Catedral de Santa María La Real de La Almudena

As early as the 16th century, considerations were made for the construction of a new church dedicated to Madrid's patron saint, Saint Mary of Almudena. Construction began in the 18th century. The completion of the cathedral concluded in 1993. In that year, Pope John Paul II consecrated the edifice and elevated it to cathedral status. Originally conceived in the Neo-Gothic style, the construction was finished in Neoclassicism to create a connection with the adjacent Royal Palace. In 2004, the cathedral was the setting for the first royal wedding when Crown Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano married there. A planned bomb attack in 2013 was prevented.

The cathedral is located in Madrid, in the province and region of Madrid, Spain. Its elevation of approximately 652 meters above sea level makes it a landmark in the cityscape.

Visitors can explore the cathedral. Its interior has a modern “Pop-Art” decor, designed by Kiko Argüello, which creates a contrast to its exterior appearance. The cathedral is laid out in the form of a Latin cross and houses chapels, including the Chapel of the Virgen de la Almudena, dedicated to Madrid's patron saint. The apse windows, completed in 2004. An organ by Gerhard Grenzing from 1999 with 70 stops is also part of the furnishings.