Alicante Architecture

San Nicolás Cathedral

San Nicolas Cathedral, Alicante, Spain

The San Nicolás Cathedral

Address: Plaza Abad Penalva, 1

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday: 11.30am - 12.30pm / 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Phone number: (+34) 965212662

The San Nicolás Co-Cathedral was built between 1616 and 1662 in the sombre Herrerian renaissance style and is one of the most symbolic buildings in the heart of the City. It was built over a Mosque from the moorish period and has a blue dome (cupula) that raises to over 45 metres.

When you step inside the building it will take your breath away. The decoration is believed to be dated from the first half of the 18th century and is a good example of the Spanish Illusionist style.

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The interior is laid out in the shape of a Latin cross with chapels at either sides. You will immediately notice the great cloister which dates from from the 15th century accompanied by two baroque doors.

Highlighted by the dome is Capilla de la Comunión communion chapel, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish baroque. At the bottom is the reliquary bust of St. Felicitas Alicante (s. XV) and across the co, San Roque and San Francisco Javier.

This is a cathedral seat of the diocese of Orihuela-Alicante.

There is lots to see in this great Cathedral including the altarpiece of the Animas (Nicolás Borrás, 1574), the Cristo de la Buena Muerte (Nicolás de Bussi, s. XVII) and a canopy of Italian marble and jasper, in 1688.

San Nicolás Cathedral, Alicante