Cathedral
of St Mary of the Assumption Cathedra
Plaza
del Palacio, 1, 22300 Barbastro (Huesca)
By
Fernando de Zuniga
Barbastro is the place of the host town
of the survival dinner of the Lions of the Pyrenees. Barbastro’s cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic
Renaissance architecture in Aragon. Built as a collegiate church in the 16th
century (1517-1533) on the site of an ancient mosque, it achieved the status of
cathedral a few years later. Three different architects took part in its
design: Luis de Santa Cruz, Juan de Sariñena and Juan de Segura.
Although its structural elements are
Gothic, the interior is closer to the Renaissance style. An outstanding feature
on the exterior is the bell tower, which was built in three phases: the two
lower sections were begun in the Middle Ages; it was reformed in a second
phase; and the capital on the top was built in the 18th century.
The main altarpiece is a key feature of
the cathedral. Made of alabaster, it was designed by Damian Forment, who is
credited with bringing the Renaissance style sculpture to Aragon. The main body
of the altarpiece was finished after the death of Damian Forment by three of
his followers. Carved polychrome wood was used to give the appearance of
alabaster with the aim of maintaining unity in the overall design.
Also
of interest is the altarpiece of San Victorian, which came from the monastery
of the same name in the La Fueva valley, one of the most important medieval
monasteries in Aragon in its day.
The bell tower was built on the site of
the old minaret of Barbastro’s main mosque and for this reason it is set apart
from the main cathedral building. The plan is octagonal and the external wall
that can be seen today hides an interior wall that once belonged to the
original minaret. Due to damage suffered over the years, renovations were
carried out in 1610 by the architect Pedro de Ruesta. These involved the
addition of three new sections separated by lines of ashlars, which were then
finished off with the addition of a pyramidal spire to achieve the desired
height. These changes gave the tower its current day appearance.
It is opened from 10 to 11.30 and 19.00
to 20.30 h.
Monday to Sunday.