Huesca Cathedral
Aragón
Huesca Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture located in Huesca, Aragón, Spain. Construction began in the late 13th century atop the site of a former mosque, reflecting the region's Christian reconquest history. The cathedral features a Latin cross layout with three naves, five apses, and numerous side chapels, showcasing intricate Gothic design elements. Its façade, crafted by builder Guillem Inglés, is renowned for its seven archivolts adorned with figures of virgins, angels, prophets, and a central statue of the Virgin and Child. The bell tower, built between 1369 and 1423, originally featured a pentagonal spire that was lost during the Spanish Civil War and remains unreconstructed. Inside, the main altarpiece by Damian Forment, completed in 1520, is a large alabaster triptych depicting the Passion of Christ. The cathedral also contains parts of a Romanesque cloister and a Gothic cloister corridor initiated by Pope Luna, adding to its architectural complexity. Today, it functions as both a place of worship and a museum, preserving its artistic and historical heritage.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit during weekdays and outside major holidays to avoid crowds. Advance ticket purchase is recommended to ensure entry, especially for guided tours. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The cathedral offers an insightful museum experience alongside worship services, so planning sufficient time is beneficial.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral was built over the site of a former mosque, with a horseshoe arch from the mosque still visible in the cloister area.
- •Its Gothic façade features sixteen figures across seven archivolts, including virgins, angels, prophets, and a central Virgin and Child statue.
- •The original pentagonal spire of the bell tower was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and has not yet been reconstructed.
- •The main altarpiece, crafted from alabaster by Damian Forment in 1520, depicts the Passion of Christ in a large triptych.
- •Part of the Romanesque cloister remains attached to the north side, while a Gothic cloister corridor was partially built under Pope Luna's initiative.
History
The cathedral's construction was initiated in the late 13th century under King James I of Aragon, replacing the previous mosque used for Christian worship after the Reconquista.
Delays due to lawsuits postponed building until 1294.
The structure was gradually completed over two centuries, with key phases including the erection of the bell tower between 1369 and 1423 and the addition of the main altarpiece in the early 16th century.
The original pentagonal spire was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and has not been rebuilt, though restoration plans exist.
The cathedral reflects the transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles and the region's religious and political history.
Place Guide
Main Façade14th century
The stunning Gothic façade designed by Guillem Inglés, featuring seven archivolts with sculptures of virgins, angels, prophets, and a central statue of the Virgin and Child, exemplifies medieval religious art.
Bell Tower and Spire1369-1423
Constructed between 1369 and 1423, the bell tower originally rose with four floors topped by a pentagonal spire designed by Pere Jalopa. The spire was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and remains unreconstructed.
Main Altarpiece1520
An alabaster triptych created by Damian Forment around 1520, depicting three scenes of the Passion of Christ, serving as the cathedral's focal devotional artwork.
Romanesque Cloister12th century
Remnants of the original Romanesque cloister remain on the north side of the cathedral, including a horseshoe arch that likely served as access to the mosque's minaret.
Gothic Cloister Corridor15th century
A corridor on the south side of the cathedral's cloister built in the 15th century under Pope Luna's initiative, intended to replace the older Romanesque cloister, now part of the Medieval Art Hall.
Contact
Phone: 974 22 06 76
