Description of the attraction
The main religious building of Avila, the city's Cathedral, is a majestic and powerful structure. The thing is that, in addition to its main purpose, the cathedral also performs a defensive function - its powerful building resembling a citadel is part of the defensive structures and is located on the most vulnerable and accessible side of the city to the enemy. The exact date of the construction of the cathedral is unknown: according to one version, it happened in the 11th century, according to another - in the 12th century.
The Cathedral of vila, dedicated to Saint Salvador, is the first building in Castile built in the Gothic style. Subsequently, the temple was rebuilt several times, which was reflected in its external appearance, in which the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles were mixed.
The cathedral has 9 chapels, one of which houses a museum, which displays the clothes of the ministers of the church, church books and magazines, paintings on religious subjects and other exhibits. Particularly noteworthy is the large silver tabernacle, created in 1571.
The building of the cathedral is decorated with a massive tower 43 meters high. On the north side of the façade, there is a portal of extraordinary beauty, richly decorated with sculptures of saints, animals and embossed floral designs.
The interior of the temple is decorated with arcades with columns, which depict the coats of arms of the Spanish nobility. The interior of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with elements in the Renaissance style. One of the chapels is decorated with magnificent paintings on the life of Jesus Christ. Behind the Renaissance altar is the tomb of the Avila bishop El Tostado.
