Catedral de Santa María

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Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, La Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa Maria in Murcia, Spain. A mixture of gothic and baroque style.

Murcia’s beautiful cathedral was built in 1394 on the site of a mosque. The Gothic building was given a playful baroque facelift in 1748, with a stunning facade facing the plaza. The interior has two extraordinary chapels: Capilla de los Vélez, with Flamboyant Gothic flutes and curls; and the Capilla de Gil Rodríguez de Junterón with its fan-like Renaissance cupola. Beautiful Gothic grilles encase the altar and choir. The cathedral museum has several fine works by Salzillo (including a superb San Jerónimo).

The visit includes an audiovisual guide. Visible below the museum floor are the remains of an 11th-century Moorish dwelling and a small mezquita (mosque). Guided visits include an ascent of the bell tower, with a night-time option in summer.

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