By The Cathedral of Segovia

Liturgical Vestments: The Cathedral’s Textile Heritage

Discover the splendor of the vestments of the bishops of Segovia

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Tapestry and Liturgical Vestments Room by García de CubillasThe Cathedral of Segovia

The Segovia Cathedral displays an impressive collection of liturgical vestments that belonged to two of the most notable bishops of the diocese: Juan Arias Dávila and Fadrique de Portugal. These pieces can be admired in the Tapestry Hall of the cathedral, where they are preserved alongside other works of great importance.

Juan Arias Dávila's Dalmatic (Second third of the 15th century) by UnknownThe Cathedral of Segovia

What is a chasuble set?

The Catholic liturgy is rich in elements for worship, and one of them is the chasuble set, a vestment used by the clergy for centuries that consists of a chasuble, dalmatic, and cope.

Chasuble

It is the outer vestment worn at the Eucharist over the alb and stole. Although its design has evolved over the centuries, due to its importance in the liturgy as the most visible priestly garment, it has always featured rich decoration and symbolic representations. Symbolically, when a priest is ordained, the chasuble signifies the charity that covers sins and refers to the gentle yoke of the Lord. It is customary for assisting ministers to lift the back of the chasuble during the moment of consecration.

Juan Arias Dávila's Chasuble, Unknown, Second half of the 15th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Juan Arias Dávila's Chasuble (back view), Unkonwn, Second half of the 15th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Dalmatic

The dalmatic is a vestment worn by deacons over the alb during Mass. The piece on display, dating from the early 16th century, belonged to Fadrique de Portugal, Bishop of Segovia. The act of donating items from their chapel to the cathedral was a tradition that dates back to the late 14th century.

Fadrique of Portugal's Dalmatic, Unkonwn, Early 16th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Fadrique of Portugal's Dalmatic (back view), Unkonwn, Early 16th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Cope

The cope is one of the most solemn liturgical vestments. Open at the front, it covers the back and is fastened with a clasp. It is used in processions of the Blessed Sacrament and other solemnities, as well as in the sprinkling of holy water or funerals. The image shows the cope of Fadrique de Portugal, in which, as in the previous chasuble, several saints are depicted.

Fadrique of Portugal's Cope, Unkonwn, Early 16th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Fadrique of Portugal's Cope (back view), Unknown, Early 16th century, From the collection of: The Cathedral of Segovia
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Credits: Story

Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
The Cathedral of Segovia
The Cathedral of Segovia