It is the most important religious building in Madrid. Consecrated by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1993. Inside the image of the Virgin of Almudena, patron saint of Madrid. It has a museum, a crypt with more than 400 columns and a viewpoint from its dome.
Alfonso XII ordered the construction of the cathedral to the Marquis of Cubas in 1879 to house the remains of Queen María de las Mercedes. After several breaks, it was completed in 1993 and is consecrated by Pope Saint John Paul II on June 15 of that same year. It has several styles: Neoclassical on the exterior façade, Gothic on the interior and neo-Romanesque in the Crypt. Its interior is decorated by paintings by Kiko Argüello that represent the seven mysteries of Salvation. The funerary ark from the 13th century stands out. which contained the incorrupt remains of San Isidro and the Chapel of the Santísimo, decorated with mosaics. The museum houses pieces from the Cathedral Chapter and Congregational deposits. Mosaics and episcopal coats of arms are on display. The oldest image of Mary in Madrid is preserved in the Crypt: the Virgin of the Fleur de Lis, which comes from the old church of Santa María.
From September to June:
Monday to Friday 10.30-14.00 / 17.00-20.00
Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
July and August:
Monday to Sunday 10.00-21.00
The Cathedral cannot be visited during liturgical celebrations