Palencia Cathedral, Palencia, Spain

Palencia Cathedral was built from 1172 to 1504 stands over a low vaulted Visigothic crypt (the Crypt of San Antolín). It is a large Gothic building, popularly dubbed as 'The unknown beauty' because not as well known as other Spanish cathedrals, though, it is a valuable building which has in its interior a large number of works of art of great value.

Its more than 130 metres long, 42 metres high and 50 metres wide at the centre, making it one of the largest cathedrals in Spain and Europe.

Its exterior solid, simple and austere does not reflect the grandeur of its interior, with more than twenty chapels of great artistic and historical interest. The most recognizable on the outside, is the tower, slim but a little rough, considering your Gothic style. Recent studies and excavations show that it was a military tower, and after serving this function were added to their pinnacles and cattail as the sole decoration.

The Cathedral's museum contains a number of important works of art, including a retablo of twelve panels by Juan de Flandes, court painter to Queen Isabella I of Castile and El Greco's St. Sebastian' (1576–79).

References:

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User Reviews

Profesor Adams (4 years ago)
The San Antolín cathedral is spectacular. It was built over 700 years ago and is a pleasure to view. There are also quaint bars/cafes right in front of the cathedral to have a beverage and enjoy the beautiful view.

Luca Alonso (5 years ago)
Naaaaaa at times Jesus isnt there. Guide told us that he comes every Wednesday at 5am, make sure to be there on time. BRAWL STARS CODE: YDE, btw main El Primo

Wendy Taylor (6 years ago)
Still under renovation, but truly breathtaking. Can't wait to go back when the renovations are completed.

Steven Medina Uría (6 years ago)
A really unexpected surprise in Palencia. The province being the realm of the Romanesque, I expected its cathedral to be this style, too. Instead, we came across a fantastic Gothic temple which, unfortunately, we could not visit because it was being restored. We at least enjoyed the awesome exterior.

claro caballero (6 years ago)
Magnífica catedral gótica la bella desconocida. Uno de los pocos ejemplos del gótico francés en España junto a la catedral de León. Su belleza destaca en el interior ya que la trama urbana de Palencia no permite apreciar el edificio en conjunto. Bellísimo claustro. Es sin duda el edificio más destacable de la ciudad.

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