Spain is synonymous with culture, art and above all heritage. Do you want to know which are the largest cathedrals in Spain? Well, in our country you can find unique cathedrals of different styles and periods. They all have a different history and were built for different causes.
If you want to visit the largest cathedrals in Spain, check out this list. Let's go there!
The Basilica of the Pillar
The Basilica del Pilar is one of the best-known buildings in our country and of course it had to be on this list.
The most striking features of this historic building are its 130 meters high, being one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. The style that predominates in the Basilica del Pilar is baroque, rococo and part of the neoclassical style can also be found. If you want to know more about the history of cathedrals, you can visit the article on what is a cathedral.
Curious fact: the Virgen del Pilar appeared on the banks of the Ebro River and for this reason this name is given to this basilica.
In addition, the Pilar Cathedral is of special importance, since the Virgen del Pilar is the patron saint of Spain And every October 12th is a national holiday in her honor. In Zaragoza, the Fiestas del Pilar (Pilar Festival) is celebrated, which is very popular in the region. For more information about other cathedrals, you can explore the Gothic cathedrals in Spain.
Palencia Cathedral
This is another of the largest cathedrals that exist in Spain, since it is 130 meters high like the Basilica del Pilar.
The styles that you can find in this cathedral are Renaissance and Gothic. The most striking part of the Cathedral of Palencia is the façade, since it is unique and shows all the Renaissance art of the time.
Inside the cathedral of Palencia you can find a buried saint, who is the city's patron saint and is called San Antolín. Many tourists say this is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Spain. If you'd like to learn more about other cathedrals, we invite you to read about the .
However, for many Spaniards this is one of the most unknown here, since Palencia is not a particularly touristy place.
Seville Cathedral
With its 105 meters high, the Cathedral of Seville had to occupy an important place in this ranking. It is one of the best-known cathedrals internationally, since Seville is a very touristic city. As the song says: «Seville has a special color».
The style that predominates in the Cathedral of Seville is Gothic. Being one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in existence in the world. For those interested in architecture, you can learn about the characteristics of gothic architecture.
The main purpose of building this cathedral was to give Seville a prominent place, as it was intended to demonstrate its wealth. Furthermore, the Catholic Monarchs frequently visited it. The remains of Christopher Columbus lie inside.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
We could not fail to name within this list the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, since this is where the Camino de Santiago ends. It is the favorite place of the pilgrims who decide to follow this path every year. In addition, here lie the remains of the apostle Santiago. It is one of the most emblematic buildings in Spain and one of the best known internationally, as is the Cathedral of Seville.
The Cathedral of Santiago it is 100 m high And it's quite impressive when seen in person. If you want to visit Santiago Cathedral, it's best to go in winter, as various events are often held in summer and it's always packed with pilgrims, curious onlookers, and tourists.
Toledo Cathedral
Although the Cathedral of Toledo is of gothic style, It is one of the lowest cathedrals in Europe, it is about 92 meters high.
For many historians and lovers of art they say that the Cathedral of Toledo is a great work of Gothic being a unique jewel in Europe. If you are interested in architecture, you can read about the renaissance architecture and its influence on various cathedrals.
What is striking about this monument is that It has walls that have been made with white limestone and its vaults are unique within Gothic architecture.
In addition, inside the cathedral there is a large collection of precious stones that are exclusive and can be visited.
Leon Cathedral
This cathedral has a curious history and it is that It was built on the ruins of what were Roman baths. The interior of the cathedral is quite impressive and has a collection of unique pieces of neoclassical and Romanesque art. Keep in mind that Romanesque art can only be found in Spain and other countries in southern Europe. For more information about the architecture, see the link neoclassical architecture.
In addition, the stained glass windows, towers and walls of the cathedral make it a unique and imposing monument in Spain.
The height of the León Cathedral is about 90 meters.
Burgos cathedral
The cathedral of Burgos could not be left out since it is a cathedral of about 88 meters high.
Its Gothic style predominates in the facade and sculptures outside the cathedral. It is one of the best-preserved cathedrals in Spain and one of the oldest. Those interested in learning more about this architectural style can visit the article on characteristics of the baroque.
Furthermore, many pilgrims who follow the Camino de Santiago begin their journey in Burgos. It's a must-visit place at some point in Spain.
Cathedral of Cadiz
As they say Cádiz is known for being the Little Havana in Europe. The Cathedral of the Americas was built to commemorate the good commercial relationship that existed between Spain and the Latin American continent..
That is why you can find in this cathedral three different styles: Gothic, Rococo and Neoclassical. Those who wish to know more about Gothic architecture can read about characteristics of gothic architecture.
However, his height is not great since It only measures 74 meters.
Granada Cathedral
This cathedral is one of the most important in Spain, since the Catholic Monarchs are buried here. Formally in Granada it is known as the Cathedral of the Incarnation and has a height of only 57 m.
However, what most attracts tourists and locals to this cathedral is that it is located in a very small square which makes this cathedral even more imposing than it already is.
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
This is one of the most visited historic buildings and monuments in Andalusia, because it is unique. Here You can see the mix of cultures that have passed through Spain and especially Andalusia over the centuries.
After serving as a mosque for more than eight centuries, it became a Catholic church after the Reconquista. For more information about this fascinating monument, you can explore the article on the parts of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
What will be your next destination? What other cathedrals would you include in the list?