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Sigüenza Cathedral

6 Plaza del Obispo Don Bernardo, Sigüenza, Castilla-La Mancha

Description

The Cathedral of Sigüenza construction started in the 12th century, after the town was reconquered from the Muslims. It was developed and modified across several centuries and thus mixes different architectural and ornamental styles such as its facade that combines Romanesque, Neo-classical and Baroque elements. The main features include the two western sandstone towers rising about 41m each, the Torre del Gallo (a watchtower with military use), the 3 Gothic naves with a 16th century ambulatory, the reredos of Wilgefortis and Fadrique de Portugal, and the 16th century Gothic cloister.

Access & Transport

The town can be reached by train from Guadalajara (60mins) or Madrid (1h45 from Chamartin station) By car from Guadalajara, it is a 1h / 75km journey on the A-2 + CM-1101 at exit 104. From Madrid it takes about 1h40 (135km) and from Zaragoza 2h15 (180km)

Instructions & Recommendations

Note the split opening hours to accommodate the lunch break. We strongly suggest also exploring the rest of the city (not just the Cathedral) and a side trip to Atienza can round the day up if you have a car (30mins drive).

Meta review

The Cathedral tends to feature in culturally oriented guidebooks but seldom on travel magazines and blogs. Online reviews are quite unanimous in describing it as a must see in the region and that no trip to Sigüenza is complete without a visit to the church. Comments point out the excellent state of the Cathedral, the tombs, the magnificent stained-glass windows and the side chapels (renting the audio-guide is recommended). Several visitors also point out that the museum across the street also contains a lot of quality items, including art and artifacts that belong to the cathedral.

Environmental & Social

The running environmental footprint is low and it helps maintain the region's architectural and historical heritage. It also attracts some economic influx from tourism to the town.

Conclusion

The Cathedral is one of the architectural highlights of Guadalajara province and combines a long and eventful history with some fantastic craftmanship. You would not expect such a building in a town the size of Sigüenza but it really cements it as a not-to-be-missed destination in any regional itinerary starting or ending in Madrid.

Key positive

Interesting history and mix of architectures

Some visually striking features and ornaments

Key negative

None

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. The ground floor of the Cathedral appears to be accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
In the evening, last admission is 1h before closing

av. transport time:1h

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY10:30 - 14:00

TUESDAY10:30 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY10:30 - 14:00

THURSDAY10:30 - 14:00

FRIDAY10:30 - 14:00

SATURDAY10:30 - 14:00

SUNDAY10:30 - 14:00

Period 2

MONDAY16:00 - 19:30

TUESDAY16:00 - 19:30

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 19:30

THURSDAY16:00 - 19:30

FRIDAY16:00 - 19:30

SATURDAY16:00 - 19:30

SUNDAY16:00 - 19:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Group price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7
4
Adult
18 - 64
€8
4
Child
12 - 17
€7
4
Infant
0 - 11
€0
0
Price for Cathedral + Museum visit Students < 25yrs old is 7€

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