Catedral de Cádiz
The last great Spanish cathedral financed by the riches from the New World, this hulking church was begun in Baroque style in 1722 and stalled during the Napoleonic invasion. Finally, the citizens of Cádiz finished the cathedral with volunteer labor in 1838. The later parts—including the yellow-tiled dome and hexagonal bell towers—are Neoclassical. It’s impressive rather than beautiful, but the admission fee, including access to the clock tower and cathedral museum, is well worth the investment. The tour is slick, with a detailed audio guide in English, museum-style exhibits, and a gift shop.
Highlights include the elaborately carved cedar choir from 1702 and the huge 390kg (860 lb.) silver monstrance which is still shouldered through the streets during the feast of Corpus Christi every June. The circular crypt contains the tomb of the Cádiz-born composer Manuel de Falla.
After the tour, you can climb the eastern clock tower, Torre de Reloj, whose entrance is to your right as you leave the cathedral. The views of the port and the city’s magnificent modern bridge are spectacular but take care not to get lost in photography. The bells just above your head sound every 15 minutes and are painfully loud.
The cathedral museum, next to the much simpler Iglesia de Santa Cruz (site of the old cathedral), is in a beautifully restored Mudéjar building where the most significant exhibit is the decree to abolish the Spanish Inquisition.
The last great Spanish cathedral financed by the riches from the New World, this hulking church was begun in Baroque style in 1722 and stalled during the Napoleonic invasion. Finally, the citizens of Cádiz finished the cathedral with volunteer labor in 1838. The later parts—including the yellow-tiled dome and hexagonal bell towers—are Neoclassical. It’s impressive rather than beautiful, but the admission fee, including access to the clock tower and cathedral museum, is well worth the investment. The tour is slick, with a detailed audio guide in English, museum-style exhibits, and a gift shop.
Highlights include the elaborately carved cedar choir from 1702 and the huge 390kg (860 lb.) silver monstrance which is still shouldered through the streets during the feast of Corpus Christi every June. The circular crypt contains the tomb of the Cádiz-born composer Manuel de Falla.
After the tour, you can climb the eastern clock tower, Torre de Reloj, whose entrance is to your right as you leave the cathedral. The views of the port and the city’s magnificent modern bridge are spectacular but take care not to get lost in photography. The bells just above your head sound every 15 minutes and are painfully loud.
The cathedral museum, next to the much simpler Iglesia de Santa Cruz (site of the old cathedral), is in a beautifully restored Mudéjar building where the most significant exhibit is the decree to abolish the Spanish Inquisition.
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