12 of the Best Cathedrals in Spain
Explore a dozen epic Spanish cathedrals and add them to your Spain travel plans
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Traveling across Spain is like paging through a living history book, and its cathedrals are among the most breathtaking chapters. Each one sits at the heart of its city, where centuries of faith, art, and civic pride converge beneath stunning domes and spires. If you’re dreaming of awe-inspiring architecture combined with practical, on-the-ground insights, you’ve come to the right place.
Think of these cathedrals as gateways, each with a unique vibe, local traditions, and a few hidden surprises that only seasoned explorers know. In the following guide, you’ll discover how to time your visit for the best light, which altarpieces demand a closer look, and what nearby treats can elevate your entire experience (because a plate of tapas or a local pastry is sometimes the perfect post-cathedral indulgence).
Let’s set off together, stopping in 12 storied Spanish cities where the cathedrals rise like beacons of the past.
1. Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede)
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When you first glimpse Seville Cathedral’s soaring arches, you might wonder if you’ve wandered into the largest Gothic church in the world—and you have. It’s also the largest cathedral in Spain, by quite some distance.
Show up early, around 9:30 a.m., to dodge big tour groups and snap photos of the intricate exterior while the morning light highlights its Moorish-inspired details. Inside, follow your ears to the quiet side chapels, where you’ll often find fewer crowds and a more intimate look at gilded altarpieces. If you’re a fan of panoramic cityscapes, climb the Giralda bell tower (actually a former minaret) via a surprisingly gentle ramp.
The ascent rewards you with breathtaking vistas of Seville’s terracotta rooftops and orange-tree-dotted courtyards. On the way out, take a moment by Christopher Columbus’s elaborately designed tomb—locals will debate whether his remains are truly there, but it’s still a grand sight. Once you emerge, a short walk through Barrio Santa Cruz invites you to refuel on tapas like espinacas con garbanzos.
2. Burgos Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María)
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Arriving in Burgos, you’ll spot the cathedral’s twin Gothic spires well before you reach the city center. Aim for mid-afternoon, when sunlight illuminates the pale stone façade, enhancing every carved saint and gargoyle. Once inside, linger at the Golden Staircase—officially the Escalera Dorada—where 16th-century Renaissance flair stands out in a predominantly Gothic interior. The hush is occasionally broken by the mechanical figure Papamoscas, which opens its mouth on the hour, delighting passersby with an old-world quirk. If you’re looking for a bit of local legend, pay your respects at the tomb of El Cid and Doña Jimena under the central dome.
Afterward, check out the Plaza del Rey San Fernando for a picture-perfect view of the spires. Burgos’s famous morcilla (blood sausage) makes for a hearty snack in one of the nearby cafés, especially when paired with a glass of Ribera del Duero wine.
3. Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada de Santa María)
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Toledo’s cobblestone streets funnel you toward this medieval masterpiece that began rising in the 13th century. Arrive around lunchtime to witness the interplay of light through the stained-glass windows dancing across the nave. The moment you walk in through the Puerta de los Leones, you’ll feel the hush caused by the cathedral’s sheer scale.
Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Transparente behind the main altar—a Baroque blend of swirling marbles and an overhead skylight that creates an almost ethereal glow. If you love art, budget extra time in the sacristy for El Greco’s paintings, especially his haunting “The Disrobing of Christ.”
After exploring, step outside into Toledo’s labyrinthine streets, lined with marzipan shops and sword makers. The nearby Puente de San Martín offers a prime sunset spot, where the cathedral’s looming tower catches every last ray before the city descends into quiet medieval allure.
4. León Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Regla)
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When people call León Cathedral the “House of Light,” they aren’t kidding: the stunning stained glass here is among Europe’s finest. For the best experience, consider arriving mid-morning when shafts of sun turn the interior into a kaleidoscope of color. You’ll notice a distinctly French Gothic influence in the cathedral’s slim, airy columns and soaring vaults—testament to the city’s ties with the pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago.
The carved portals on the western façade are easy to overlook in your rush to get inside, but stop and admire their biblical scenes. If you want a quieter moment, explore the Royal Pantheon to see 12th-century frescoes and tombs of medieval kings. After soaking in the splendor, stroll over to nearby Barrio Húmedo for a quick tapa of cecina and a glass of local Bierzo wine, a satisfying way to let all that color and history sink in.
5. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago)
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If you arrive in Santiago de Compostela after hiking the Camino, the cathedral’s spires practically shimmer with promise—this is the finish line for pilgrims worldwide. Even if you’re coming by bus or train, the sense of anticipation is palpable. This is probably the most famous cathedral in Spain, after all.
The Botafumeiro (an enormous incense thurible) famously swings on special occasions, filling the Romanesque-Gothic-Baroque interior with fragrant smoke that once masked the odor of footsore pilgrims. Timing is everything here: check in advance if you hope to see this ritual. Meanwhile, the Pórtico da Gloria—the 12th-century sculpted gateway just inside—is a showstopper in its own right, though recent conservation efforts mean you might have to admire it from a slight distance.
Afterward, find a table in one of the cozy Galician taverns for a plate of pulpo a la gallega (octopus with olive oil and paprika), and watch as new arrivals celebrate the end of their epic walk.
6. Granada Cathedral (Catedral de la Encarnación)
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In Granada, many visitors head straight for the Alhambra, but don’t overlook this Renaissance-Baroque gem located near the old silk market. Arriving soon after opening will give you time to absorb the serene white-and-gold interior before tours ramp up.
Note the cathedral’s lofty columns that transition gracefully into a brilliant dome—if you angle yourself just right, you’ll see how the natural light fans across the altarpiece. Make sure to visit the Royal Chapel next door, which houses the monumental tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand.
Gazing at their ornate marble effigies will transport you back to 1492, the year Granada fell and Columbus set sail to the New World under their patronage. Once you exit, meander into the adjacent Alcaicería, a narrow bazaar with a whiff of Morocco about it, perfect for picking up local spices or sipping sweet mint tea.
7. Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia)
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You may be expecting to see Gaudí’s masterpiece here, but the Sagrada Familia is actually a Basilica, so doesn’t qualify for this list of the best Spanish cathedrals! But luckily, Barcelona is home to another epic holy building, the Metropolitan Cathedral closer to the historic heart of the city.
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a maze of history, and this cathedral sits at its very heart. Wander in the morning when you can still hear your footsteps echo across the expansive nave. The cloister is a genuine oasis, home to thirteen honking geese that represent Saint Eulalia’s age at her martyrdom. Peek into the crypt where her remains lie—candles often flicker there in memory of her bravery. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you might catch locals dancing the Sardana (Catalonia’s traditional circle dance) in the nearby square.
For elevated city views, ascend one of the cathedral’s towers; the spires reveal a tapestry of medieval rooftops hemmed in by modern city blocks. When hunger calls, slip into a local café for a chocolate croissant or a tall café amb llet, letting the spirit of medieval Barcelona swirl around you.
8. Palma Cathedral (La Seu)
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When you step off the plane or ferry onto Mallorca, you’ll spot Palma Cathedral dominating the waterfront like a grand sentinel. Get there near opening time to avoid midday heat and cruise-ship crowds.
Once inside, look up. The columns soar so high that you almost have to crane your neck, and the colossal rose window—the “Gothic Eye”—splashes rainbow hues across the stone floors at dawn. Antoni Gaudí was invited to spruce up the interior in the early 1900s, so you’ll find subtle modern touches, like wrought-iron candelabras and a rearranged choir.
One chapel sports contemporary ceramic murals by local artist Miquel Barceló, echoing Mallorca’s connection to the sea. When you step outside, stroll around Parc de la Mar for a reflective lagoon view of La Seu. Then, treat yourself to an ensaïmada pastry at a café nearby before hitting the beach.
9. Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora)
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Valencia Cathedral might not look uniform—it blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque—but that’s part of its charm. If you’d like sweeping city views, climb El Micalet, the eight-sided bell tower, but pace yourself on the 207 steps—there’s no elevator. Look for the Holy Chalice in a side chapel, rumored by some to be the Holy Grail. Whether or not you believe it, it’s fun to soak up the mystique.
If you happen to visit on a Thursday at midday, you’ll catch the Tribunal de las Aguas convening at the Door of the Apostles, a centuries-old irrigation court that still rules on local water disputes. After your tour, you’re just steps from Plaza de la Virgen, where you can sip a chilled horchata under the palm trees. It’s the perfect reward after immersing yourself in so many layers of Valencian history.
10. Segovia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María)
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Nicknamed “the Lady of Cathedrals,” Segovia’s final Gothic triumph stands proudly in the city’s picturesque Plaza Mayor.
If you time your arrival late in the afternoon, the golden hue of the stone practically glows, making for unforgettable photos. Step inside and let your gaze drift upward at the soaring vaults, each rib and arch drawing the eye to the heavens. For added insight, wander through the cathedral’s small museum showcasing ecclesiastical art, tapestries, and royal memorabilia—reminders that Segovia was once a favored haunt of the Castilian monarchy.
Afterward, walk toward the iconic Roman aqueduct or the fairy-tale Alcázar for the best vantage of the cathedral’s spire framed against rolling hills. Round out your day in a local mesón for a plate of cochinillo (roast suckling pig)—an indulgent tradition that pairs perfectly with the monumental architecture all around you.
Read next: Why Segovia is a dream for history buffs
11. Oviedo Cathedral (Catedral de San Salvador)
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Tucked in lush Asturias, Oviedo’s cathedral is quieter than its big-city counterparts, but no less captivating. If you arrive on a weekday morning, you’ll practically have its Gothic nave to yourself, free to explore the shadowy chapels undisturbed.
The Cámara Santa, dating from the 9th century, is a must-see for its relics, including the famous Sudarium of Oviedo, believed by some to be Christ’s face cloth. There’s an intimate aura here, magnified by low lighting and the hush of pilgrims who pass through on the lesser-known Camino Primitivo.
Outside, Oviedo’s streets glisten (locals pride themselves on cleanliness), and you can swing by a sidrería to watch cider poured from high above the glass—an Asturian ritual that adds a bit of flair to every round. Savor it with a plate of fabada, a hearty bean stew that warms you in this often misty northern climate.
12. Salamanca Cathedrals (La Catedral Nueva y La Catedral Vieja)
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Salamanca is special because you get two cathedrals in one place: the older Romanesque cathedral and the newer Gothic-Baroque structure fused together. Arrive mid-morning and head into the Old Cathedral first to admire its 12th-century fresco of the Last Judgment—some of the best-preserved Romanesque art in Spain.
Next door, the New Cathedral impresses with a sweeping interior and a wildly ornate façade where restoration workers famously sneaked in the carving of an astronaut. You can climb the Ieronimus towers to peer down over the rose windows and spires—a panoramic treat revealing Salamanca’s golden stone buildings and the Tormes River.
Once on ground level, the city’s world-famous university beckons with historic courtyards, while the lively Plaza Mayor brims with cafés. Order a café con leche or local hornazo pastry, and soak up the intellectual buzz of Spain’s premier learning hub.
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