Spain cathedrals

I hope I understand you. Whilst each catedral can be magnificent in itself, they can get samey. For your destinations, I'd pick Sevilla and Toledo cathedrals because they are stunning examples of their style.
In the case of Granada, I think the next-door Capilla Real de Granada (Royal Chapel) is more exciting than the catedral. In the case of Barcelona, I think Sagada Familia is a better option architecturally than the cathedral. Neither of those suggestions are cathedrals, of course, and I'm not saying the actual cathedrals in Granada or Barcelona are "bad", just we cannot see everything.
I've never been to Tangier, so I just guess its cathedral will at least be architecturally different to many other religious buildings there.
Since you are in the region, I should mention Cordoba's cathedral (aka the mosque or mezquita), as that is very different to all others in look and many consider it super.

We have been to all of those cities except Tangier. I would choose Barcelona, Toledo, and Seville.
There is only one Alahambra and it is in Granada. The cathedral in Madrid is meh and the one in Granada is okay. Columbus is buried in Seville’s cathedral and his tomb is something to see.

The Cathedral of Seville is wondrous. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia is in the center of Barcelona and sometimes gets missed because people go to the still-being-built La Familia Sagrada. Saint Eulalia is the original medieval cathedral of Barcelona. Of course, La Familia Sagrada is stunning to see.

I agree with the others - don't miss Seville Cathedral. It's beautiful.

Some excellent comments above, in my opinion!

To add my "take", I think you will find the cathedrals in Toledo and Sevilla different enough that they will both remain interesting. These are, over-simplifying - forgive me, more traditional cathedrals.

In Granada, I agree that the Royal Chapel, is unique and interesting. The tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon are displayed quite reverently.

If you make it through Cordoba, the Mezquita is unusual. it can be a stop of an hour - 90 minutes comfortably.

For Barcelona, Familia Sagrada is unique world-wide.

The Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Alcazar in Seville have similar characteristics, but are each different in totality. If you visit the Royal Alcazar, my suggestion is to try to get tickets to the Cuarto Real Alto. Short tour and apartments are exquisitely decorated. The Alhambra is more extensive in its offerings than the Royal Alcazar. I found both sites well worth my time, but I am not everyone. Some quick online or guidebook research should help you to know if one or both are right for you.

You don't have to go into any cathedrals--I rarely do. I found the Sevilla cathedral repellent but I had read a lot about the inquisition just before my trip, and my mind always goes to "Where did all this gold come from?" Why not read up on each and pick the ones that you find compelling? It usually takes just minutes to pop into a church and check it out if you are so inclined.
There is only one Alhambra.

valadelphia - do you also find it repellent that slavery was used during Al-Andalus, including for building and running the (Granada) Alhambra? As you might say, "where did all these humans come from"?

I did not visit the Alhambra, but yes I am aware that many buildings were built with slave labor. It was just an impression, not a dissertation. Sometimes buildings with ugly origins are still inspiring, sometimes they are not. I found Sevilla cathedral dark and foreboding--and all anyone can offer to these types of questions is opinions. The point is do what you want, not that there is a right answer.

An interesting question, (while not all technically Cathedrals) I would choose these three as the best representatives from different eras of Spanish history.

Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba (Medieval)

Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica in Zaragoza (Baroque)

Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona (Modern)

Personally I found the Catedral de Sevilla to be very large, overwhelming, crowded, and generally difficult to appreciate.

Of the places you intend to visit, I too like Nick’s choices.

We’ve visited so many nice and beautiful churches in Spain over the decades that it’s hard to pick a favorite. To me, the cathedral in Granada was unimpressive.

I agree that after too many of any one thing on a trip (whether it be convents/monasteries, castles, churches, museums, etc.) they all begin to look the same and are not really appreciated.

San Juan de Dios in Granada is quite something. There's an over-the-topness there that is difficult to forget.

Basilica of San Juan de Dios in Granada - interior photos

Entry allows you to wander around a lot of the building, seeing things from multiple angles. That's a good thing if you like examining such decor; it's a bad thing if you're in a hurry.

I agree with the general tenor of the earlier comments.

Two side comments: Spanish Inquisition was the less "important" of all inquisitions in Europe, and the only one where the accused were taken to trial before a jury. French, German, Holland...inquisitions killed far more people and did not have juries or trials. Spain has always suffered a black legend, propagated by the Protestants against the Catholics (of course, this went both ways). In the same way, the famous "Spanish flu" originated in Kansas (yes, in the USA), but as Spain was not taking part in WWI it was the only country whose press was not under censorship, as it was the case in all the participant countries in the war (press was censored so they would not talk about the huge number of casualties caused by the flu). Hence, the name "Spanish" flu.

For those not raised Catholic (well, nowadays in Spain very few people is), a "cathedral" is where the Bishop "seats". In Greek, a "cathedra" is a seat, same word for a "cathedratic" in a University. Seville and Toledo cathedrals are a must see, but there´s just one Alhambra ("Red Fortress").

San Juan de Dios in Granada is quite something. There's an over-the-topness there that is difficult to forget.

acraven, I agree. It was like walking around inside a Baroque fever dream.

I had a similar experience during my trip to Spain. After visiting the outstanding cathedrals in Toledo and Seville and the Mezquita in Cordoba I opted for the Royal Chapel in Granada rather than the cathedral, which I think is more baroque. The Royal Chapel has the tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand and you can actually see their lead coffins. La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is so unique it’s a must see.
I also strongly suggest doing both the Alcazar in Seville and Alhambra. You won’t be disappointed.

I appreciate all the quick responses. I was concerned I would get a lot of conflicting opinions. Trying to balance what to see without seeing the "same" thing in every city is time intense.

I meant Alcazars when I said Alhambra. Too many things to balance.

Definitely a lot of Alcázars and Alcazabas throughout Spain and each is unique in its own way, as well as state of preservation.

Personally, I would drop Tangier. As a city it's not that interesting, and other cities in Morocco are far more rewarding (eg Fes and Marrakesh)

Drop Tangier, it is not worth the travel there.

The cathedrals in Seville, Toledo and Barcelona are amazing.
Barcelona's is Sagrada Familia which is rather modern in age, but very special architecture from Gaudi.

Seville and Toledo are wonderful. Seville has the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

"The cathedrals in Seville, Toledo and Barcelona are amazing.
Barcelona's is Sagrada Familia which is rather modern in age, but very special architecture from Gaudi"

No, Barcelona's cathedral isn't SF! It is a point several of us have made. SF is magnificent, but it is not Barcelona's cathedral. That is why we are suggesting, with this question, not visiting the actual Barcelona cathedral (which is rather ordinary) and instead seeing SF. Same with Granada cathedral (also a fairly samey building), where a couple of alternative churches to the actual cathedral have been suggested.

I guess I'm just different from some of you. I love European cathedrals and can't get enough of them. I like art, architecture, and history, and those are all wrapped up in those cathedrals. As for cathedrals being "samey," I don't find any two cathedrals alike. They are all different.

Groaning a bit...why travel to countries where you will "burn out" from some of the most important and wonderful things to see?

When I go to Europe, castles, cathedrals and palaces are always at the TOP of my list, and in fact, we often stay in hotels that have been converted from castles and monasteries, etc. while in Europe. Europe's architectural marvels have been designed for millennia, are works of art, historic treasures, and represent the people and culture of the times.

It is also ridiculous for tourists to criticize the existence of these marvelous monuments ("repellent?!!", Puh-lease!), which were created in historic times for the people who lived, ruled, and worshipped according to the way life was back centuries ago. Trying to put a modern spin on these creations (created by slavery=bad) is just silly, because we cannot go back in time and change the past, although we can recognize how religion and power and money had impacts on the actions of the people, just as those same issues do today! Are we without war or religious conflict or dictators in the modern world? Maybe nuclear bunkers will become the tourist spots of the far future.

Perhaps if you do more advance research and LEARN something about each of the places you will go and what great architecture was created and why, then the visits will become more meaningful and less superficial and "touristy."

I will not debate one cathedral over another, just as I will not debate one mosque, or one temple, or one skyscraper, because each was constructed in a manner that can evoke a personal and subjective response, as does all art.

When I go to the cathedral of Toledo, I pray for the sun to illuminate El Transparente, because then I am in grateful awe; when I am in Santiago de Campostela's cathedral, I hope I can be there at Easter again to see the Botafumeiro in action and smell the sweet incense; when I am in Sevilla's cathedral "una joya de la humanidad" I am amazed at the all the intricacy of design and decor; when I visit Granada's cathedral, I am overwhelmed at the history right before my eyes with the tombs of the Reyes Católicos. Of course I feel the same about Notre Dame in Paris, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, magnificent St. Peter's in Rome, and the list goes on.

There is no "best," there is only what is best for you, the traveler. However, to really know a country means knowing the culture, the people, the language, the food, and above all, the history. ¡Buen viaje!

(as a side note, Sagrada Familia is not a cathedral, but a Basilica).

Perhaps I overdo it, but when I am going to take a trip to Europe, I do a LOT of research, which I enjoy immensely. I try to research everything I am going to encounter. When I look at a cathedral, I imagine who might have drawn that building on a piece of paper, maybe they didn't even have paper then, what king or religious organization wanted that church to be built, what artists were hired to decorate it, what that art means, how that church was used over the centuries, and I stand or sit in that church and drink in all that history, architecture, and art with a sense of awe. Every single church has a different history, a different purpose, and unique works of art decorating it. Five hundred or eight hundred years ago, someone drew that building on a piece of paper or whatever they had, and presented it to someone who had the money, and it was built block by block, and some of the greatest artists of all time went to their studio and carved or painted art specifically for that church. These churches contain millions or even billions of dollars worth of art, and the architectural designs are amazing.

Not only that, but I love that when I am tired from walking, I can go into some random cathedral and just sit in the cool quiet with my eyes closed and have a refreshing 15 or 20 minute meditation on the nature and meaning of life and my place in the universe.

Like I said, maybe it's just me, but I will never get burned out on European cathedrals or basilicas. I guess everyone is different.

However, at some point we will get burnt out on cathedrals

Here are a couple of tips for memorable visits.

I agree that the interior of San Juan de Dios Basilica in Granada is quite something. To make your visit distinctive, use one of the (included with admission) virtual reality stations - near the front of the Basilica, on the right as you face the altar - to virtually fly all around the cathedral, including to the top to take a closer look at the decorations and, while you're up there flying around, look down on the entire space.

https://basilicasanjuandedios.es/english/

For a memorable addition to a visit to Seville Cathedral, consider the rooftops tour. You'll walk across the roof of the naves, ducking under the flying buttresses and across the walkways atop the cathedral. All while learning how the architects designed the cathedral with tools of the day and built special features that allowed heavy artwork to be lifted into place with pulleys.

https://www.catedraldesevilla.es/visita-cultural/visitas-guiadas/visita-a-las-cubiertas

These made my visits unforgettable.

To answer the original question, which three cathedrals in those cities would I choose to see if it was only going to be three...
Just my opinion:

1) Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. <Do NOT miss that one.

2) Toledo Cathedral.
3) Cathedral of Seville.

But, for gosh sakes, before anyone spends their time and money going to see these things, they should get on the internet and read up on these places. Be your own tour guide.

Philalady,
You said:
Groaning a bit...why travel to countries where you will "burn out" from some of the most important and wonderful things to see?
When I go to Europe, castles, cathedrals and palaces are always at the TOP of my list, and in fact, we often stay in hotels that have been converted from castles and monasteries, etc. while in Europe. Europe's architectural marvels have been designed for millennia, are works of art, historic treasures, and represent the people and culture of the times.
It is also ridiculous for tourists to criticize the existence of these marvelous monuments ("repellent?!!", Puh-lease!), which were created in historic times for the people who lived, ruled, and worshipped according to the way life was back centuries ago. Trying to put a modern spin on these creations (created by slavery=bad) is just silly, because we cannot go back in time and change the past, although we can recognize how religion and power and money had impacts on the actions of the people, just as those same issues do today! Are we without war or religious conflict or dictators in the modern world? Maybe nuclear bunkers will become the tourist spots of the far future.
Perhaps if you do more advance research and LEARN something about each of the places you will go and what great architecture was created and why, then the visits will become more meaningful and less superficial and "touristy."

BINGO, you nailed it perfectly.

Psychpa2007, Visit what interests you, but occasionally try other places.. They might interest you. We try to see everything, but obviously can't. Religious structures of all sizes, ages and faiths are on our possibles list where ever we go. They are museums of their times and cultures just as are the Louvre, Prado, etc. We have visited only the south of Spain, but we agree with the recommendations for the must-sees: Barcelona - Sagrada Familia; Granada - Basilica of San Juan de Dios; Cordoba - Mezquita; Seville - Cathedral; Toledo - Cathedral. The gold came from Central and South America. We are thankful that a bit of that gold went for something besides the military and fancy clothes.

Marty, Sagrada Familia is not a cathedral. It's a basilica. There is a difference.

I had once a visitor that told me that she was not interested in visiting more cathedrals in Bilbao. I told her that there's only one. She wouldn't believe me.

I agree with you completely, @geovagriffith. It's true that many people, especially those from countries with younger histories, can sometimes have a shallow view of monuments and their significance. For some, these monuments seem like nothing more than attractions to check off a list, like a theme park ride that’s ticked off just to say, "I was there" without any deeper interest in understanding why these places are important or what they represent.

Of course, everyone is free to travel however they wish, but it's unfortunate when the history and cultural significance behind these landmarks is overlooked. You don't need to be a history buff to appreciate that in many parts of the world—like in Europe, for instance—these monuments represent more than just physical structures. They symbolize a way of life, an era, and a unique worldview that shaped not only the societies of the past but also the values, customs, and even political borders we have today.

I also have a personal connection to this. When I walk through certain areas in Barcelona, I can’t help but think of the Roman wall built 2,000 years ago that helped protect the city for many centuries and enabled the growth of Catalan culture, which was influenced by both Romans and later, the Franks. If that hadn’t happened, it’s likely we’d have much more in common with the Spanish, given their 700 years of Muslim rule. Or when I think about the 985 AD sack of Barcelona by Al-Mansur, which led to the breaking of vassalage with King Hugh Capet of the Franks, setting in motion the birth of modern Catalonia. And even the 19th-century factories in Poble Nou, with their brick chimneys, tell the story of Catalonia's unique Industrial Revolution, driven by strong commercial ties with England and the Netherlands, which helped modernize the society.

These historical layers make these places so much more than just things to look at. They are the physical reminders of how the past has shaped us today, and I think that’s something worth appreciating on a deeper level.

Sorry for deviating about the cathedrals' discussion.

Hola MikelBasqueGuide,

Yes, It is important to point out the differences between basilica vs. cathedral vs. church vs. chapel vs. shrine vs. abbey, etc. in the Roman Catholic (Christian) faith, but for those who are not aware of all the intricacies of definitions, we have to realize that the travelers just understand (maybe!) that this is a RC religiously-affiliated structure they can visit.

Most tourists probably spend less than an hour or so in each of these lovely creations, so they barely have time to fully absorb what they are looking at, much less learn about all the elements of the faith that built them.

Of course, Spain has now become a very popular country worldwide to visit, so travelers are arriving from many different religious (or non) backgrounds, and may never have set foot in a church before.

Well, I especially enjoy ancient history, and it was very interesting to learn that the original design of Catholic basilicas (long nave, aisles and apse) was adapted from ancient Roman public markets and courts, and came into construction around the 4th century AD, when Emperor Constantine "granted tolerance" to Christianity (Edict of Milan, 313 AD).

Of course, after that different time periods definitely influenced all the architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, etc., which is another area of study that could take a lifetime to fully learn and understand!

I live in a state with a religious group in the US called the Amish, who practice rural and simple living, and they conduct all of their worship services in private homes or barns, similar to what ancient Christians used to do. In their eyes the "church" is the community of people who worship together, not a separate building.

Well, next month I am off to Mexico for a visit, and I hope one day to see the church there that now uses an ancient Aztec sacrificial Eagle stone (cuauhxicalli) as part of the altar! Yes, the "new world" definitely was integrated into the (Spanish) Catholic faith, but still retained many unique indigenous components. But that is a whole other area of study...¡Buenas noches!

Hola Philalady, it's good morning here, egun on in the Basque Country! Understood, my apologies as I did not intend to sound patronizing, just informative. Think someone tells me to visit the US Capitol and I tell her or him that I've already visited the local library and the neighborhood cultural center and I'm tired of visiting more government places. A cathedral does have a special significance, not only religious but in many cases also deeply historical and architectural. I'm not a believer in any faith, like many Spaniards nowadays, but have grown under the Catholic influence that shaped this country in such a powerful way. True that visitors (like me in other countries) cannot absorbe centuries of history in such short visits, but at least one should know, in my opinion, what the most important Catholic building represents.