La Almudena Cathedral Museum

The aim of the Almudena Cathedral Museum is to conserve, exhibit, investigate and communicate testimonies to the history of the diocese of Madrid. The permanent exhibition includes objects of religious and historical-artistic value from the former parish of Santa María de la Almudena, the birthplace of today's cathedral.

A visit to the Almudena Cathedral Museum begins with the different areas of the Cathedral itself: the Chapterhouse and the Vestry, decorated with modern mosaics by the Slovenian priest P. Marko I. Rupnik. s.j. These areas display various objects relating to the origin and history of the Church in Madrid, as well as the two patron saints of the city: Santa María la Real de la Almudena and San Isidro Labrador, including the valuable codex by Juan Diácono, the most ancient document about the life and miracles of San Isidro.

The Cathedral dome is reached by going up some steps, from where spectacular views over the city can be enjoyed.

In the Museum’s second gallery, the liturgy of the Catholic Church is explained catechetically through the seven Sacraments: Eucharist, Baptism, Penance, Confirmation, Devotion, Holy Orders and Matrimony. Finally, there will be a special tribute to Pope John Paul II, who held the Mass of Consecration of Almudena Cathedral, with a video reproduction.

The dome of La Almudena Cathedral

To get to the dome of the La Almudena Cathedral you have to visit the Cathedral's Museum. At a height of over 70 metres, the dome offers stunning views over the Royal Palace, the Plaza de Oriente, the viaduct, and the spectacular dome of the basilica of San Francisco el Grande. The Museum's gallery, although not quite as high as the dome, is still an exceptional vantage point for watching the Changing of the Royal Guard on the first Wednesday of the month on the palace's concourse, weather permitting.