Ávila Cathedral

Welcome to the Cathedral of San Salvador in Ávila, a building that defies simple classification. It is not merely a temple, but a fortress; not just a house of God, but a cornerstone of a city's defense. …

To truly appreciate the unique nature of Ávila Cathedral, we must start outside, at the point where the building meets the city walls. The apse of the cathedral, known as the 'Cimborrio,' is one of the most ancient parts of the…

The main facade of the cathedral is a study in architectural evolution. Because the building took nearly 300 years to complete, from the 12th to the 15th centuries, it displays a fascinating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and even…

The interior of the cathedral is dominated by the 'Capilla Mayor' and its magnificent high altar. This is a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance, commissioned by the powerful Cardinal Cisneros. …

In the center of the nave, we find the 'coro,' or choir area. In Spanish cathedrals, the choir is often placed in the middle of the church, separated from the high altar. …

As we walk around the high altar, we enter the 'girola' or ambulatory. This is the part of the cathedral that is literally inside the city wall. …

Our final stop is the Cathedral Museum, which houses an 'incredible collection of sacred art.' This is where the most precious objects used in the cathedral's rituals are preserved. You will see gold and silver 'cálices'…

Leaving the Cathedral of San Salvador, we re-enter the bright sunlight of Ávila, but our perspective on the city has changed. We have explored a building that is simultaneously a monument to faith and a machine of war. …