Main Facade

Alonso Cano’s work

Alonso Cano is considered as one of the driving forces of Early Baroque in Spain. He assumes the direction of Cathedral construction in the year 1667. He planned the main facade which opens into Pasiegas or De las Flores Square. To do that, he got off from the initial Siloe's project and structured the facade getting his inspiration from Roman triumphal arches.

It is composed of three monumental arches, the central ones were higher, supported by pilasters and divided in three bodies and a tower. However, in the plan, there were two twin towers flanking this facade. San Pedro and San Pablo sculptures, ascribed to Pedro Cornejo (1677-1757), are situated on both sides of the main door. Above this door, we find a roundel or circle with the Incarnation relief, the Cathedral titular image, executed by José Risueño in 1712. It is surmounted by a Hail Mary or “Ave María”. Situated above lateral doors we find two reliefs: Visitacion and Asuncion, by Michel Verdeguier, executed in 1872. Above these reliefs, we see two rounded windows.

Under the great cornice that divides the three arches, we can see medallions with reliefs of the Evangelists. Biblical sculptures and archangels San Miguel and San Rafael are supported on the cornice.

In the second central body, an empty opening like a starry rosette opens up, framed by pilasters and surmounted by a roof supported by a cornice on which a vase of lilies rests, the symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary. Openings are simple and rounded on both sides.

Alonso Cano could not contemplate his work as he died the year after doing the project of the work.

An unfinished tower

According to Siloe’s project, the facade would be flanked by two slender towers composed of four bodies. But only the one on the left side was partially executed.

It has square plan with three bodies. The first one is based on pillars with niches which support huge arches and a Doric entablature, the second is Ionic and the third is Corinthian where there are sixteen bells.