Known as the “Dama de las Catedrales” (Lady of Cathedrals), a title bestowed by Emilio Castelar, president of Spain’s First Republic, who marveled at its grandeur, Segovia Cathedral has stood as a testament to faith and artistry since its first stone was laid on June 8, 1525.

Now, five centuries later, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin and San Frutos marks its quincentennial with a series of exclusive guided tours delving into its history, architecture, and spiritual legacy. 

Tickets for the tours—launching in February 2025—are now available, inviting visitors to explore the monument’s enduring significance.

A Legacy in Stone: Seven Tours to Uncover the Cathedral’s Secrets

To honor its 500-year journey, the cathedral has curated seven themed tours, each revealing a unique facet of its storied past.

1. Between Two Cathedrals: A Tale of Transition

Long before the current Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece rose, Segovia’s original cathedral stood near the Alcázar. This tour traces the history of that lost predecessor, destroyed during the Revolt of the Comuneros, and explores how elements like paintings, sculptures, liturgical garments, and even the cloister were salvaged and integrated into the new structure. Visitors will learn about the architects who shaped the cathedral over two centuries and the symbolic continuity between old and new.

2. A Project of City and Crown

More than a religious edifice, the cathedral symbolized Segovia’s political and economic zenith in the 15th and 16th centuries. This chronologically themed tour examines its role in shaping the city’s identity, its ties to Spanish royalty, and its lasting impact on Segovia’s social fabric.

3. Patronage and Piety: Art for the House of God

The cathedral’s artistic wealth owes much to the benefactors who funded its chapels. This tour uncovers the stories behind these patrons while showcasing masterpieces like the Pantocrator and Calvary—the oldest artwork in the cathedral—and tracing stylistic evolutions from Gothic to Neoclassical.

4. The Choir and Music: Harmony in Sacred Space

At the heart of the nave lies the choir, transplanted from the original cathedral and flanked by two Baroque organs. This tour highlights its intricate woodcarvings and explores music’s sacred role, revealing 287 hidden musical motifs in tapestries, frescoes, and stained glass.

5. Devotion to the Virgin: Symbolism and Splendor

Exclusive to May, these Wednesday afternoon tours focus on Marian veneration. Visitors will explore chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary, decoding the theological and artistic symbolism woven into sculptures, altarpieces, and iconography.

6. Consecration: Ritual and Reverence

Dedicated to the cathedral’s spiritual essence, this tour examines the rites of consecration and the sacred objects used in its liturgy, offering insight into centuries of worship.

7. Architectural Evolution: From Foundation to Flourish

A deep dive into the cathedral’s construction, this tour analyzes engineering feats, stylistic shifts, and the challenges of building a monument meant to inspire awe across generations.

A Celebration for All

“The cathedral is not just a relic of the past—it’s a living symbol of Segovia’s soul,” says cathedral historian Ana López. “These tours aim to connect visitors with its layered legacy, from stone to spirituality.”

Tickets for the V Centenary tours are available via the cathedral’s official website, with discounts for residents and group bookings. Whether drawn by art, history, or faith, the “Dama de las Catedrales” promises an unforgettable journey through time.

Plan your visit:

Tours begin: February 1, 2025

Tickets: From €15 (segovianos) / €25 (general)

Bookings: www.catedralsegovia.es/vcentenario

If you need help getting your tickets then get in contact with us.

Celebrate 500 years of history, stone by stone.