Astorga Cathedral, Cathedral in Astorga, Spain
Astorga Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in the Spanish city of Astorga, blending Gothic structures in its nave and chapels, a Renaissance south portal, and a Baroque main facade. The interior spans three aisles with high vaults and several side chapels, while the exterior walls are built of regional stone and rise noticeably above the surrounding streets.
Construction of the cathedral began in 1471 on the site of earlier Romanesque churches from the 11th to 13th centuries. Building work continued through several phases until the 18th century, with each era leaving its architectural marks on the facade and structure.
The name Astorga comes from the Roman Asturica Augusta, which shaped the city in the 1st century and established the religious tradition at this location. The cathedral serves today as an active place of worship and houses a museum with one of the most important collections of religious goldwork and textiles in northern Spain.
The building opens daily for visitors who can explore the church interior and the museum, with free entry offered at certain times. Due to limited capacity, advance booking is recommended, especially on public holidays and during vacation periods.
The two cathedral towers show different stone colors because they were built from separate quarries and completed about two centuries apart. This visible gap recalls the long building phases that occupied different generations of craftsmen and architects.
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