segovia Cathedral was the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain and stands on the spot where Isabella I was proclaimed queen of Castile.		Seville Cathedral An enormous mosque stood on this site before the Reconquista, and the cathedral that replaced it is the third largest in Europe. It features the tomb of Columbus, the Courtyard of the Orange Trees and a Moorish tower.
	Toledo Cathedral This fantastic Gothic cathedral was built on the site of an old Arab mosque. Its interior is filled with masterpieces and in the treasury is a splendid 16th-century silver and gilt monstrance weighing 500 pounds.		Valencia Cathedral Valencia Cathedral was built in the 13th century on the site of a mosque and a Temple of Diana. It incorporates a number of architectural styles and artistic treasures - including the Holy Grail!