Ciudad Rodrigo Cathedral
The Cathedral is the most important religious building
in Ciudad Rodrigo. The building was not completed until 1550 and
the result is therefore a mixture of artistic styles.
The most interesting element of the façade is the Las Cadenas
entrance, with the frieze decorated with several sculptural reliefs.
The interior of the church is divided into a central nave and
two lateral aisles, each covered by rib-vaults. The Main Chapel,
situated in the apse of the central nave, has a stellar vault,
the work of Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. Noteworthy
are the choir stalls, which contain several profane scenes carved
by Rodrigo Alemán in 1498. Meanwhile, the Diocesan Museum
contains a collection of religious art.
Located close by is the so-called Capilla del Marqués de Cerralbo, a outstanding temple in the Herrera style with a grand dome on a base providing the crest. The interior of the church preserves exquisite walnut reredoses. The old quarter contains other beautiful churches, such as those of San Agustín (16th century), San Pedro (12th century) and the Church of the Franciscanas Descalzas (17th century). Situated on the outskirts of the city, en route to the Águeda reservoir, is the 16th-century Monasterio de la Caridad.
Source: Web server of Instituto de Turismo de España, TURESPAÑA.
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