The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Pamplona was must amazing – indeed overwhelming. It is a vast complex of buildings and difficult to photograph with the current gear so this is only a taste of the outside.
A brief history
This is apparently the most complete cathedral complex in Spain and it is quite easy to spend at least two hours here on a first visit. It is in the north of the old city, against the walls, in an area which was once the heart of the Roman city. The building collapsed at the end of the 14th century, leading to the construction of the current cathedral. Excavations in the complex have uncovered some of the previous building.
Today’s cathedral dates from the 14th-15th centuries and was built over a Romanesque church. Excavations in the complex have uncovered previous buildings.
Inside Pamplona Cathedral
As you walk into the Cathedral the height of the building is astounding and the columns on either side of the nave would have been over the original Romanesque building.
In front of the high altar is a beautiful tomb, over a mausoleum:
The side aisles/naves are atmospheric, and there are some beautiful stained glass windows.
And then I looked up…
The Cloister
The cloister of 1472 is elegant, if I can use that word for architecture. It soars, but it is also light, and delicate. It is apparently one of the best 14th century cloisters in Spain. However, I loved the cloister in Tudela and the cloister of Leon Cathedral is stunning.
The door from the Cathedral into the cloister (above)
The Museum
The museum is housed in the cilleria, which I think was a storehouse or warehouse.
Exhibition
An exhibition of Balenciaga wedding dresses was on show in the refectory and kitchen.
The kitchen is one of only three surviving kitchens attached to a monstery in Europe. The chimney towered above the room and there must have been a central fire; the ‘oven’ in the corner could not have serviced the monastery.
Excavations
Excavations in the cathedral have uncovered the Romanesque building, streets and pavements.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Pamplona was one of those never-to-be-forgotten experiences.
restlessjo
I always love cloisters. It’s a shame about the iron railings in these. Not sure if they’re there for support but they do spoil the graceful look. Impressive cathedral though.