Description of the attraction
The construction of the Cathedral of Almeria began in 1522 after a strong earthquake that destroyed the main city temple, which was erected on the site of an old mosque. Today, the cathedral houses the seat of the city diocese.
The building of the cathedral, the construction of which was started by order of Diego Fernandez de Villalana, was erected in the late Gothic style. The construction was completed in 1564, with the participation of the famous Spanish architect Juan de Oreya, who brought elements characteristic of the Renaissance into the building.
The facade of the building contains such elements as towers, battlements and buttresses, which gives the appearance of the cathedral massive and majesty and makes it look like a fortress. Indeed, at one time the cathedral served as a reliable shelter from Arab invasions and pirate attacks.
The building of the cathedral has three naves, crossed by a transept, three chapels and a cloister. The main façade of the building is decorated with a beautiful Renaissance portal by Juan de Orey. The portal is an arch with columns and niches, decorated with bas-reliefs on the theme of the victory of King Charles V over the Moors and the exploits of Hercules. The sacristy of the temple and the armory were also designed by Juan de Orey. He was also the author of the gate that adorns the western facade of the building. The main chapel contains a magnificent retablo in the Gothic and Baroque styles, in the creation of which the famous Spanish architect Ventura Rodriguez took part. On the facade of the chapel dedicated to Christ, there is a bas-relief that later became one of the symbols of the city and depicts the sun with a human face and wavy ribbons instead of rays.
