The Stained Glass of Segovia Cathedral
A study of the 157 windows that illuminate the lives of saints and sacred figures
ReadStained glass windows of the ambulatory (1544/1916) by Cathedral of SegoviaThe Cathedral of Segovia
Segovia Cathedral houses one of the finest collections of Mannerist stained glass windows in Spain, at least from a catechetical point of view. In total, there are 157 stained glass windows distributed throughout the naves, the ambulatory, the north and south transepts, the chapels, and spaces such as the former library.
Adoration of the Magi (1548) by Pierre de Holanda y Pierre de ChiverriThe Cathedral of Segovia
Since 1544, Flemish and Spanish stained-glass artists created the windows of the naves: Nicolás de Vergara, Nicolás de Holanda, Pierre de Holanda, Pierre de Chiverri, and Gualter de Ronch. Later, masters such as Francisco de Herranz would take on the responsibility of continuing this important art.
View of the naves of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1558) by Juan Gil de HontañónThe Cathedral of Segovia
In the central and side naves there are sixty-three stained glass windows set within twenty openings designed as triptychs. In the central panel of each window, scenes from the life of Jesus are depicted, following a narrative that runs from the Annunciation to the Ascension of the Lord.
Stained glass window of the Last Supper (1545/1545) by Pierre de Holanda and Pierre de ChiberriThe Cathedral of Segovia
In the central opening, a scene from the New Testament is displayed. On either side, there are two smaller stained glass windows depicting related passages from the Old Testament. In the central one, for example, the Last Supper can be seen, while the side panels show the blessing of Melchizedek offering bread and wine, and, on the right, the manna.
Stained glass window of Christ on the Cross (1546/1546) by Pierre de Holanda and Pierre de ChiberriThe Cathedral of Segovia
The art of stained glass conveys Sacred History through vibrant colors and forms. In the central nave, the Passion of Christ can be seen. In this window, at the center, Christ is shown on the Cross. To the left, the bronze serpent. To the right, the Easter.
Last Judgment stained glass window (2017/2017) by Carlos Muñoz de PablosThe Cathedral of Segovia
A large part of the stained glass windows has been under restoration since 2009. Due to severe deterioration, some have been replaced with newly made ones. Such is the case of the Last Judgment window, a work by the Segovian master glazier Carlos Muñoz de Pablos, completed in 2018.
Stained glass windows of the ambulatory (Siglo XVII) by Cathedral of SegoviaThe Cathedral of Segovia
The seven triple stained glass windows of the ambulatory were later completed, between 1679 and 1684, by Francisco de Herranz (c. 1637–1699). In this part of the cathedral, the chosen theme is the miracles of the Messiah’s public ministry.
Stained glass window of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes (1684/1684) by Francisco HerranzThe Cathedral of Segovia
The side stained glass windows do not depict scenes from the Old Testament, but rather other miracles and episodes from the life of Jesus. In this window, the central scene recalls the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. To the left, the temple tax. To the right, the barren fig tree.
Crossing of Segovia Cathedral (1685/1685) by Francisco ViaderoThe Cathedral of Segovia
With the closure of the transept in 1685, Francisco Herranz was commissioned to create eight stained glass windows depicting the life of the Virgin, the two rose windows above the interior doors of San Frutos and San Geroteo, and four more for the lantern tower, which would represent the Fathers of the Church.
Stained glass window of the Coronation of the Virgin (1682/1682) by Francisco HerranzThe Cathedral of Segovia
The life of the Virgin is depicted in eight individual stained glass windows, showing scenes of the Nativity of the Virgin, the Presentation in the Temple, the Virgin’s Marriage, Pentecost, the Virgin’s Dormition, the Assumption, the Coronation of the Virgin, and the Immaculate Conception.
Stained glass window of the Main Chapel (1916/1916) by Maumejean workshopdesignedThe Cathedral of Segovia
The art of stained glass has endured to the present day and continues to be used in churches and cathedrals. In 1916, on the occasion of the canonical coronation of the Virgin of La Fuencisla, patroness of Segovia, the Maumejean workshop designed seven stained glass windows for the apse, featuring Segovian saints.
Stained glass restoration in Segovia Cathedral (1544/1916) by Cathedral of SegoviaThe Cathedral of Segovia
The restoration process of the stained glass windows is well advanced, as almost all of the windows in the naves and the transept have been completed. This is a project financed by the Chapter of Segovia Cathedral.
Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral
