Plasencia Cathedral in Extremadura
In the historic city ofPlasencia, in Estremadura, one of the most significant monuments is, without a doubt, its cathedral ... or cathedrals.
Indeed, during your walk through the historic center of Plasencia, when you arrive before the great cathedral building, surely its peculiar configuration will catch your attention.
It is clear which is the main entrance, which you find in the Cathedral Square.
Romanesque cover of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia
But seeing its exterior, with a large central building and a peculiar bell tower unusual in a cathedral, you are not sure if you are facing an unfinished building, or a semi-collapsed one.
And it's really about both things at once.
Plasencia cathedral history
To understand it, I will tell you that in the thirteenth century a first one was built Romanesque cathedral, transition to the Gothic, which outwardly highlights its west facade.
There you can see a Romanesque cover, with the characteristic semicircular arches.
Bell tower of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia
But at the end of the 15th century, specifically, in 1498, it was decided to start the construction of a new cathedral, already of Gothic-Renaissance style, work that the most important architects of the time assumed.
And how was it decided to approach the work? as was done at that time.
Instead of demolishing the old building, construction of the new cathedral began overlapping the building over the old cathedral, so that the central nave of the new one corresponds to the previous building.
But in 1578 the work was paralyzed, and although it was retaken for a time in the eighteenth century, the cathedral was finally unfinished.
Altarpiece of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
In this way, now when visit the Plasencia Cathedral, you will enter the building of the New Cathedral, from which inside you can access what is left of the Old Cathedral,
You can also visit its cloister, an area that is enabled as a museum, with paid access.
Of the New Cathedral of Plasencia highlights its main facade, plateresque style.
Plasencia Cathedral in Extremadura
Inside your attention will be high ribbed vaults, just like him main altarpiece Baroque style, 17th century, and the choir and organ, both Plateresque.
Cathedral Hours Plasencia
The visiting hours of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia they are, in summer, from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 5 pm to 6.30 pm; In winter, in the afternoons it opens from 4 to 5:30 pm.
Interior of the New Cathedral of Plasencia in Extremadura
Access to the new cathedral is free, but to visit the old one you have to pay aentry price of 2 euros.
Photos Plasencia Cathedral
Below you have a gallery of Photos of the Plasencia Cathedral, with exterior and interior images of the New, and exteriors of the Old.
- Detail facade of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia
- New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Cover of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Cover of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- New Cathedral of Plasencia
- New Cathedral of Plasencia
- New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Interior ceiling of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Interior door of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Shield inside the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Sculptural figure inside the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Interior door of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Organ of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Interior ceiling of the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Sculptural figures in the New Cathedral of Plasencia
- Facade of the Old Cathedral of Plasencia