Santa María Cathedral

Why go

The interest lies in seeing a large church from several levels, rather than only from the floor of the nave. Moving between the crypt, triforium and parapet walkway reveals parts of the building that help explain its structure; the portico light presentation draws attention back to its sculpted entrance.

What to look for

• The crypt and triforium reveal the cathedral at different levels.
• The parapet walkway exposes the building’s upper structure.
• The western portico has three richly sculpted portals.

The full story

Santa María began as a church-fortress, which helps explain its substantial, enclosed exterior. Construction started in the late thirteenth century and continued through the fourteenth, when a religious building could also form part of the town’s defences. Its later status changed more than once: it served as a collegiate church from 1496 before becoming a cathedral in 1861. Inside, a Latin-cross plan places a broad transept across the main body, with chapels gathered around the curved apse. The three western portals give the sculpture a clear arrangement: the central entrance is devoted to the Virgin, while the side portals include San Gil, the Last Judgement and Saint James. Those details make the entrance worth studying as a whole, rather than noticing individual figures in isolation.

Useful to know

• Fit the cathedral tour into your old-town walk, with time on either side to see its exterior.
• Check the official visit programme to match the route through the building to your interests.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.