80 must-visit cathedrals in Spain

Spain is known for its rich history and culture, and visiting one of its famous cathedrals is a must-see tourist attraction. The grandeur and beauty of the cathedrals’ architecture is truly breathtaking and offers a glimpse into the country’s past. Take a tour of the cathedral to marvel at the intricate details, soak in the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the rich cultural heritage. Spain has many cathedrals that are worth visiting like Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, and Catedral de Seville and many more. It’s an unmissable experience for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture.

1- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, located in Galicia, Spain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the destination of the famous pilgrimage, the Way of St. James. The cathedral is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and it’s the final destination for many Christian pilgrims who have walked the Camino de Santiago. The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Inside the Cathedral, you will find the crypt of the Apostle, the High Altar, and the famous Botafumeiro incense burner. Visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

2- Cathedral of Burgos

The Cathedral of Burgos, located in the northern Spanish city of Burgos, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the tomb of El Cid, a famous medieval Spanish warrior and nobleman. The Cathedral of Burgos is also home to one of the most extensive collections of Gothic art in Spain, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes.

3- Cathedral of Toledo

The Cathedral of Toledo, located in the city of Toledo, Spain, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile. The Cathedral of Toledo is also home to one of the most extensive collections of art in Spain, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. The Cathedral is also of great architectural significance as it is an example of Mudéjar style, an architectural style blending Islamic and Christian elements.

4- Cathedral of Valencia

The Cathedral of Valencia, located in the city of Valencia, Spain, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and one of the most important cathedrals in the country. The cathedral is known for its impressive size, and its intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the Holy Grail, a chalice that is said to be the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. The Cathedral of Valencia is also home to one of the most extensive collections of art in Spain, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. One of the most important features of the Cathedral is the “Miguelete”, a bell tower which offers panoramic views of the city.

5- Cathedral of Seville

The Cathedral of Seville in Seville, Spain, is a superb example of Gothic architecture and one of the country’s most significant churches. The cathedral is well-known for its enormous size and elaborate decorations, such as its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and beautiful chapels. Inside, visitors may observe the stained-glass windows, high altar, and grave of Christopher Columbus, the renowned explorer who found the Americas. The Cathedral of Seville houses one of the most comprehensive collections of sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes in all of Spain. The Giralda tower, a minaret that was transformed to a bell tower during the Renaissance period, is widely renowned for its association with the Cathedral of Seville.

6- Cathedral of Barcelona

The Cathedral of Barcelona, also known as La Sagrada Familia, is an iconic architectural masterpiece located in the city of Barcelona, Spain. Designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, this incredible structure is a true representation of his signature style, combining elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan modernism and traditional Gothic architecture. The Cathedral’s intricate facades, towers and spires are adorned with a wealth of sculptures, carvings and mosaics that are truly breathtaking. Inside, the natural light that filters through the colourful stained-glass windows creates a serene and mystical atmosphere.

7- Cathedral of León

The Cathedral of León, located in the city of León, Spain, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with impressive size, intricate details and a wealth of historical significance. It is also known as “the Pulchra Leonina” (the Beautiful of León), and it’s one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. Inside, visitors can admire its beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the Royal Pantheon, a sepulchre of the kings of León.

8- Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, also known as La Seu, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in the city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size, intricate details, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The highlight of the cathedral is the rose window, which is one of the largest in the world. The Cathedral also houses a museum that displays artworks and historical artefacts. Visitors can also climb the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

10- Cathedral of Oviedo

The Cathedral of Oviedo is a beautiful example of pre-Romanesque architecture in Spain. It is in the city of Oviedo, which is in the northern region of Asturias. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is known for its large size and intricate details, such as its beautiful sculptures, ornate carvings, and colorful frescoes. Inside, people can look at the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the Holy Chamber, which is a small room with the remains of Saint Victor, Saint Theodore, and Saint Leocadia. The Cathedral of Oviedo also has a large collection of art. One of the most famous pieces is the “Cross of the Angels,” a 9th-century goldsmith’s masterpiece. If you are interested in history, art, or architecture, you must go see the Cathedral of Oviedo.

11- Cathedral of Granada

The Cathedral of Granada, located in the city of Granada, Spain, is a magnificent example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and one of the most important cathedrals in the country. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the Capilla Real, a royal chapel that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile and their daughter Juana la Loca. The Cathedral of Granada is also home to an impressive collection of art, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visiting the Cathedral of Granada is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

12- Cathedral of Murcia

The Cathedral of Murcia, or the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Mary, is a stunning piece of Baroque architecture in the Spanish city of Murcia. The cathedral’s large nave and chapels, as well as its elaborate exterior, have earned it a reputation for grandeur and intricacy. Beautiful stained glass windows, a lofty altar, and a sacristy stocked with priceless art may all be admired within. The sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes housed at the Cathedral of Murcia are among the city’s finest examples of religious art. The bell tower offers spectacular views of the city, and visitors can climb it. Anyone with an appreciation for art, architecture, or history should visit the Cathedral of Murcia.

13- Cathedral of Jaén

The Cathedral of Jaén, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encarnación, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture located in the city of Jaén, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, a room that houses artworks of great value. The Cathedral of Jaén is also home to an impressive art collection, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visitors can also climb the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Cathedral of Jaén is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

14- Cathedral of Córdoba

The Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a magnificent example of Mudéjar architecture located in the city of Córdoba, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ornate horseshoe arches, colorful tilework, and beautiful sculptures. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the Chapel of the Holy Chapel, a small room that houses the relic of the Holy Sacrament. The Cathedral of Córdoba is also home to an impressive art collection, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. The Cathedral is unique in that it was originally built as a mosque during the Islamic era, and later converted into a cathedral during the Christian era. Visiting the Cathedral of Córdoba is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

15- Cathedral of Cuenca

The Cathedral of Cuenca, also called the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is a superb example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture that can be found in the city of Cuenca in Spain. Its other name for the cathedral is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The cathedral is famous for its enormous size and the complex elements that it contains, such as its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and elaborate chapels. Inside, guests get the opportunity to take in the splendor of the stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, an area that is home to a number of priceless pieces of art. Sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes are just some of the works of art that can be seen in the remarkable collection housed at the Cathedral of Cuenca. In addition, tourists have the opportunity to ascend the bell tower and take in breathtaking vistas over the city and the region. Anyone interested in history, art, or architecture should should make the trip to Cuenca to check out the city’s famous cathedral.

16- Cathedral of Avila

The Cathedral of Ávila, also known as the Cathedral of San Salvador, is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture located in the city of Ávila, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ornate facades, grand nave and chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, a room that houses artworks of great value. The Cathedral of Ávila is also home to an impressive collection of art, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visitors can also climb the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The Cathedral of Ávila is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

17- Cathedral of Bilbao

The Cathedral of Bilbao, also known as the Cathedral of Santiago, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture located in the city of Bilbao, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, a room that houses artworks of great value. The Cathedral of Bilbao is also home to an impressive collection of art, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visitors can also climb the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The Cathedral of Bilbao is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

18- Cathedral of San Cristobal de la Laguna

The Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, commonly known as Our Lady of the Conception Cathedral, is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture located in the Spanish city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The cathedral is famous for its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and magnificent chapels, as well as its massive size and detailed embellishments. Inside, visitors may observe the exquisite stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, which holds valuable artworks. San Cristóbal de La Laguna Cathedral also has an extraordinary collection of art, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visitors can also climb the bell tower to get a bird’s-eye perspective of the city and its surroundings. Anyone interested in history, art, or architecture should visit the Cathedral of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

19- Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vitoria

The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vitoria, also known as the Cathedral of the Assumption, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture located in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The cathedral is known for its impressive size and intricate details, including its ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate chapels. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, the high altar, and the sacristy, a room that houses artworks of great value. The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vitoria is also home to an impressive collection of art, including sculptures, altarpieces, and frescoes. Visitors can also climb the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Vitoria is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture.

20- Cathedral of San Juan de la Cuesta

The Cathedral of San Juan de la Cuesta is a church located in the city of Santoña, Cantabria, Spain. It is a pre-Romanesque church, built in the 9th century, and is a unique example of the Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. The Cathedral of San Juan de la Cuesta is known for its simplicity, with a rectangular floor plan and a single nave, but it has a great architectural value because of the ornamental elements of its façade, its horseshoe arches and its sculptures. The Cathedral is a very important historical and cultural heritage of Cantabria and it is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art and architecture.

21- The Church of San Andrés

The Church of San Andrés is a church located in the city of León, Spain. It is a pre-Romanesque church, built in the 9th century, and is a unique example of the Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture. The Church of San Andrés is known for its simplicity, with a rectangular floor plan and a single nave, but it has a great architectural value because of the ornamental elements of its façade, its horseshoe arches and its sculptures. The Church is a very important historical and cultural heritage of León and it is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art and architecture.

22- Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
23- Cathedral of San Miguel
24- Cathedral of San Isidoro
25- Cathedral of San Juan de Duero
26- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede26- Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena
27- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Asunción
28- Cathedral of San Francisco Javier
29- Cathedral of San Felices de Buelna
30- Cathedral of San Esteban
31- Cathedral of San Juan de Ortega
32- Cathedral of San Marcos
33- Cathedral of San Martin
34- Cathedral of San Nicolas
35- Cathedral of San Roman
36- Cathedral of San Salvador
37- Cathedral of San Sebastián
38- Cathedral of San Vicente
39- Cathedral of Santa Eulalia
40- Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda
41- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Vega
42- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Asuncion
43- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
44- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar
45- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Vega
46- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
47- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Alameda
48- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Paz
49- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Mota
50- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Encina
51- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Ribera
52- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Oliva
53- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Huerta
54- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Coronada
55- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Esperanza
56- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Estrella
57- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Fuente
58- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Gormaz
59- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Guia
60- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Isla
61- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la O
62- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Peña
63- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede
64- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sierra
65- Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Victoria
66- Cathedral of Santa Maria de las Nieves
67- Cathedral of Santa Maria de las Victorias
68- Cathedral of Santa Maria de los Angeles
69- Cathedral of Santa Maria de los Reyes
70- Cathedral of Santa Maria de los Santos
71- Cathedral of Santa Maria de los Templarios
72- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Campo
73- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Camino
74- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar
75- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Paramo
76- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Pilar
77- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Rosario
78- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Socorro
79- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Valle
80- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Val

The Bottom line

Visiting Spain’s famous cathedrals is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Spain for those interested in art, history, and architecture. The grandeur and beauty of the cathedrals’ intricate architecture offer a glimpse into the country’s past and rich cultural heritage. Some of the famous cathedrals in Spain include Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, and Catedral de Seville. A tour of the cathedrals allows visitors to marvel at the intricate details, soak in the peaceful atmosphere and learn about the cultural heritage.