Catedral de Guadix
Built on the so-called 'Sacred Hill', beneath which lie the remains of a Visigothic cathedral and, later, an Arab great mosque, it symbolises the imprint of past centuries. It is the town’s most historically significant monument due to its history, art and religious tradition. The exterior is the product of many ideas and projects, and the comings and goings of artisans and renowned architects. The three portals surrounding it embody the perfect harmony of elegance and mastery of that era. Although not the main façade, the Puerta de San Torcuato is the most famous, renowned for its tall, robust tower housing fifteen bells. It can be seen and admired from afar and from any point in the town. The main façade, the Puerta de la Anunciación, is divided into three sections and is a Spanish Baroque masterpiece, one of the most impressive sights. Although the least visible, the Puerta de Santiago is no less beautiful and impressive. It is dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, who passed through Guadix on his evangelising mission. However, San Torcuato had the honour of being the first to begin his mission in this holy land. The walls enclose centuries of history as construction took place from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. The replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is a beautiful sculpture which was destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. Thankfully, it has been restored and displayed in one of the chapels. It is located on Paseo Ismael González de la Serna.