Catedral de la Almudena is a stunning cathedral located next to the Royal Palace of Madrid. Its beautiful architecture, both on the exterior and interior, make it a must-visit destination. The cathedral features intricate stained glass windows, decorative ceilings, and impressive pillars. One unique aspect is the presence of modern saints and religious figures, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional setting. The cathedral holds historical significance as it was the first cathedral consecrated outside of Rome. Visitors can enter for free and spend around 30-45 minutes exploring the interior, admiring the artwork and murals. Additionally, for a fee of 7€, one can access the upper section with balconies that offer breathtaking views of the palace and the city. Donations are accepted at the door, and it is important to be respectful by removing hats and covering shoulders when entering. Although real candles are not allowed, visitors can pay to light battery-powered ones. The cathedral is handicap accessible and photography is not permitted during services. Overall, Catedral de la Almudena is a truly magnificent place that exudes spirituality and offers a memorable experience for all who visit.
Address:
Calle de Bailén, 10, Madrid
Phone:
+34 915 42 22 00
27.07.23
H
€1 recommended donation to enter. Nice stained glass windows and decorative ceilings. Busy but fairly quiet. Modern Chapel for John Paul II in timber. The entrance is on the side by the main road, not opposite the Palace.
19.07.23
Shu
A very beautiful two dimensional church, there are two sets of seats in crossed directions. The free entrance to the church is through a side gate. The main gate at Royal Palace Square requires a entrance fee for visiting the dome and museum.
12.07.23
Eliza
Absolutely stunning!!!!!!!!! Everything was beautifully crafted and amazing. The electric candles were a bit weird, but I guess that saves waste so I'm for it in the end. I could feel the spirituality of the place even though I am not part of th.. Read more »at religion. It was grand and powerful and yet the story behind it was very vulnerable. It is based on the story of when people were ruling Spain (I can't remember which dynasty) and they were not allowed to practice Catholicism and when they took back the city behind the wall they found one virgin Mary statue with the candles still lit and it became a symbol of perseverance in religion. Wish the Catholics didn't then go and do that to everyone else but cute story.
24.06.23
alex
Amazing "national cathedral" across from the Royal Palace! Not to be missed! Modern (late 19th century) construction differs from many of the other "historical" cathedrals in Madrid - it is beautiful in its own way and the site is.. Read more » historically significant. Plenty of classic church history inside. The first cathedral consecrated outside of Rome.
29.04.23
Mahaveera
This is a cathedral next to Royal palace of Madrid and its a nice easy walk from Plaza Mayor via narrow lanes. Cathedral has a free entry and beautiful interior/exterior architecture including stain glass paintings, murals. You can easily spend 30-45.. Read more » mins inside and an hour around the cathedral. You can also check out the palace & parks nearby.
24.04.23
Adrian
It's a wonderful cathedral, on the outside as well on the inside - the pillars, pictures and the overall architecture makes it one of the favorite places to spend some time in silence. Being next to the Royal Palace makes it hard to miss.
10.03.23
R
One of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve seen in Europe. Very unique, and memorable, and best of all, FREE to enter!
For an additional 7€ you can enter the upper section with balconies overlooking the palace and the city.
Donations acce.. Read more »pted at the door.
Although there are no real candles, you can pay to light some battery powered ones.
Handicap accessible.
No photos or videos allowed during service.
Beautiful art honoring holy figures that extend to some more contemporary names as well.
Be sure to remove your hats and cover your shoulders when entering.
05.03.23
Umpy
A beautiful cathedral. There are many cathedrals in Spain, but this one is very nice with interesting ceilings. It is the first cathedral I’ve seen which has much of its space devoted to modern saints and religious figures, which is a nice chan.. Read more »ge of pace. Everyone was friendly, including some nuns walking around. Overall I would highly recommend a visit, especially because it is free!!
20.02.23
Hannah-Marie
Absolutely beautiful cathedral with both modern/rustic and original detailing regarding the architecture/stain glass windows. This cathedral is most definitely worth a visit, especially as being free to visit and walk around. The downside for myself .. Read more »was that you could not light real candles within this cathedral, they are all battery operated and although I appreciate this is to protect the building I was disappointed as I feel like takes some of the charm away. The remainder of the site is absolutely breathtaking, though with plenty to view/explore regarding the alternative statues/saints that you can pay your respects too. You can also pay an additional €7 euros to view the higher balconies of the cathedral and other parts - however we did not do this ourselves personally.
02.12.22
Emma
I paid 7€ to go up to the dome and I'm glad I did. The views up there are so nice, especially when the weather is sunny. You also have a good view of the palace. Once you pay for the dome, you also get to visit a museum but I wasn't in.. Read more »terested in that. The cathedral's inside is beautiful and impressive. You almost can't tell it wasn't build centuries ago. If you don't want to go up to the dome, go around the side and visit the cathedral itself for free, but the views are worth it!
31.08.22
Melanie
Gorgeous cathedral. Costs 7 eur to go into the museum and get onto the roof. I wasn't really impressed by the museum but the roof panoramas were quite nice. Inside the cathedral itself there are some pretty stunning and unique stained glass piec.. Read more »es.
15.07.22
Enrico
A great monument and so full of history! Just next to the real palace.. great place to chill and enjoy the live musicians that often play here for the tourists.. a magical spot for many.
02.07.22
Fiodor
I got inside during some event. A lot of nice people. Everyone was kind to each other. There was a feeling of a cozy place)
02.07.22
Yana
The building looks spectacular. We were lucky to hear its bells ringing, though didn’t enter inside.
The cathedral is just across the palace entrance
18.06.22
Coqueta
Simplemente Bella la Catedral ?You have to options to get in paying or not paying ( for free you can only see a little part ) The amounts of gold that you can see there makes the place beautiful and unique….. but also make you think from where.. Read more » all that gold came…. just think and make a reflection about that…. anyway the Cathedral is beautiful, a must when in Madrid . Big yes ?
19.05.22
Dave
Beautiful cathedral adjacent to the palace. Lovely views over the city from the outside. The space and architecture inside is breathtaking. Well worth a visit.
09.03.22
Joey
Amazing new age church. This cathedral is a modern take on an old cathedral. Still fits all of the molds, but was finished within the past 100 years. Stunning and colorful. Free admission and definitely worth your time.
08.03.22
Kseniya
It's a big cathedral with a great dome. The stain glass windows are amazing. There is a monument of homeless Christ next to the building.
24.01.22
Lourdes
I’ve only been here for a few days, but this has to be my favorite church in Madrid. It is a perfect example of perfectly combining both traditional and more modern liturgical art. The ceilings and stained glass are colorful and geometric but d.. Read more »on’t feel out of place. Side chapels offer glimpses into the lives of certain Spanish saints. Classical, traditional framed artwork is hung around. You obviously must visit La Almudena which has a staircase leading up and down the figure of the Virgin. Confessions are offered in English according to some signage, however while I was there, the only priest who was available spoke Spanish, German, and French I think. I was able to make my confession as best I could in Spanish, to which the priest was very gracious and sympathetic despite my difficulties. Mass is also offered here. I’ve included pictures of the current schedule. The Cathedral cannot be toured during Mass which is a nice measure to maintain reverence since this is not just a tourist sight but a place of worship. Photography is allowed except in one of the chapels which houses the Blessed Sacrament and has signage indicating it is for prayer only. Please visit and make sure to offer at least a small donation to help maintain this beautiful location.
03.01.22
david
Very well kept and amazing designed crypt and main cathedral floor. Please consider strongly a donation to maintain the history of humanity for future generations to see.
08.12.21
Lukasz
This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Spain. I highly recommend visiting it after the sunset so that before the sun sets you have the chance to see a beautiful pink colored facade of the Royal Palace. The inside of the cathedral is i.. Read more »ncredibly well decorated with the choir being a key highlight. Also check out the decorations near the altars that surround the perimeter of the cathedral. Pictures are allowed so go wild but keep in mind that the catacombs can be entered around the corner and are not always open at the times you might want to visit. The ceiling is especially breathtaking.
13.11.21
David
It's free quiet beautiful music playing and one of the landmarks of Madrid. Beautiful 3 years later. November 23, 2021
20.10.21
Rika
Very beautiful church right across the palace. A lot of space in front to just sit and hang out and marvel at the architecture. We didn’t go inside. But the entrance is free when you are going around the building and take the other entrance. Th.. Read more »e entrance in front is for the museum.
15.10.21
Clancy
An incredible piece of Madrid’s history, and local story. The wealth that has been put into this place is outstanding. The views nearby of the park were my favourite to be honest, as I generally prefer nature and food to religious architecture.
07.10.21
Catalina
Amazing and enormous cathedral in neoclassical style, placed right in front of the Royal Palace of Madrid. Great place for stopping for a while, stay in silence, meditate and pray. The church was built on the ruins of a muslim mosque that previously .. Read more »stood in this place. The ruins are still possible to see. Highly recommend!
21.09.21
Chica
Exceptionally beautiful and surprisingly modern design. Really a big surprise, just take a look of it! It is really worth of it.
Free entrance every time!
05.09.21
Anibal
Very pretty cathedral, close to royal palace. Free entry. A must see in Madrid. Probably the place I liked the most.
29.08.21
Farid
Restaurant didn't have an English menu but they took their time to explain a few dishes.
A different experience for sure. I'd imagine people more familiar with the language and reign enjoy it even more.
Very good ?
10.07.21
Roger
Large cathedral, impressive inside, but not old. Free admission unlike most other major Spanish cathedrals. Worth a look.
19.06.21
Stephen
One of the top tourist tractions in Madrid. It’s located Central in the city and across from the Royal Palace.
I would recommend a visit inside during the morning hours when there’s less people.
I would also recommend a second visit to t.. Read more »he outside in the Square adjacent to the church for sunset. This location is a ideal spot to take in the beautiful sunset and also fantastic for photos.
When visiting Madrid this destination should definitely be on your list.
07.06.21
Wejdan
Beautiful cathedral in the middle of the city, right next to the palace of Madrid. Well worth a visit.
07.06.21
A
Beautiful modern ceilings and stained glass are unlike any other cathedral I’ve seen. I love this place!
24.05.21
Julien
We had only 45 minutes before it closed when we entered, so we rushed to the top of the tower
After 35ish levels or so to walk, we were rewarded with a unique sight above Sévilla
The cathedral has an elegant and generous interior
04.05.21
Annie's
The most beautiful icon of Madrid. Don't miss visiting this place especially the dome of the Almudena.
24.10.20
Navina
It’s such a beautiful cathedral. The ceilings ?
10.09.20
Victoria
Very big neo-gothic and classic cathedral with an enormous beautiful organ, recommended :)
24.08.20
kai
Beautiful sanctuary! Lovely mosaics art on the roof. Free visit ! Asks for €1 donation but well worth it especially if you are looking for some cover from the madrid sun☀️ (or rain) ??
22.08.20
jay
Amazing. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to in my life.
22.08.20
David
Since you're probably finished seeing the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is also worth a visit to the colorful Catedral de la Almudena.
21.07.20
Jean
This cathedral is the main in Madrid. Is a good place to watch part of the history of Madrid.
19.02.20
Gayane
White and gorgeous. Rich colors and astounding inside. You can rest and pray, participate in communion.
09.02.20
James
Beautiful cathedral with wonderful geometric/cubist stained glass windows, colorful roof tiles, and elaborate gold frames. It is a large cathedral with lots of light, space, and tranquility.
09.02.20
Vlastimír
Although the works finished quite recently and some decorations are a bit modern, it is definitely worth visiting, especially for the breathtaking views from the terraces and the inner parts. Entry fee 6 eur is very reasonable.