The Cathedral of the Almudena of Madrid

The Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena is the episcopal see of the Archdiocese of Madrid (Spain). This temple is 102 meters long and 73 high, built during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in a mixture of different styles: neoclassical exterior, neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque inside the crypt.

It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on his fourth trip to Spain on June 15, 1993, thus being the only Spanish cathedral dedicated by a pope.

Located in the heart of the city. The main facade faces the Royal Palace. The facade of the transept overlooking the street dancing, and access to the crypt is by the Cuesta de la Vega, at the end of Main Street. Unlike most Christian churches, east-west, the cathedral has a north-south, from his conception as an integral part of the entire Royal Palace. It is built in stone Novelda (Alicante) and granite from quarries in Colmenar Viejo (Madrid Province).

A little history

Almudena Cathedral in Madrid is a peculiar case in the Spanish historical context. Although from the sixteenth century, coinciding with the capital of Madrid, attempts were made to equip the city with a prestigious building that was headquarters of the diocese, the case is that other buildings had preference (El Escorial and the unfinished Cathedral of Valladolid) .



From that time until 1879 Madrid continued lack of progress on the project. It was in this last year when Queen Mercedes drives the purchase of a site next to the Plaza de la Armería.Finalmente, on April 4, 1883, King Alfonso XII laid the foundation stone of the future Cathedral of the Almudena.

From this date until the final consecration by Pope John Paul II on June 15, 1993 projects and disruptions have occurred continuously. You can stay in an apartment in Madrid near this impressive church to know well the Spanish capital.

The nicest

The most striking element of the exterior of the cathedral is the dome, which is twofold: Gothic view from inside, but clearly Baroque abroad. It is covered with slate, and has an octagonal drum which springs open four large holes and a small flashlight as auction. There are twelve statues, representing the apostles, San Felipe, San Bartolomé, San Mateo, San Simon, Jude, James Alpheus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Peter, St. James, St. John and St. Andrew. They are the work of sculptor Luis Sanguino.

The note inside the windows and paintings of the apse. On April 28, 2004, Cardinal Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, paintings and stained glass blessed that decorate the apse of the cathedral. The set is made up of seven and eight pictorial murals glass windows made of Murano (Venice).

The murals represent (from left to right): Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Christ Pantocrator, The Resurrection, Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In the center of the composition, presiding over the whole cathedral, the image of the Pantocrator, depicted as Jesus in his Second Coming. In the open book that holds the Pantocrator is written, Love your enemies. I come quickly:. These paintings, made by Argüello, recalls in its general style to the traditional Orthodox icons, showing a contemporary twist on the details.

About the paintings are arranged seven windows dedicated to the Word or Word of God with his name in different languages: Latin (Verbum), Greek (Logos), Hebrew (Dabar) Syriac (melacha), Russian (Slovo) and Spanish (Word). In the center, the name of Mary. The windows, not being figurative, create a balance between the painted figures, the colors of the windows and roof, and all framed in a neo-Gothic architecture, a synthesis between tradition and modernity.

Schedule

The cathedral can not be accessed during liturgical celebrations.

Cathedral - Open from 10 to 19:30. Weekday Mass Schedule Afternoon and eves: 19 h. Tomorrow, Sunday and holidays: 10:30, 12 and 13:30 h. Afternoon: 19 h. Confession Schedule Morning: 11:30 to 12:45. Afternoon: 17:00 to 19:30. There confessors to meet in French, English, German and Italian.

Crypt - Open from 10:00 to 20:00. Weekday Mass Schedule: Morning: 11 am Afternoon: 18:30 pm Saturday afternoon: 19:00 pm Sundays and holidays:: 11:30 and 13:00 h. Afternoon: 18:30 pm