Cathedral of Valencia: Main entrance--page 1 (of 5 pages)


begun at the end of the 13th century; construction continued for centuries and thus the mixture of styles--from the early Romanesque, to Renaissance, to Baroque and Neoclassical.
Main entrance: Baroque style (1713-1728) by architect: Konrad Rudolf


Cathedral front, also known as the Iron Gate, seen from la Plaza de la Reina (Queen's Square)

The entrance is elliptical as it fronts the square and is closed with an iron grille on a black stone floor. Next to this front (to the left) is the huge tower, called Miguelete or Micalet (in Valencian); see here for images of it.

 

Central high relief sculpture with angels, vegetal ornamentation, and a shell with the name of Mary

The stained glass in the oval window above also depicts the Assumption.
 

The top register, without columns, with the Assumption of Mary with the Holy Spirit above; the very top with a bronze sphere and an iron cross (unfortunately cropped!) with two angels at the foot adoring it

 

Niches flanked by columns contain medallions with the busts of the Valencian popes Callixtus III and Alexander VI

At their feet are represented the allegorical figures of Justice, Charity, Faith and Hope.
 

The lowest register with St. Thomas of Villanueva, Valencia Archbishop, giving alms to the poor; St. Peter Pascual, dressed as a canon, with an angel offering him the mitre of Jaen




Continue to page 2.





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© 2014 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.