Catedral de El Salvador, Avila.
The Cathedral of Avila is unique in that there is no clear point of where the construction of the city walls end, and where the back of the Cathedral begins. Both the Wall and the Cathedral feel like different members of the same living organism, sharing the same materials.
The Cathedral of Avila together with the wall of the city gives this church the feeling of a fortress of faith, and not only a house of worship. Freedom of worship was not always a given in the history .of Christianity (or, as a matter of fact, of any religion).
The Cathedral of Christ The Savoir in Avila is often referred to as the first Gothic Cathedral in Spain, and one of the oldest in Europe. On the whole, the style is early Gothic, yet with certain details, such as this portico, still with a strong Romanesque flavor.
However when we look at a larger section of the western side, it is definitely clear that the prevailing style of the Cathedral is gothic.
Girald Fruchel in the second half of the XII century came from France, hired by the Emperor Alfonso VII, to overhaul a previously partially built structure that had been in a state of abandonment during 300 years, in the new style originated in Bourgogne, and particularly at the Basilica of Saint Denis.
The Catedral de El Salvador de Avila as we know it today was largely built between 1160 and 1180 AD. However with the death of Fruchel in 1192, the construction came to a halt.
As in the Basilica of Saint Peter's in Rome, the Cathedral of Avila has a statue of Saint Peter, with the Keys of the King of Christ in his left hand, while he blesses the passer byes with his right hand. These passer byes, just like the pilgrims in Saint Peters, humbly seek his blessing, caressing his feet.
In this baptismal fount made of one piece of granite, we see the frieze where Saint John baptizes his cousin Jesus Christ.
This fount is secluded from the traffic of the main aisles of the Cathedral by a bronze gate.
A replica of Michelangelo's Pieta
Saint Teresa of Avila keeps accompanies Our Blessed Mother at the Pieta Chapel.
The view from the main altar towards the entrance of the Cathedral
The Iconostasis of the Cathedral of Avila is composed of granite friezes.
The Gothic Clerestory provides light to the interior of the Cathedral, while the archways provide dramatic effects.
The baroque altarpiece was added to the apse during the 17th Century.
The Choir with its carved wooden stools
Triumphant organ typical of the XVIIth Century.
