Sigüenza Cathedral
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Sigüenza, Cathedral of Santa Maria - by Angel de los Rios (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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).
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
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:1h 15m
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
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