The Top 10 Sights You Can't Miss in Segovia Cathedral
Discover Spain's final Gothic cathedral, where a striking exterior contrasts with a mix of architectural styles inside
ReadCloister of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
1. Cloister
The cloister, designed by Juan Guas in the second half of the 15th century, was moved stone by stone from the old cathedral to the current one. To set it in place, a platform was constructed to accommodate the uneven terrain.
Choir of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
2. Choir
The choir is a space dedicated to music in the liturgy. The choir stalls were made between 1458 and 1462 for the old cathedral and, like the cloister, were reused in the new one due to their artistic quality. Don’t miss the two large organslocated on the epistle and gospel sides.
Altarpiece of the Main Chapel of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
3. Main Chapel
The Main Chapel is one of the most liturgically important spaces in the cathedral, along with the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament: the Eucharist is celebrated in both. Its most notable feature is the altarpiece created by Francisco de Sabatini between 1769 and 1775, commissioned by King Charles III.
Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
4. Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
It is, without a doubt, the chapel with the most interior decoration, featuring 21 canvases and mural paintings. Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it stands out for the sculpture by Antonio de Herrera from 1621 and the mahogany wooden grille.
The Tree of Life (1653) by Ignacio de RiesThe Cathedral of Segovia
5. Tree of Life
It is, without a doubt, the chapel with the most interior decoration, featuring 21 canvases and mural paintings. Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, it stands out for the sculpture by Antonio de Herrera from 1621 and the mahogany wooden grille.
Entrance to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament of Segovia Cathedral (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
6. Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament
In 1686, the construction of the Ayala Berganza Chapel, now known as the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, began. It is a Baroque highlight of the cathedral. The project was promoted by Antonio de Ayala y Berganza, canon and archdeacon of the city of Segovia. The altarpiece is a work of José de Churriguera.
Paving of Segovia Cathedral, open courtyard on the west facade (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
7. Rear courtyard
Access to the paved floor is through one of the doors on the western façade of the cathedral. The purpose of opening up this vast space was to prevent any construction from obstructing the views. Interestingly, part of the ground is made up of tombstones that were once located inside the temple.
Painting Room under the Cloister (2018)The Cathedral of Segovia
8. Painting Hall
The Under Cloister Painting Hall is a 400-square-meter space located beneath the cloister, built upon the foundations that support the structure. Inaugurated in 2019, it houses a total of 40 Flemish and Castilian works of great artistic and religious value.
Chapter House of the Cathedral of Segovia (1542/1562) by García de CubillasThe Cathedral of Segovia
9. Chapter Hall
The Chapter Hall of Segovia Cathedral was the former meeting place of the Cathedral Chapter, the institution in charge of administering the temple. On its walls hang the tapestries of the Zenobia series, while the wooden coffered ceiling and the sculpture of the crucified Christ are particularly noteworthy.
Exterior of Segovia Cathedral from the bell tower (1525/1768)The Cathedral of Segovia
10. Tower
The cathedral tower is Segovia’s viewpoint. With its 88 meters in height, it was the tallest tower in Spain until 1614, when a lightning strike followed by a fire destroyed its wooden spire. Today, it can be visited, offering the best views of the city from the belfry.
Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral
