This 17th-century cathedral is an architecture enthusiast’s dream, with its classic Spanish Baroque styling and blue-tinted dome.
San Nicolás Cathedral is recognised as one of the world’s finest examples of Spanish baroque architecture. From the outside, the 17th-century cathedral is surprisingly modest the real treasures are hidden within. Gaze up at the blue dome that floods the cathedral with light. As the seat of a Roman Catholic bishop, San Nicolás is a very important religious place for the people of Alicante. Visit this cathedral for a genuine experience of the Roman Catholic religion in Europe and to admire the building’s history and architecture.
The cathedral appears to blend in with its surroundings from the outside. Many visitors would pass it by, not knowing it to be a significant architectural masterpiece. Cream-coloured stone walls rise unadorned from the little square in the Old Town. If you look closely, you can see intricate carvings on the stone walls. Enter through the cathedral’s magnificent Baroque main doors.
Take in the cathedral’s bright and airy atmosphere, bordered by almost luminescent white walls. The interior’s brightness is owed to the large blue dome that brings in light above the nave. The 45-metre (150-foot) high dome is the most outstanding feature of the church.
Visit the small chapels that sit beyond the nave and stop by the San Nicolás altar. Marble from Genoa in Italy lines the steps that lead up to the Baroque altar.
Public masses beneath the cavernous dome are held frequently. Check for the next service time on the schedule outside the cathedral.
Reach San Nicolás Cathedral on foot in the Old Town. A tram service passes by the area and car park spots are easy to find outside of the historic centre. The church is subject to sporadic opening hours so it’s best to check ahead of time before visiting this beautiful, free attraction.
