Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena)

King Alfonso XII laid the first stone of the Almudena Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena) in 1883, and it was consecrated over a century later in 1993. This neoclassical structure stands on the site of an old church, which itself was built over the city’s first mosque. Unlike many of Europe’s ancient cathedrals, Almudena is distinctly modern, featuring unique elements such as pop art–stained glass windows. Visitors can explore its rich layers of history and admire the contemporary artistic touches that set it apart.