Santiago de Compostela cathedral tour, Spain

Religious Tourism in Spain: A Guide to the Country’s Cathedrals and Monasteries

Spain is a country with a rich religious history and culture, and its cathedrals and monasteries are a testament to this. From the famous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a destination for the famous pilgrimage Way of St. James, to the grand Seville Cathedral, these sacred buildings offer visitors a glimpse into Spain’s religious past and present. 

In this blog post, we will take a tour of some of the most famous cathedrals and monasteries in Spain, as well as highlight some of the religious festivals and celebrations that take place in the country.

Famous Cathedrals in Spain

Spain is home to a number of famous cathedrals, each offering its own unique history, architecture, and beauty. Explore the list of our favorites below, or get in touch to start planning a custom tour that includes your favorite sites: 

St. James Cathedral

One of the most well-known cathedrals is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, also known as St. James Cathedral. 

This grand cathedral is the final destination for thousands of pilgrims who embark on the Way of St. James, a pilgrimage that has been taken for over 1,000 years. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and is home to the tomb of St. James, one of Jesus’ apostles.

The Seville Cathedral

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, Seville, Spain

The Seville Cathedral, also known as Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, is another must-see cathedral in Spain. 

This massive cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is famous for its ornate decoration and is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

The Valencia Cathedral

The Valencia Cathedral, also known as Catedral de Valencia, is a unique blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Modernism. 

This cathedral is home to the Holy Grail, the cup that Jesus is believed to have used at the Last Supper, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monasteries in Spain

Spain is also home to a number of beautiful monasteries that are worth visiting. Here’s our favorites: 

Monastery of Montserrat

monastery and the mountains of Montserrat in Spain.

One of the most famous is the Monastery of Montserrat, also known as Santa Maria de Montserrat. This monastery is located on a mountain near Barcelona and is a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists. 

The monastery is home to the Black Madonna, a 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Another famous monastery in Spain is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, also known as San Juan de los Reyes Monastery. 

This monastery is located in Toledo and is a beautiful example of Mudéjar architecture, a style that blends Islamic and Christian elements. The monastery is also home to a small museum that displays art and artifacts from the monastery’s past.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe, also known as Guadalupe Monastery, is located in the region of Extremadura, and is famous for its beautiful Mudéjar architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The monastery is also home to a small museum that displays art and artifacts from the monastery’s past.

Plan Your Own Trip To Spain’s Cathedrals & Monasteries

If you’re planning a trip to Spain’s wonderful Cathedrals and Monasteries and would like some more guidance on which ones to choose, what to expect, and things you should know before you go, get in touch with our team below for help. 

We’ll provide your group with a complimentary, tailored tour itinerary specifically for you and your needs.

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