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Famous Spanish Churches and Cathedrals
When visiting Spain, you cannot help but be drawn to the many magnificent churches and cathedrals, many that are copied in other countries. While some churches and cathedrals are small, most are large and elaborately built. This article focuses on some of the most famous Spanish churches and cathedrals from history, each with unique styling.
La Sagrada Familia
Translating to “The Holy Family”, this Roman Catholic Church is massive, standing tall and proud in Barcelona, Catalonia Spain. Formally known as the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, this particular church took more than four decades to complete. The architect, Antoni Gaudi, spend the last 15 years of his life solely dedicated to the completion of La Sagrada Familia and when he died in 1926, Domenech Sugranyes carried on his vision. Unfortunately, construction on the church halted until 1935 when the Spanish Civil War broke out.
During the war, some of the unfinished areas of the church were destroyed. The challenge was that the plans or blueprints were also lost so in 1940, architects had to reconstruct certain parts of the church based on guesswork. Initially, Lluis Bonet I Gari, Isidre Puig Boada, Francesc Quintana, and Francesc Cardoner were the architects working on the completion of this Spanish church but with the development of computers and software, new design features were introduced in the 1980s.
It is estimated that more than two million people visited this Spanish church in 2004 alone. Today, the church still has some incomplete areas! Regardless, Christian symbolism as seen throughout the design, which includes 18, spindle shaped towers that represent the 12 apostles, 4 evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. Interestingly, the four evangelists are represented as a lion for St. Mark, a bull for St. Luke, an angel for St. Matthew, and finally, an eagle for St. John. When the construction is complete, this Spanish church will also boast three magnificent facades, the Nativity, Glory, and Passion.
Santiago de Compostela
The name of this Spanish church means “Saint James of Compostela”, which is the capital of Galicia found in the northwest area of Spain. When visiting, you will find the front of the Baroque style façade features the original Romanesque cathedral, as well as a golden, Mollusk shell by the altar. History tells us that to show a sign of homage early pilgrims would visit the church to kiss the shell.
Santiago de Compostela is a gorgeous church, which still has the barrel vaulted cruciform and the 12th century, Portico de la Gloria. The design includes archivolts, shafts, and tympana of three doorways, all opening to the aisles of the Last Judgment sculpture. Even the outside grounds around this cathedral are impressive, surrounded by statues of Solomon and David. If you head to the north and south side of the cathedral, you would find a few 18th century buildings, along with an elegant arcade build in 1533, noted as being the largest in all of Spain. Finally, a 9th century gold crucifix can be found in the cathedral’s chapel, called Capilla del Relicario, which translates to “Chapel of the Reliquary”.
Santa Maria de Leon
The name of this Spanish cathedral means “The House of Light”, which can be found in the northwestern city of Leon in Spain. The site of Santa Maria de Leon is the same location where 2nd century Roman baths were found. Everything about this particular Spanish cathedral is impressive from the rose window to the figures to the oldest choir in all of Spain.
In 1844, the Santa Maria de Leon became one of the most amazing cultural interests in Spain with its magnificent Gothic styling. Completed in the mid 13th century, this cathedral features three towers, an unbelievably beautiful interior of sculptures, paintings, and architecture, and three portals with sculptures. However, the most amazing features of this Spanish cathedral is the massive stained glass window, known for being one of the best in the entire world.
