Cathedral Photo: Cathedral

The Cathedral is a centre of the medieval town, its life and development. In 985 the Moors destroyed the original Church built in the fourth century and which had great importance because it is here that there was a meeting of the Council of churches in 559 year. In the period 1046-1058, on the site of the temple was built the Romanesque Cathedral. In 1289 by the decree of the Aragonese king James II began construction of the present Gothic Cathedral, which was finished in 1448, however, his facade and magnificent spire were created in the Gothic revival style in the late nineteenth century thanks to the generosity of the banker, the mayor, Manuel Girona.

The interior of the Cathedral impresses with its magnificent rigor, extra-long and harmonious columns, elegant arches with cross-shaped ornaments, multi-color gamut. The triple-naved Cathedral there are 26 in the side chapels, which is the artistic treasure trove that holds the historical and social memory of the city. The main altar was consecrated in 1337; magnificent choruses of the Central nave were created in 1390, and in the XVI century the choir was finished beautiful marble chapel that finishes today perspective view of the Central nave.

Downstairs, under the main altar, is a beautiful crypt of Saint Eulalia, patroness of the city, the great Martyr of the IV century. Behind the altar on four columns resting her alabaster sarcophagus (1327).

Wonderful Capella del Santo Cristo de Lepanto (the former a home Canonica) built in 1405-1454 years and is considered one of the best examples of Gothic art. The sculpture of the Crucified Christ is a wood carving, the work of the sixteenth century. Don Juan Austrian took that Crucifix at the battle of Lepanto. At the foot of majestic crucifix buried the priest olegario.

Through the South gate of the temple opens into the courtyard of the Cathedral and explore the cloister, a garden with magnolias, medlar and palm trees, a small fountain, and the Cathedral Museum, which houses the baptismal font of the XI century, tapestries and Church utensils. From time immemorial in the courtyard live white geese – it is believed that they protect the peace of the citizens, was buried near the Cathedral.

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