Badajoz Cathedral

Badajoz Cathedral, officially known as Catedral de San Juan Bautista de Badajoz, stands proudly in the heart of Badajoz, Spain, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. This magnificent cathedral, with its blend of architectural styles and historical significance, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

The History of Badajoz Cathedral

The origins of Badajoz Cathedral date back to the early 13th century, following the Christian reconquest of Badajoz in 1230 by King Alfonso IX of León. Initially, the city's mosque was repurposed as a cathedral dedicated to Santa María del Castillo. However, the need for a new, grander cathedral soon became apparent, and construction began in the mid-13th century on the site of an ancient Visigothic or Mozarabic church located outside the Alcazaba.

By 1276, the cathedral was consecrated under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist, though construction continued for several centuries. The fundamental elements of the structure were completed by the 15th century, with various additions and renovations taking place throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. The cathedral as we see it today was not fully completed until the 18th century.

Badajoz Cathedral has been the site of numerous significant events, including five royal weddings. One of the most notable was the marriage of the future King Ferdinand VI of Spain to the Portuguese Infanta Barbara of Braganza in 1729. This double celebration also saw the union of Barbara's brother, José de Braganza, with the Spanish Infanta Mariana Victoria de Borbón.

The Exterior of Badajoz Cathedral

The exterior of Badajoz Cathedral is reminiscent of a fortress, a reflection of the city's historical role as a frontier stronghold. The cathedral's robust walls, crenellations, and imposing tower give it a formidable appearance.

The Tower of the Cathedral

The most striking feature of Badajoz Cathedral's exterior is its tower, which stands 41 meters tall and 11 meters wide. The tower is divided into three sections, with the bell tower at the top. Initially, plans called for two towers flanking the main façade, but only one was ever constructed due to various historical circumstances.

The tower's construction began in the 13th century and continued through the 15th and 16th centuries. It features a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Plateresque styles, with intricate decorations such as rows of pearls, stylized vegetal motifs, and decorative rosettes. The bell tower, completed in 1542, showcases the Renaissance style with its clean lines and classical elements.

The tower also served practical purposes, housing the bells that regulated the city's daily life and marking significant events with their chimes. Additionally, the tower's crenellations were used to hold lanterns that illuminated the city on special occasions.

The Portals of the Cathedral

Badajoz Cathedral features three main portals, each with its unique history and architectural details.

The Main Portal or Portal of Saint John

The Main Portal, located on the western façade, was commissioned in 1619 by Bishop Pedro Fernández Zorrilla and the cathedral chapter. The design, a blend of early Baroque and classical elements, was created by Melchor Cordero and Sebastián Vázquez. The portal features two tiers: the lower tier with an arched entrance flanked by Ionic columns, and the upper tier with a central niche housing a statue of Saint John the Baptist. The portal was completed in 1862 with the addition of a grand staircase.

The Portal of the Lamb

On the cathedral's northern façade is the Portal of the Lamb, the most frequently used by the local population due to its orientation towards the old town. This 17th-century portal is made of white marble and features a simple design with a lintelled entrance topped by a pediment and a sculpted lamb, symbolizing the cathedral.

The Portal of Saint Blaise

The southern façade houses the Portal of Saint Blaise, crafted in 1546 by Gaspar Méndez. This Renaissance-style portal features a single tier with a semicircular arch framed by pilasters and topped by a triangular pediment with decorative oculi. A niche above the arch contains a statue of Saint Blaise, sculpted by Hans of Brussels in 1553. A small, simply designed Renaissance door next to the portal provides access to the cathedral's cloister.

The Interior of the Cathedral

As you step inside Badajoz Cathedral, you are greeted by a serene and sacred atmosphere, with the interior oriented from east to west, symbolizing the connection to the Holy Land. The construction of the presbytery, the most important part of the cathedral, began first, allowing religious services to be conducted even as the rest of the building was still under construction.

Badajoz Cathedral is a testament to the city's rich history and architectural evolution. Its blend of styles, from Romanesque to Renaissance, reflects the various phases of its construction and the historical events that shaped it. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, Badajoz Cathedral offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a serene space for contemplation.