Catedral del Burgo de Osma

A tower rising up to the infinite

The Catedral del Burgo de Osma is the most important monument in the province of Soria. Every style from Romanesque to 18th century Baroque has left its mark on this building, from which an imposing 72 metre Baroque tower stands out replacing the former Romanesque one and rising over the old Osma land. A great variety of Renaissance retables and chapels full of little details offer the visitor one of the best treasures of the former Uxama.

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The portal sculptures and the symbols spread on every corner make of this enormous church a genuine jewel that synthesizes several styles and cultures. The original Romanesque temple, started by San Pedro de Osma, was substituted by the present Gothic building, which was started in 1232 with the support of the Bishop Juan Domínguez, King Fernando's chancellor. Only two round arches stand of the original church.

It was officially declared a Monument of Special Cultural Interest in 1931. It has the typical plan of Cistercian art, and measures 71,80 m. long, 41,80 the transept and 19,80 m. high for the nave. The builders took inspiration from Santa María de Huerta and Las Huelgas and from the cathedrals of Cuenca, Sigüenza and Burgos.

Main facade

This 13th century church, with sculpted portal and annunciation lily vase at the tympanum, is dedicated to the Asunción. It was altered in the 15th century by cardinal Mendoza; its tall Baroque tower (72 m.) was built in the 18th century with large stone ashlaring. The main portal has Renaissance details.

Interior

It consists of a nave and two aisles, transept and lateral chapels; the presbitery is made of two polygonal sections plus the polygonal apse.

The main chapel houses the retable made in 1550 by Juan de Juni y Juan Picardo. It closes by means of 16th century railings, a work of Toledo cathedral railing master Juan Francés. At the transept there is a Gothic pulpit in white marble, with various relieves and cardinal Pedro González de Mendoza's arms. The 16th century choir sedilia is a work of Pedro de Palacio, enclosed by a Juan Frances railing.

Within the Cathedral are many chapels that keep different works of art. Outstanding amongst them is the Capilla de San ldefonso, that houses several panels of the 15th century Castilian school, made by the so-called "maestro de Osma".

In the Capilla de San Agustín is the Gothic sepulchre of a Montoya family priest. Also remarkable are the 12th century Cristo del Milagro chapel, with its 16th century retable, and the elevated chapel of San Pedro de Osma.

An access in the middle of the ambulatory gives way to the Venerable Palafox chapel, commissioned by King Carlos III. It was planned by Juan de Villanueva but built by several different architects, amongst them Francisco de Sabatini; the fresco decoration of the vault, with musician angels, is a work of Mariano Salvador Maella.

Objetos valiosos

The wooden statues, which were painted in marble simulation, are a work of Miguel Gutiérrez. The marble Purísima located at the main altar is a work of Roberto Michel brought from Rome, and the crystal chandeliers were donated by Carlos III.

The Neoclassical vestry was planned by Juan de Villanueva, its works directed by Ángel Vicente Ubón, and inaugurated in 1775. The upper section is decorated with stained-glass windows, renovated throughout the centuries. The two organs are works of the masters Quintín de Mayo (1642-1651) and Esteban de San Juan (1788).

The cloister is in Flamboyant Gothic style, with star-shaped vaults, and it is supposed to have been completed by 1515. Its building was mostly a work of Juan de la Piedra and his son Pedro. Next to the cloister is the former "Sancti Spiritus" chapterhouse, in square plan. In its centre, a genuine jewel of funeral art: the sepulchre of San Pedro de Osma, carved in 1258 by order of Bishop Don Gil. It is polychrome and chest-shaped, made of carved limestone.

It is advisable to visit its museum that houses some choir books, codex and other treasures of painting and sculpture, a special jewel is the Beato de Liébana.