Jaén Cathedral – one of Spain’s best Cathedrals (with Video)
Not only is Jaén Cathedral huge, it’s considered by many to be one of Spain’s best Cathedrals. In fact it is on a tentative list to be a UNESCO world heritage site.
After the reconquest of Jaén by Christian forces in 1246, a Cathedral was built on the ruins of a mosque. Over the centuries it has been rebuilt several times, the current cathedral being conceived in the middle of the 16th century. Jaén Cathedral was in fact used as the inspiration for many Latin American churches.
What makes Jaén Cathedral special?
It starts with the outside façade which is ornate, the scale impressive with a length of 100 meters. The towers stand 68 meters high.
Inside, the Cathedral somehow feels even larger, the dome seemingly stretching to the sky. Unlike other Cathedrals, the ceiling and columns are made entirely of carved stone (not plaster). The choir, carved out of walnut, is one of the largest in Spain. Off to the sides are 17 chapels adorned by baroque details and gold. Jaén Cathedral is most famous for a famed Christian relic: the Veil of Veronica which, according to belief, was used by Saint Veronica to wash Christ’s face.
You can also go to the upper galleries of the Cathedral and go outside for great views of town and the surrounding countryside.
The Cathedral at night:
Practical Information
Cost of Entry: 7 Euros
There’s more to Jaén then the Cathedral though. It is an interesting city that is often overlooked. And it has good transport links so it’s not hard to get to (we came from Granada which is an hour away by bus).
Much more on Jaén in this post: The Best of Jaén
Related: What’s it like living in Martos?
Leave a Reply