During my time abroad in Spain, I had the opportunity to visit a plethora of cathedrals. Each of them was unique and left its mark in Spain’s history. The most breathtaking cathedral that I saw was located in Oviedo, Spain, my host city. The construction of the Oviedo Cathedral began in 781 AD under King Fruela I of Asturias. However, the cathedral’s current structure was started in 1388 by Bishop Gutierre of Toledo and was completed during the 16th century. The cathedral blends many architectural styles including Gothic, Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The cathedral’s 15th century tower has a slender, integrated steeple that is visible across the entire city. The cathedral’s facade has three carved walnut doors that lead to the naves inside. The cathedral’s Holy Chamber houses several important relics of the Christian faith, including the Shroud of Oviedo, the Holy Ark, the Cross of the Angels, the Ark of the Agates, and the Cross of Victory.

The Cross of the Angels is a Greek-style cross that according to legend, was crafted by two angels in the guise of pilgrims. It was stolen from the Holy Chamber in 1977, and the thieves took it apart, meaning to sell the individual pieces. The Cross of Victory, which is featured on the Asturian flag, is a wooden cross covered in gold and ornamented with precious jewels. It is said to be the cross that was carried by Pelayo during the history-altering Battle of Covadonga, which guaranteed the survival of a Christian foothold in Iberia and is described as the start of the “Reconquista,” or the reconquest, of Spain from the Muslims.

The part of the Oviedo Cathedral that left me in absolute awe the first time that I saw it was the main altarpiece. Adorned with gold, the main altarpiece has a series of niches that tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life depicted with pictures in the Gothic style with Flemish influences. The altarpiece glowed in the subdued light inside of the cathedral. I stood in front of the altarpiece for an extended amount of time absorbing and admiring every intricate detail.

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