The Jerez Cathedral is an 18th-century masterpiece that fuses various architectural styles to form an exceptional structure. It has a majestic dome, an elegant tower and an intricate façade with many layers and facets. Marvel at the gothic, neoclassical and baroque touches that were added to the church over the centuries.
Ascend the sets of steps in the adjacent plaza for a view of the tops of nearby buildings. Note the gothic flying buttresses on an otherwise baroque frontage. See the carved works on the façade of the Transfiguration scene that depicts awestruck disciples beholding Christ. Beside the church is a separate bell tower that remains from an earlier church.
Gaze up at the round windows that decorate the impressive façade of the cathedral, which is uneven in height and was built atop a former mosque. The jumbled look and blend of styles due to the lengthy construction time adds to the intrigue of this ecclesiastical gem from the 1700s. Snap photos of the renaissance dome topped by an elegant minaret. See the church at night, when it is illuminated in golden light.
Explore the interior of the cathedral to see its large nave and works of art, including a piece by Francisco Zurbarán. Notice the statues of the apostles on pillars leading to the altar.
Note that the site is officially known as the Cathedral of San Salvador. It was constructed from 1695 until 1778, incorporating the changing fashions of the time into its varied appearance.
There is a fee to enter the church. Discounts are offered for groups, students and seniors. It opens daily from Monday through Saturday from morning until early evening.
The Jerez Cathedral is in the historic district, west of central Jerez. Walk west from the Jerez Railway Station for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to get here. See nearby sights, such as the Alcázar Gardens, the Plaza de la Asunción and the Fedarte Gallery.