Cathedral of the Savior in his Epiphany of Zaragoza

The Cathedral of the Savior in his Epiphany of Zaragoza, known locally as Catedral del Salvador en su Epifanía de Zaragoza, is a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical depth, located in the heart of Zaragoza, Spain. This magnificent edifice stands as one of the two metropolitan cathedrals of the Archdiocese of Zaragoza, alongside the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Commonly referred to as La Seo, this cathedral is a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry, having been constructed on the site of the ancient Roman forum of Caesaraugusta and the major mosque of Saraqusta.

A Journey Through Time

La Seo's construction began in the 12th century, integrating elements of the existing mosque, which itself had been built on the Roman forum. This fascinating blend of influences is evident in the cathedral's architecture, which has evolved through numerous renovations and expansions up until 1704 when the Baroque spire was added to the tower. The cathedral we see today is a harmonious fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, each layer telling a different chapter of Zaragoza's history.

Architectural Splendor

The Cathedral of the Savior in his Epiphany of Zaragoza is a five-aisled church with six sections covered by ribbed vaults of the same height, giving the interior the appearance of a square hall church. The structure is supported by late Gothic buttresses, not the flying buttresses typical of classic Gothic architecture, which are enclosed within walls forming interior chapels. The crossing is crowned by a Mudéjar dome, adding a unique touch to the Gothic structure.

The primary building material is brick, a common feature in Aragonese architecture. The exterior of the cathedral does not reveal the internal structure due to the surrounding walls and various adjoining spaces like residences and chapter house dependencies. The main entrance on the western side features a Baroque classicist façade from the second half of the 18th century, replacing the 14th-century Mudéjar portal, which remains hidden behind the current entrance.

Romanesque Roots

The Romanesque elements of the cathedral are primarily visible in the lower parts of the apse on the exterior. The interior Romanesque sculptures of the apse are now hidden behind a Gothic altarpiece. The sacristy houses an 11th-century ivory oliphant from Gastón de Béarn and reliquary busts of Saint Valero, Saint Vincent, and Saint Lawrence, donated by Antipope Benedict XIII.

Gothic Grandeur

The Gothic influence is most notable in the 14th-century Gothic-Mudéjar upper sections of the apse and the funerary chapel of Saint Michael, or Parroquieta, which contains the tomb of Archbishop Lope Fernández de Luna. The naves and roofs of the cathedral also retain Gothic features from various expansions between the 14th and 16th centuries. The 15th-century choir stalls and the magnificent polychrome alabaster main altarpiece by Pere Johan and Hans of Swabia are considered masterpieces of late European Gothic art.

Mudéjar Marvels

The Mudéjar elements, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 as part of the Aragonese Mudéjar ensemble, include the apse, the exterior wall of the Parroquieta, and its gilded wooden ceiling. The current dome, crowning the crossing and illuminating the presbytery, was crafted in the 16th century, bridging the late Gothic-Mudéjar and early Renaissance styles.

Renaissance Refinement

The Renaissance contributions to La Seo include the retrochoir with its chapels and the Chapel of Saint Bernard, sculpted in alabaster, along with the Chapels of the Archangels and Saint Peter Arbués. The reforms led by Hernando de Aragón transformed La Seo into a hall church with five naves of equal height, covered by intricate ribbed vaults ranging from simple ribbed to star-shaped designs, characteristic of the flamboyant Gothic style.

Baroque Brilliance

The Baroque tower of La Seo, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Contini, is a striking feature. The façade next to the tower, considered the main entrance of the temple, showcases a Baroque style with Neoclassical influences. The interior decoration of several chapels and the interior portals also reflect Baroque artistry.

A Living Monument

The Cathedral of the Savior in his Epiphany of Zaragoza is not just an architectural gem but a living monument that embodies the rich and diverse history of Zaragoza. Its walls and chapels echo the stories of the Roman, Islamic, and Christian eras, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike. As you explore La Seo, you will be transported through time, witnessing the evolution of styles and the enduring spirit of a city that has stood the test of time.