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Cadiz Cathedral
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- SEVILLE
Cadiz Cathedral – the best views of the city and sea
The Cadiz Cathedral is a beautiful well-proportioned baroque building with neoclassical elements. Its shape and the golden-yellow dome is an icon for the city. When the evening sun arrives the views of the cathedral from the seafront are magnificent. Any visitor will understand easily why the cathedral is called “santa Cruz sobre el Mar” (The Saint cross over the sea).
The highlights of the cathedral include one of the best word-carve choirs in Andalusia, the crypt of Spain´s top musician Manuel de Falla and the breathtaking views from the tower.
Cadiz Cathedral
History of Cadiz´s Cathedral
The monumental Cathedral of Cadiz is one of Cadiz’s top attractions and provides a distinctive panoramic view of Cadiz. We can say the cathedral shapes the best-known image of Cadiz. The cathedral of Cadiz dates back to the 18th century. Work started in 1722 and it was finished in 1838. Such long construction time implied the participation of different architects and the use of neoclassical elements that generated certain debates at the time due to the contrast they implied with the original plans.
Due to financial difficulties, despite the cathedral was consecrated in 1838, its towers were not finished till 1846 and 1862.
During the more than 100 years of construction, different architects participated in the design of the building with 3 different styles: baroque, rococo, and neoclassical.
The original plans included building a tower higher than the one of Seville´s cathedral, but due to financial problems in the later stage of the construction, the plans were reshaped.
Interior and chapels in Cadiz´s cathedral
It has a nave and two aisles, separated by bundles of columns, a dome over the crossing, and baroque furnishings, which include beautiful chair stalls that arrive from the Charterhouse of Seville.
One of Spain´s most famous persons, musician Manuel de Falla, author of the Aranjuez Concert, is buried in the crypt of the cathedral of Cadiz. Manuel de Falla was actually born in Cadiz. The crypt is fantastic and as an anecdote, it is built below sea level.
One of the most outstanding treasures inside the cathedral of Cadiz is the figure of Saint Bruno in the San Sebastian chapel. Its author is probably Montañes, though there is some debate about this. There are in total 15 chapels at the cathedral beside the main chapel. The main chapel is impressive, and decorated in bronze, marble, and jasper.
Inside the tower, you will also be able to admire an impressive clock from the mid XIX century.
Cadiz Cathedral Museum and Treasure
Other very interesting treasures of Cadiz cathedral include a tall silver monstrance with a golden tabernacle, and a processional cross (Custodia del Milon) of over 5 meters in height! And inside the cathedral museum, you will discover fantastic paintings
Cadiz´s cathedral plan
Views from the tower of Cadiz´s cathedral
The best views in Cadiz are for sure from the tower in the cathedral. For many people the best thing in the Cathedral and also in Cadiz are the views from the tower (Torre del Reloj) Breath-taking views of the city of Cadiz and the sea can be enjoyed from the tower. Access is included in the entrance fee and the stairs are very affordable. The bells continue to operate. Wath out your ears when you access the tower!
The Giralda tower
The Giralda, the bell tower which dominates the city skyline and is about 318 ft. high overall, rises up between the Puerta de Oriente and the Puerta de los Palos.
The 4 golden balls that crowned the Giralda were demolished in 1355. The decision taken was to replace these balls with a small minaret. In the XVI century the minaret was changed again and it was replaced by the bronze statue of the Giraldillo.
As an anecdote, we can say that the Giralda of Seville Spin has been conserved until today thanks to the fact that Alfonso X el Sabio, son of Fernando III el Santo who conquered Seville from the Almohad, and was the one who threatened to kill every Muslim of Seville if a single stone was thrown to the minaret.
Cadiz Cathedral Video
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