Cathedral of the Incarnation

Almería Cathedral is easier to understand when you also read it as a fortress. Construction began in 1524 after the earthquake of 1522 destroyed the earlier cathedral. Solid walls, buttresses and corner towers served a double purpose: religious worship and protection for the population against attacks from the sea. Decoration concentrates around Renaissance portals, contrasting with the building’s defensive mass. Inside, periods overlap: a late Gothic structure, Renaissance work by Juan de Orea and later Neoclassical additions. On Calle Cubo, the Sun of Portocarrero has become an emblem of Almería. Walking around the outside reveals this combination before entering. Tourist visits use a specific entrance on Calle Velázquez, which is distinct from simply viewing the principal façade from the square.