Cathedral of San Martin de Mondoñedo

The Cathedral of San Martiño de Mondoñedo, whose origins date back to the 6th century, was the first cathedral to be built in Southern Europe and is the oldest in Spain. The first construction of the ancient pre-Romanesque church is attributed to the Bishop of Dume in the 9th century.

Later, in the 10th century during the Romanesque period, it was rebuilt by the Bishops of San Rosendo and, subsequently, under the auspices of Bishop Don Gonzalo “O Bispo Santo”. The cathedral has a basilica layout with 3 naves and 3 apses at the altar.

The Cathedral has been declared a National Artistic Monument. On its 12th century façade, there is a marble shaft from the Swabian period. Inside, at the altar, there are 14th and 15th century mural paintings as well as splendid figured capitals. The ring, the sarcophagus and the staff of the famous “Holy Bishop” who is so linked to this church are kept in the Parish Museum connected to the cathedral.