Almería Cathedral

Almería Cathedral tickets: which one to buy

Almería Cathedral stands on the Plaza de la Catedral in the old town of Almería, Andalusia, Spain, and a ticket is required, including an audio guide. It is one of the most unusual cathedrals in Spain, built as a fortress to protect the city from pirates. Walking tours of Almería combine the cathedral with the Alcazaba, the Moorish fortress on the hill above the city, one of the largest in Spain, the Civil War shelters, the Museum of Almería and the Paseo de Almería.

Almería is also a base for exploring the Cabo de Gata natural park, with its beaches, and the Tabernas desert, where many Western films were shot, and the film sets can still be visited. The cathedral is active, and visiting pauses during services. The roof terraces are sometimes open on guided tours. The cathedral ticket includes an audio guide available in several languages.

Visiting Almería Cathedral: what to see

The cathedral was built between 1524 and 1562, after an earthquake destroyed the earlier cathedral, which had been built on the site of the main mosque. Because of frequent attacks by Barbary pirates from North Africa, the cathedral was designed as a fortress, with thick walls, towers, battlements and a flat roof where cannons could be placed. It combines Gothic structure with Renaissance decoration, especially on its two portals, designed by Juan de Orea. Inside, the cathedral has three naves with Gothic ribbed vaults, a carved walnut choir from the sixteenth century, a Renaissance altar and chapels with paintings. On the east wall, the Sol de Portocarrero, a carved stone sun with a human face, has become a symbol of Almería.

The cloister, built in the eighteenth century in the neoclassical style, is peaceful. The cathedral museum displays religious objects. The cathedral's choir holds carved walnut stalls by Juan de Orea. The chapels include the Chapel of the Holy Christ, with a statue of Christ, and the Chapel of Saint Indalecio, the city's patron saint. The main altar has a baroque altarpiece. The cathedral's towers have battlements and loopholes, showing their defensive role. The Sol de Portocarrero is best seen from the Plaza de la Catedral's side street. The cloister's garden has palm trees. The cathedral's roof, now accessible on tours, was designed for defence. The trascoro, a screen behind the choir, is decorated with marble. The cathedral's crypt holds the tombs of bishops.

Almería Cathedral opening hours and the best time to go

The cathedral is open daily except Sundays for tourist visits, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Almería is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, and it can be visited all year. The August fair brings festivities to the city. Holy Week brings processions. Mornings are the best time to visit before the heat. Allow about forty-five minutes for the cathedral, and climb to the Alcazaba for views over the city and the sea. The Civil War Shelters, a network of tunnels beneath the city, can be visited on guided tours and are about ten minutes' walk away.