Basilica Co-cathedral of St. Mary

Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of Vigo

The Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary of Vigo, known locally as A Colexiata, is a significant Catholic temple located in Vigo, Spain. It holds the dual role of co-cathedral alongside Tui Cathedral, serving the Diocese of Tui-Vigo. The current structure is a notable example of Spanish Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, with its present form largely established in the 19th century.

History and Reconstruction

Historical records indicate a church dedicated to Saint Mary existed in Vigo as far back as the 12th century. This was succeeded by a Gothic-style church, which was completed in 1403. This earlier edifice faced destruction in 1585 when it was ransacked and burned by the English privateer Francis Drake. A more recent catastrophic event occurred in 1809 when a nearby powder magazine at O Castro fortress exploded, causing extensive damage to the church.

The commission for the rebuilding of the temple was given to Melchor de Prado y Mariño, a member of the Royal Academy of San Fernando. He presented his Neoclassical design in 1811. However, construction was delayed until 1816 due to the Peninsular War. The building was ultimately completed in 1838 and is distinguished by its robust construction, having been designed with the potential for use as a stronghold in the post-war period.

Designation and Features

The temple has been declared a "Bien de Interés Cultural" (Asset of Cultural Interest), though the specific year of this declaration is not recorded. In 2020, the Vatican officially designated the co-cathedral as a basilica, following validation of requests from the bishopric. Architecturally, the basilica features three naves and a façade with simple ornamentation. A unique sundial adorns its right side, facing west. Inside, the main altar is notable for its large mosaics created by the renowned Spanish mosaic artist Santiago Padrós, characterized by their monumental scale and geometric treatment of landscapes.