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Church · Astorga, Castela e Leão
Catedral de Astorga
Gothic cathedral begun in 1471, with a baroque façade, towers over 60 metres and the Renaissance altarpiece by Gaspar Becerra.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Astorga
The cathedral of Santa Maria de Astorga stands next to Gaudí's palace, beside the wall. Previously there was a pre-Romanesque church and then a Romanesque one, consecrated in 1069. The current cathedral began construction in 1471, in the Gothic style, at the chevet, and was completed over the following centuries, with a Renaissance portal and the main Baroque façade from the 18th century.
The façade is full of sculptures, and the two towers, of slightly different colours, rise above 60 metres, with slate roofs. Inside, the cathedral has three high naves with ribbed vaults, whose pillars rise without capitals to the ceiling.
The large altarpiece of the main altar, from the 16th century, is the work of Gaspar Becerra, a sculptor who studied in Italy, featuring scenes of the life of the Virgin and of Christ in polychrome wood. The choir has carved wooden stalls. The cloister, neoclassical, from 1755, provides access to the cathedral museum, with goldsmith's work, images and documents.
At the top of one of the towers, according to tradition, is the figure of a maragato, Pedro Mato, which recalls the participation of the maragatos in the Battle of Clavijo.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1 hour, including the museum.
Best time
In the morning, combined with Gaudí's palace. The tourist visit has its own times, outside of masses; check in advance.
How to get there
It is next to the Palácio Episcopal, in the old town, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Compare the two towers: one is of darker stone than the other, because they were built in different periods.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Astorga
When was the Cathedral of Astorga built?
Construction began in 1471 in the Gothic style and was completed in later centuries, with the Baroque façade from the 18th century.
What to see inside the Cathedral of Astorga?
The Renaissance altarpiece by Gaspar Becerra, the carved wooden choir stalls, the 1755 cloister, and the cathedral museum.
Is the cathedral near Gaudí's palace?
It's next to it. The two buildings form Astorga's most photographed ensemble.