La Almudena Cathedral, Madrid
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La Almudena Cathedral - by Fernando Bilbao on Google
Description
Almudena Cathedral (Santa María la Real de La Almudena - named after the Virgin of Almudena) has a fairly recent history; its construction started in 1879 in Gothic revival style but was then interrupted during the Spanish Civil War before resuming in the 1960's and being consecrated in 1993 by Almudena Cathedral (Santa María la Real de La Almudena). The interior art and decoration are unusually modern. The rationale behind the construction of the Catedral is that after the capital of Spain moved to Toledo in 1561, the seat of the catholic church remained there and Madrid didn't have a Cathedral.
Access & Transport
Walking distance from Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and located just south of Madrid's Royal Palace. The Palacio Real bus stop is next to the church entrance on Calle de Bailén and Ópera metro station (2, 5) is 500m away.
Instructions & Recommendations
The suggested donation at the entrance is 1€ per person. There is also a museum with a separate entrance fee. Link to the timing os religious services: https://catedraldelaalmudena.es/horarios-y-tarifas/ This activity is well combined with the Royal Palace & Gardens, the Plaza Mayor and the neighbourhood of La Latina.
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Socially, this helps preserve the city's architectural heritage.
Conclusion
La Almudena Cathedral is structurally truly impressive and its colour scheme, although unusual for a church, matches that of the Royal Palace rather well (no coincidence there). If you aren't particularly into churches, this monument lacks the art content and history to make it a real draw; but if you are then it is certainly worth a visit - you may or may not like it, difficult to predict.
Key positive
Located next to the Royal Palace
Key negative
The art and ornamentation will not be to everybody's liking
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Jul, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 21:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 21:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 21:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 21:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 21:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 21:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 21:00
Start of Season 2:Sep, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 20:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 20:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 20:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 20:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 20:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 20:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 20:00