Attraction
Museo Nacional del Prado
Spain's national art museum, opened in 1819 on the Paseo del Prado, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Titian and Rubens.
Almudena Cathedral
Madrid's cathedral, begun in 1883 and consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II, facing the Royal Palace across the Plaza de la Armería.
At a glance
- Type
- Cathedral
- Area
- Palacio (Madrid de los Austrias), Madrid, Spain
- Official site
- catedraldelaalmudena.es
Good to know
- Free entry
- Suggested donation
- Museum
- Crypt
- Free audio guide via Wi-Fi
Why we recommend it
The Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena is Madrid's cathedral and, by European standards, a very young one. Francisco de Cubas drew up the first plans in 1879, the first stone was laid in 1883 and the crypt opened in 1911, but construction stalled for long periods, including during the Civil War. A new design by Fernando Chueca Goitia and Carlos Sidro was chosen in 1944 so that the exterior would match the Royal Palace opposite, and the building was finally completed and consecrated by Pope John Paul II in June 1993.
The result is an unusual mix. Outside, the grey and white facade facing the palace is classical in feel, while the interior is neo-Gothic, with tall pointed arches and bright modern stained glass. The side chapels range from historic revival styles to contemporary decoration, and the painted ceilings are colourful rather than sombre. The statue of the Virgin of La Almudena, Madrid's patron, is venerated inside. In 2004, the cathedral hosted the wedding of the then Crown Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz.
Below the cathedral, the neo-Romanesque crypt is a separate church with its own entrance on Calle Mayor, notable for its forest of columns. Remains of the Moorish and medieval city walls have been uncovered near Calle Mayor, a reminder that this was the oldest part of Madrid. The cathedral museum, which charges admission, displays offerings to the city's patrons, the Virgin of La Almudena and San Isidro, and its route is organised around the seven sacraments.
Entry to the cathedral itself is free, with a suggested donation, and a free audio guide is available through the building's Wi-Fi in several languages. Visits are not possible during services, so avoid mass times if you want to look around. Dress respectfully, as in any working church. A visit takes around thirty to forty-five minutes, or longer with the museum.
The main entrance is on Calle de Bailén, opposite the Royal Palace, and the Royal Collections Gallery is directly beside it. Ópera metro is around ten minutes on foot, and the Plaza Mayor is reached easily along Calle Mayor, passing the Mercado de San Miguel on the way.
Almudena Cathedral FAQs
Is entry to the cathedral free?
Yes, entry is free, with a suggested donation; the museum charges admission.
When was the cathedral completed?
It was consecrated by Pope John Paul II in June 1993, more than a century after work began in 1883.
Can I visit during mass?
No, tourist visits are not possible during liturgical celebrations.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, a free audio guide is available through the cathedral Wi-Fi in Spanish, English, French and Italian.
What is in the crypt?
A neo-Romanesque church with many columns and an image of the Virgin of La Almudena; it is entered from Calle Mayor.
Is there a dress code?
Dress respectfully, as it is an active place of worship.
What is the nearest metro?
Ópera, on lines 2 and 5.
What is nearby?
The Royal Palace, the Royal Collections Gallery and Calle Mayor.