A Visit to Segovia Cathedral

The cathedral of Segovia is one of three major highlights in the incredible city of Segovia (the others are the Aqueduct and the Alcázar). It is a magnificent Cathedral and is the last Gothic Cathedral to have been built in Spain as well as one of the last in all of Europe.

A short video

A previous Cathedral (1117 – 1523) had stood next to the Alcázar (the royal residence) but had destroyed in an uprising against the king. Soon after, it was decided that a new Cathedral would be built in one of the highest points of the city, in the so-called “Plaza Grande”, and atop the old convent of Santa Clara.

Construction started in 1525 and, over 200 years later, was finally completed in 1768.

It is a massive Cathedral: 105 meters long, 50 meters wide with a height of 33 meters along the main nave. The bell tower is almost 90 meters high.

Note: Segovia Cathedral is very similar to the New Cathedral in Salamanca which was built around the same time period (1513 – 1733). It has the same dimensions (105 m * 50 m with a bell tower of 92 m high).

The Cathedral has all the attributes of late Gothic style Cathedrals: large windows replete with stained glass (157 of them), high pointed arched vaults, the distinctive flying buttresses. It’s a great example of what they called the “Flamboyant’ style. It’s elegant, simple and spacious.

Just like the New Cathedral in Salamanca and Burgos cathedral, you might not be overwhelmed by the main altar in Segovia Cathedral. But that’s made up by the many chapels off to the sides, some of which have stunning altars. See the altar in the Chapel of The Blessed Sacrament for example. Also don’t forget to visit the cloisters which are very impressive (and which give you great views of the bell tower). There’s also an art exhibit and an exhibit of tapestries which are worth seeing