Cathedral of Plasencia
Extremadura
The Old Cathedral of Plasencia, also known as the Cathedral of Santa María, is a Roman Catholic church in Extremadura, Spain, exemplifying the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Construction began in the early 13th century and continued into the 15th century, overseen by architects such as Juan Francés, Juan Pérez, and Diego Díaz. The cathedral features three naves with original ribbed tierced vaults in the central nave and simpler vaults in the lateral ones. Its main entrance showcases Romanesque semicircular arches and a sculptural group depicting the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. The cloister, with its irregular plan, blends Romanesque columns and capitals with Gothic arches and ribbed vaults, and includes a 15th-century Gothic fountain bearing the coats of arms of Bishop and Cardinal Juan de Carvajal. The Chapter House, also known as the Chapel of San Pablo or Torre del Melón, is a distinctive Romanesque feature named for the grooved sphere atop its tower. The cathedral now functions partly as the Cathedral Museum of Plasencia, displaying paintings and sculptures by Spanish and Flemish Renaissance artists like Luis de Morales and Gerard David, along with religious ornaments from the 15th to 17th centuries. Declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1931, it remains one of Plasencia's most significant cultural landmarks.
Pianifica il tuo viaggio in Spagna con l'IA
Crea un itinerario dettagliato in pochi minuti. L'IA suggerisce i migliori luoghi, ristoranti e un percorso ottimizzato.
Consiglio: Visitors are advised to explore the cathedral museum to fully appreciate its artworks and historical artifacts. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning to avoid crowds. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but checking the official website for opening hours and any special exhibitions beforehand is recommended. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to uneven medieval flooring and cloister areas.
Fatti interessanti
- •The cathedral exhibits a rare architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles visible in its columns, arches, and vaults.
- •The Cloister features biblical scenes carved into its capitals, blending artistic styles from different eras.
- •The Gothic fountain in the cloister courtyard bears the coats of arms of Bishop and Cardinal Juan de Carvajal from the 15th century.
- •The Chapter House is known as 'Torre del Melón' due to the distinctive grooved sphere atop its tower.
- •The cathedral houses artworks by notable Renaissance painters such as Luis de Morales and Gerard David.
Storia
Construction of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia began in the early 13th century, initially reflecting Romanesque style with later additions in Proto-Gothic and Gothic styles through the 15th century.
The building process occurred in three main stages: the initial 13th-century construction, the 14th-century completion of the church, bell tower, and parts of the cloister, and the 15th-century modifications including the main chapel and cloister completion.
Structural issues led to the collapse of part of the western portal, prompting renovations and new burial chapels.
The cathedral was officially declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1931, recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.
Guida del luogo
Main Entrance13th century
An exemplary Romanesque portal featuring semicircular arches with archivolts and a sculptural representation of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary above. A small image of the Virgin is also depicted on the rose window accompanied by a praying angel.
Cloister14th-15th century
An irregularly planned cloister that illustrates the architectural transition from Romanesque to Gothic, with Romanesque columns and capitals depicting biblical scenes, Gothic arches, and ribbed vaults. The courtyard hosts a 15th-century Gothic fountain with the coats of arms of Bishop and Cardinal Juan de Carvajal.
Chapel of San Pablo (Torre del Melón)13th century
Also known as the Chapter House, this Romanesque tower is notable for the grooved spherical stone at its summit, giving it the nickname 'Melon Tower'. It is a distinctive architectural feature of the Old Cathedral.
Cathedral Museum of PlasenciaMuseum established in 20th century
The museum exhibits a collection of paintings and sculptures by Spanish and Flemish Renaissance artists, including works by Luis de Morales and Gerard David, alongside religious ornaments and devotional objects dating from the 15th to 17th centuries.
Contatto
Telefono: 927 42 44 06
