Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria, Gothic cathedral in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
The Cathedral of Santa María sits in the heart of the old town, featuring massive stone columns and a circular apse surrounded by multiple chapels. The building has the appearance of a fortress-church with thick walls and defensive positioning.
Construction began in the late 13th century when the building served both as a place of worship and a defensive fortress. It continued in this dual role until 1861, when its military purpose was finally abandoned.
The western facade displays three elaborate portals depicting the Virgin Mary, Saint Gil, and the Last Judgment. These carvings show how medieval people expressed their religious beliefs through stone.
The Cathedral Foundation offers guided tours where visitors can observe ongoing restoration work on the structure. These tours give insight into how the historic building is being preserved for the future.
The massive stone columns display an unusual convex bulge caused by the immense weight they support. This structural quirk makes them visually distinctive compared to columns in other medieval buildings.
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