Catedral de la Encarnación

Top choice in Almería


Almería’s formidable, six-towered cathedral, begun in 1525, was conceived both as a place of worship and a refuge for the population from frequent pirate raids from North Africa. It was originally Gothic-Renaissance in style, but baroque and neoclassical features were added in the 18th century. The Gothic interior, entered through a fine neoclassical cloister, is an impressive spectacle with its sinuous, ribbed ceiling, 16th-century walnut choir stalls and monumental Capilla Mayor (Chancel).

Outside, in a suite of rooms off the cloister, you can browse the cathedral's small collection of paintings, vestments and ceremonial silverware. On the building's exterior, note the cute stone lions around the northwest tower and the exuberant Sol de Portocarrero, a 16th-century relief of the sun (now serving as the city's symbol) on the cathedral's eastern end.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Almería attractions

1. Museo de la Guitarra

0.04 MILES

It's worth establishing two important facts before you enter this absorbing museum. First: the word 'guitar' is derived from the Andalucian-Arabic word…

2. Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía

0.08 MILES

Anyone interested in photography should visit this excellent centre, which puts on top-class exhibitions of work by Spanish and international…

3. Centro de Interpretación Patrimonial

0.18 MILES

A good place to get your historical bearings and set the city's sights in context, this informative museum has three floors of historical exhibits as well…

4. Iglesia de San Juan

0.22 MILES

Remains of Almería’s Islamic past are evident throughout the city, including at this church, which was built over the remains of the city’s former mosque…

5. Alcazaba Entrance

0.24 MILES

The entrance gate to the Alcazaba is on Calle Almanzor. Climb the stairs and go through the Puerta de la Justicia to enter the fortress.

6. Primer Recinto

0.26 MILES

The Alcazaba's lowest compound, the Primer Recinto, was originally a residential area. Excavations have unearthed remains of houses, streets and a complex…

7. Aljibes Árabes de Jayrán

0.27 MILES

These brick-vaulted underground cisterns, built in the early 11th century to help supply the city’s water, are well preserved. During the day, they're…

8. Refugios de la Guerra Civil

0.28 MILES

During the civil war, Almería was the Republicans’ last holdout in Andalucía, and was repeatedly and mercilessly bombed. The attacks prompted a group of…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/andalucia/almeria/attractions/catedral-de-la-encarnacion/a/poi-sig/1206662/1004351",
      "destination": "Almería",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "region": "Andalucía",
      "city": "Almería",
      "position": "superzone"
    }