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Cathedral · Alicante, Comunidade Valenciana
Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari
Renaissance and Baroque church from the 17th century, with a 45-metre blue dome and a 15th-century cloister, seat of the diocese of Orihuela-Alicante together with the cathedral of Orihuela.
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 Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari
The Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari was built between 1616 and 1662 on the site of an old mosque, to a design by Agustín Bernardino, a follower of Juan de Herrera, the architect of El Escorial. For that reason the exterior is sober, of light stone and straight lines, with almost no decoration.
The highlight is the dome, about 45 metres high, covered in blue tiles, which can be seen from many points in the centre. Inside, the nave has a Baroque main altar and the Chapel of Communion, decorated in Baroque style with marbles and sculptures.
The cloister, from the 15th century, predates the church and belonged to the earlier temple; it is a cool, quiet spot in the middle of the centre. San Nicolás is Alicante's patron saint, and the church became a co-cathedral in 1959, sharing the diocese seat with the cathedral of Orihuela.
Around it, the narrow streets of the old quarter, El Barrio, are full of bars and restaurants.
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
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon, outside Mass times. Check the visiting hours.
How to get there
It is on Plaza Abad Penalva, in the old town, a 3-minute walk from the town hall and 10 minutes from the Explanada.
Tip
Enter the cloister on the side of the church and look for the blue dome from Calle Mayor. At night the surrounding streets become a tapas hotspot.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari
Why is San Nicolás a co-cathedral?
Because it shares the seat of the Diocese of Orihuela–Alicante with the cathedral of Orihuela, since 1959.
What is the most beautiful thing in the co-cathedral?
The blue dome, seen from outside, the 15th-century cloister, and the Baroque Chapel of the Communion.
Is the co-cathedral near the Explanada?
Yes, about a 10-minute walk, in the old town, near the town hall.