page_title: List of regional characteristics of European cathedral architecture
section_title: Spain
hierarchical_section_title: List of regional characteristics of European cathedral architecture / Regional examples / Spain
caption_attribution_description: View of Burgos Cathedral (Spain) English: Burgos cathedral (Gothic architecture) - west facade and twin spires עברית: קתדרלת בורגוס (אדריכלות גותית) - החזית המערבית וצמד הצריחים המחודדים
context_page_description: The regional characteristics of European cathedrals are those characteristic architectural features which define the local cathedrals of any given region, and often transcend period and style.
context_section_description: Burgos Cathedral, commenced in 1221, represents many of the characteristics and is described by Banister Fletcher as "the most poetic of Spanish cathedrals."Note- This list presents a brief analysis of regional characteristics found in the particular building. For a complete description follow the link to the web page.
  Its ground plan is a Latin cross, with comparatively wide transept. But the plan is made complex and is visually disguised from the exterior by the accretion of numerous side chapels which cluster around it at different angles, and the abutment of the large Bishop's Palace to the south.
  The eastern end is apsidal with a chevet in the French manner. Several chapels surround the chevet, including the very large Capilla del Condestable.
  Internally, the building is marked by the breadth of the nave and the openness of its structure. Flat, plain, broad surfaces alternate with those that are richly and diversely decorated.
  The internal arrangement is typical of a Spanish cathedral in that the Quire is placed to the west of the crossing. Above the crossing is a richly decorated lantern tower.
  Externally, the various parts of the building cannot be seen together, except at a distance, from which the massive spires, lantern tower and pinnacles of the Capilla del Condestable combine to make a silhouette of great richness.
  The West Front is modeled on those of Northern France, but differs in the contrast of areas of plain and decorated surfaces. The twin towers of massive proportion, strongly defined buttresses and rich ornament carry spires of open lacework in the German style. There are two further façades, one at each transept end, each with a richly sculptured doorway.
  The decoration is of great diversity incorporating elements of French Gothic and German Gothic with earlier semi-circular Romanesque forms, Moorish motifs and in the arch of the central door, a Renaissance pediment. A remarkable feature is the placement of two very large screens which resemble traceried window openings, one of three bays at the south transept front and another of two between the western towers.
  A wealth of architectural and free-standing sculpture, paintings and stained-glass serve to inform the story of the faith.
  Section references: Banister Fletcher, Larousse.
  Examples of cathedral architecture in Spain:
caption: The west front of the Burgos Cathedral showing the contrast of plain and decorated surfaces.
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