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Cathedral · Ávila, Castela e Leão
Catedral de Ávila
Cathedral-fortress whose apse, the cimorro, is one of the towers of the wall. It is considered the first Gothic cathedral in Spain, with works beginning in 1172 under the French master Fruchel.
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 Ávila
The Catedral do Salvador was conceived at the same time as a temple and as a fortress. Its chevet, called cimorro, is set into the east side of the wall and functions as the sturdiest tower of that stretch. From the outside, the appearance is sober and military; inside, the Gothic style makes the space lighter.
Work on the present building began in 1172 under the French master Fruchel, who brought the earliest Gothic forms from Burgundy. For this reason the cathedral is considered the first Gothic one in Spain. Fruchel died in 1192, with the complex chevet almost finished. The naves, cloister, sacristies and towers were completed between the 13th and the 16th centuries.
In the chevet, the stones show red veins on a pale background, a sandstone known as piedra sangrante, brought from the valley of Amblés. The plan is a Latin cross, with three naves and a double ambulatory. In the 15th century, the former Portada de los Apóstoles was moved to the north wall, and Juan Guas made the new west façade.
The cathedral museum houses works by El Greco and José de Ribera and 15th-century choir books. The visit includes the cloister and the chapels.
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
About 1 hour for the temple, the cloister and the museum.
Best time
In the morning, with fewer groups. Visiting hours change on days of celebration: check before you go.
How to get there
It is located on the Plaza de la Catedral, inside the wall, a short walk from the Puerta de los Leales and 5 minutes on foot from the Plaza de Santa Teresa.
Tip
Exit through the Puerta del Alcázar and walk around the outside of the wall to see the cimorro set into the wall. The ÁvilaCard grants access to the cathedral. Wear modest clothing: it is an active place of worship.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Ávila
Why does the Cathedral of Ávila look like a fortress?
Because it was also designed for defence. Its eastern end, the cimorro, is part of the east side of the wall and functions as one of its towers.
Is the Cathedral of Ávila the first Gothic cathedral in Spain?
It is generally regarded as such. Work on the present church began in 1172 with the French master Fruchel, who brought the first Gothic forms from Burgundy.
What is in the cathedral museum?
Works by El Greco and José de Ribera, 15th‑century choir books and pieces of goldsmithing, among others.