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Religious Sites in Spain

Almudena Cathedral

Almudena Cathedral, by Joel

Almudena Cathedral
Town: Madrid Address: Calle de Bailen Phone: +34 91 542 22 00

The Almudena Cathedral is the biggest Catholic temple in Madrid. Contrary to the common tradition, the cathedral is at the same time one of the newest churches in the city. Although the plans for construction of such a temple appeared as early as the 16th Century, the actual building process hasn't started until 1879 due to the lack of financing and political controversions. The church was built in Gothic revival style with the eclectic features typical of the 19th Century. The temple was designed by architect Francisco de Cubas, the Marquis of Cubas. The construction of the cathedral took a long time as it was interrupted during the Spanish Civil War and resumed as late as 1950. In this year, Fernando Chueca Goitia redesigned the exterior of the Almudena Cathedral in Neo-Classical style. Thus a unique blend of different architectural styles appeared – a Neo-Classical facade, Gothic interior and a valuable Neo-Romanesque crypt. The temple was named after Virgen de la Almudena

Basilica de la Mare de Deu de la Merce

Basilica de la Mare de Deu de la Merce , by Erick Opena

Basílica de la Mare de Deu de la Mercè
Town: Barcelona Address: Plaça Mercè 1 Phone: +34 93 315 27 56

Basílica de la Mare de Deu de la Mercè is one of the most famous churches in Barcelona. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, the Virgen de la Mercè. The original Medieval building of the church was in Gothic style, but in the 14th and 15th Century it was slightly remodelled according to the then-recent trends. In the late 18th Century, the basilica was thoroughly refurbished by the architect Josep Mas i Cordal who drew inspiration from the Italian Baroque. The church has one main nave with beautiful chapels on each side. Noteworthy features of the building include an impressive dome crowning the crossing and a pattern of curved scrolls adorning the facade.

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Basilica de San Francisco El Grande
Town: Madrid Address: Plaza de San Francisco Phone: +34 91 365 38 00

Basilica de San Francisco El Grande belongs among the largest and most famous places of worship in the Spanish capital. It originates from the 18th Century. Its contruction lasted from 1761 to 1784 and was carried out following the plans of Friar Francisco Cabezas and later Francisco Sabatini. The fine Neo-Classical church in the heart of Madrid boasts one of the most imposing church domes in the world, measuring 33 metres in diametre. In addition, the richly ornamented facade and the exclusive collection of paintings contribute to the attractiveness of the basilica. In the interior visitors can admire masterpieces of renowned artists, such as Goya, Zurbaran, Alonso Cano and Maella and the sculptors Ricardo Bellver and Mariano Benlliure. On the premises of the temple there is also a museum as well as seven chapels.

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Basilica de San Miguel
Town: Madrid Address: Calle de San Justo 4 Phone: +34 91 548 40 11

The Basilica de San Miguel dates back to the first half of the 18th Century and more specifically to the year 1746, when the church designed by Giacomo Bonavia was consecrated. The otherwise not particularly impressive religious site is distinguished by its unique concave Baroque facade, created following the best Italian traditions of the time. The interior also has something to offer – paintings by renowned artists like Ferrant, frescoes by the Gonzalez Velazquez brothers and plenty of sculptures by Roberto Michel, Salvador Carmona and Pascual de Mena.

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar

Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, by Vicenç Feliú

Basílica de Santa María del Mar
Town: Barcelona Address: Plaça de Santa María del Mar Phone: +34 93 310 23 90
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00 -20:00
Basílica de Santa María del Mar, the Basilica of St Mary of the Sea, is one of Barcelona's emblematic churches. In the Middle Ages, the church was a prominent place of worship for shipowners and sea merchants. The construction started in 1324, and it was completed a mere five years later, under the reign of King Juame II. Designed by Berenguer de Montagut, Santa María del Mar is a wonderful example for Catalan Gothic architecture. The church has three beautiful naves, separated by pillars. The vast interior is topped with octagonal towers. Of particular note is the impressive rose stained-glass window, dating from the 15th Century. The facade of the basilica is nicely decorated with sculptures from various epochs.

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Basílica de Santa María del Pi
Town: Barcelona Address: Plaça del Pi Phone: +34 93 318 47 43
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00 -20:00
Església de Santa Maria del Pi, the Church of St Mary of the Pine is a beautiful basilica in Barcelona, dating from the 14th Century and displaying trademark features of the Catalan Gothic style. The name of the church derives from the vas pine forest that once covered the area. Adjacent to the basilica is a wonderful 54-metre tower. The Romanesque door of the church leads to a spacious interior, featuring wonderful chapels as well as a chapter house with tombs of Josep Oriol and Antoni Viladomat. Visitors will note the spectacular rose window above the entrance, spectacularly illuminated by the sunlight and creating a different pattern on the floor depending on the time of day.

Capella de Santa Agata

Capella de Santa Agata, by Maria Kokidu

Capella de Santa Àgata
Town: Barcelona Address: Plaça del Rei Phone: +34 93 285 3834

Capella de Santa Àgata, the Chapel of St Agatha is a marvellous church, part of the magnificent complex of Palacio Real Mayor, the main royal palace. The church was erected in the 14th Century, during the reign of King Jaume II. It replaced an earlier Romanesque chapel dedicated to St Mary that once occupied the site. The style of the present church is Gothic, with the typical single nave. The interior features lovely chapels and beautiful stained-glass windows. The lavish altarpiece is a work of Jaume Huguet.

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Capella de Santa Llúcia
Town: Barcelona Address: Carrer de Santa Llúcia 3

Capella de Santa Llúcia, the Chapel of St Lucy is a fascinating example of Gothic sacred architecture in Barcelona. The church occupies the site of an earlier Romanesque cathedral and is dedicated to St Lucy, the patron saint of the blind. The design of the building uses clear simple lines, which only emphasises the intricacy of the interior and exterior decoration. There are capitals over the main door featuring representations of the Annunciation and the Visitation.

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