The Catedral de Segovia stands at the highest point of the old town, at the edge of Plaza Mayor. Work began in 1525 under Charles V, and it is one of the last great Gothic cathedrals built in Europe, which earned it the name Lady of Cathedrals. Inside, light enters through 16th-century Flemish windows and falls on side chapels, tapestries and altarpieces. Further museum rooms hold a cloister and a painting gallery, and a guided tour climbs the tower for views over the city.
Why the cathedral stands in Plaza Mayor
Segovia had an older cathedral, a Romanesque church dedicated to Santa María. It stood next to the Alcázar and was begun in the 12th century. In 1520 it was badly damaged during the War of the Comuneros, the revolt of the Castilian cities against Charles V. The ground it occupied is now the Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia, where the Alcázar stands.
Charles V ordered a new cathedral, and the city chose a safer site at its highest point, beside what is now Plaza Mayor. Construction began in 1525. The building also stands as a record of Segovia's 16th-century prosperity, when the city grew rich on the wool trade.
A Gothic design in a Renaissance century
The plans came from Juan Gil de Hontañón, one of the leading late-Gothic architects, and his son Rodrigo carried them out. Rodrigo's work shows the first signs of a move from Gothic toward Renaissance. Most of Europe was building in Renaissance styles by then, which is why the cathedral counts among the last great Gothic examples in Spain and in Europe.
The plan has three naves with side chapels and a semicircular apse with an ambulatory. There are three main doors, and one of them is the Puerta del Perdón, the Door of Forgiveness. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its tower rises about 88 metres, and its pale golden stone and slender lines explain the nickname Lady of Cathedrals.
Inside: windows, chapels and the choir
The interior is light and spacious. Flemish windows from the 16th century let in daylight, and the main exception to the uncluttered look is the wooden choir, which is neoclassical. Look up as you enter to see the vaulted ceiling. Each side chapel has its own decoration and theme, with altarpieces, statues and tapestries, and the chapels are lit so their details are easy to read.
The cloister was moved from the old cathedral, so it is older than the church around it. The museum rooms are reached from inside. They hold sacred art and a painting gallery of mostly Renaissance works.
The tower tour
The tower is visited on a guided tour with a separate ticket. The climb is divided into three parts, with a pause between each, so it is manageable for people who do not climb often. After the first 70 steps or so, a short video is projected around the walls of a room and gives facts about how the cathedral was built.
The guide may speak only Spanish, but commentary in several languages is available on your phone. The tower opens parts of the building that are normally closed, and the top gives a panorama of the roofs of Segovia.
Seeing the cathedral from outside
Plaza Mayor leaves room to walk around the cathedral, and each side shows a different part of the architecture. Close by is the smaller Iglesia de San Miguel, where Isabella was crowned queen in 1474. For a view of the whole cathedral, go up to the heights of the Alcázar, where it fills the skyline. On Palm Sunday a procession passes around the cathedral.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Catedral de Segovia?
It is at Calle Marqués del Arco 1, at the corner of Plaza Mayor, the main square of Segovia. It stands on the highest point of the old town.
How long do you need at the cathedral?
Allow one to two hours for the cathedral and the museum rooms. The tower tour is an extra visit.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes, on a guided tour with its own ticket. The climb is done in three stages with rests, and there are many stairs. The guide may speak only Spanish, but commentary in several languages is available on your phone.
Should you book tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. The tower has many stairs.
Why is it called the Lady of Cathedrals?
The name comes from its slender shape and pale stone. It is also one of the last great Gothic cathedrals built in Europe.
