Cathedral Basilica of St Mary and the Holy Martyrs Emeterius and Celedonius
Spain·Santander·Diocese of Santander
The Cathedral Basilica of St Mary and the Holy Martyrs Emeterius and Celedonius, also known as Santander Cathedral, is a significant religious and historical monument in Santander, Spain. Originally an abbey church dating back to the 8th century, it was rebuilt in Gothic style between the 12th and 14th centuries and later elevated to cathedral status in 1754. It houses relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius and has undergone extensive reconstruction after significant damage from a harbor explosion in 1893 and a major fire in 1941.
Key Facts
- ›Built on the site of the former Abbey of the Holy Bodies, dedicated to Saints Emeterius and Celedonius.
- ›Construction of the current Gothic structure began in the 12th century and was largely completed by the 14th century.
- ›Became the seat of the new Bishop of Santander in 1754, transforming it into a cathedral.
- ›Suffered severe damage from a harbor explosion in 1893 and a devastating fire in 1941, requiring extensive reconstruction.
- ›Features a lower church (crypt) dating from the 12th century and an upper church built in the 13th century.
- ›The main portal contains the first known carved coat of arms featuring lions and castles together.
Gothic
Saint Emeterius, Saint Celedonius, Saint Mary
Relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius
José Manuel Bringas, Juan José Resines Del Castillo
About Cathedral Basilica of St Mary and the Holy Martyrs Emeterius and Celedonius
Santander Cathedral: A Historical and Architectural Gem
The Cathedral Basilica of St Mary and the Holy Martyrs Emeterius and Celedonius, commonly known as Santander Cathedral, stands as a significant religious and historical monument in the city of Santander, Spain. Its foundations trace back to the 8th century with the establishment of the Abbey of the Holy Bodies, an ancient monastery dedicated to Saints Emeterius and Celedonius. The relics of these martyrs were transferred to Santander to safeguard them from the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.
History and Reconstruction
The current structure of the cathedral is predominantly Gothic, with construction commencing between the end of the 12th century and the 14th century. The lower level, now serving as a crypt and referred to as the Church of the Christ, dates from the 12th century. Its robust construction supports the upper floor, which was built in the 13th century in a similar simple Gothic style. The cathedral's importance grew when it was made a collegiate church in 1131 by King Alfonso VII and later transformed into the seat of the new Bishop of Santander by Pope Benedict XIV in 1754, officially becoming a cathedral.
Santander Cathedral has endured significant damage throughout its history. It suffered from a devastating dynamite explosion in the harbor in 1893 and a catastrophic fire in 1941. Following the fire, extensive reconstruction and repair work took place between 1942 and 1953, led by architects José Manuel Bringas and Juan José Resines del Castillo. This restoration has allowed for the appreciation of the original monument's architectural qualities.
Architectural Features
The cathedral complex comprises two overlapping floors and a cloister. The lower church features a nave and two aisles, measuring 31 meters long and 18 meters wide, with vaulted ceilings. The principal church, built in the 13th century, showcases preserved decorative elements on its arches, columns, and doorways, including a notable portal with the coat of arms of Castile and León. While the stained glass is modern, the original Gothic style is evident. The cathedral also contains numerous chapels added over centuries, some with Baroque characteristics. A Gothic cloister, built in the first half of the 14th century, completes the ensemble.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of the Santander Cathedral?
The cathedral is built on the site of an 8th-century abbey that housed relics of Saints Emeterius and Celedonius. It transitioned from an abbey church to a collegiate church and finally to a cathedral in 1754, serving as the seat of the Bishop of Santander.
What architectural styles are present in the cathedral?
The primary architectural style of the cathedral is Gothic, with its main structure built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Later expansions in the 16th and 17th centuries incorporated new chapels, and some Baroque elements were suppressed during 20th-century reconstructions.
What happened to the cathedral in 1893 and 1941?
The cathedral sustained considerable damage from a large dynamite explosion on the steamship Cabo Machichaco in the harbor in 1893. It then suffered even more serious damage in the Santander Fire of 1941, necessitating extensive reconstruction and repairs from 1942 to 1953.
What important relics are housed in the cathedral?
The cathedral is dedicated to Saints Emeterius and Celedonius, and its origins lie in an abbey built to safeguard their relics. These relics were brought to Santander from Calahorra to escape the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula.
When was the cathedral designated as a basilica?
The church is described as a basilica of immemorial memory, indicating a long-standing tradition of its basilica status rather than a specific recent designation year.
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