Catedral de la Almudena stands beside the Royal Palace on the western edge of Madrid’s historic center and is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, the city’s patron saint. Construction began in 1883, but the cathedral was not consecrated until 1993, when Pope John Paul II performed the ceremony. Its contrasting architectural styles reflect that long development: a neoclassical exterior harmonizes with the neighboring palace, while the interior is neo-Gothic and the crypt neo-Romanesque. Facing the palace across the Plaza de la Armería, the pale stone façade and twin towers create a monumental setting defined by symmetry and open space. Inside, pointed arches and tall columns contrast with vivid stained glass and boldly colored geometric ceiling panels, giving the cathedral a distinctly modern layer within its historic architectural forms.
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