Cripta de la Catedral de Cadiz, Crypt in Cádiz, Spain
The Cripta de la Catedral de Cádiz is an underground burial space beneath the main altar of the Cathedral of Cádiz, built from local ostionera stone. The space has a circular layout covered by a nearly flat vault.
The crypt was built between 1730 and 1732, when construction of the new cathedral began, and from the start it served as the burial place of the bishops of Cádiz. The architect Vicente Acero designed the nearly flat vault, which despite its unusual profile supports the weight of the entire cathedral above.
The crypt holds the tomb of composer Manuel de Falla, whose grave is made of Sierra Elvira stone and bears the inscription: Solo A Dios Honor y Gloria. Right beside him rests poet José María Pemán, whose white marble tomb is adorned with a bronze shield holding a Golden Fleece.
The crypt is accessible as part of guided tours of the cathedral and cannot be visited separately. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as the floor is made of old, slightly uneven stone.
The crypt has a remarkable acoustic effect: a whisper against one wall can be heard clearly on the opposite side of the circular room. It also holds a figure believed to be the remains of Roman martyr Santa Victoria, whose face is covered with a wax mask.
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