It shares episcopal authority with the Mondoñedo Cathedral, a rare arrangement in the Spanish Catholic Church.
The structure was built between 1765 and 1772, coinciding with the rapid naval expansion of Ferrol as a major royal shipyard.
The architect Julian Sanchez Bort designed the church, also noted for his work on the local naval port facilities.
The interior contains a notable collection of sacred art, including carvings moved from older, demolished churches in the city.
It is specifically dedicated to Saint Julian, the patron saint of the city of Ferrol.
The Ferrol Co-Cathedral, known formally as the Concatedral de San Xiao, is a Neoclassical religious structure located in the heart of the Ferrol Vello neighborhood. Originally constructed in the late 18th century to serve the expanding maritime population, it was elevated to co-cathedral status in 1959. Its design features a Latin cross floor plan with a prominent facade featuring two towers and a central pediment. The interior houses significant religious iconography and artistic elements reflective of Galician ecclesiastical traditions. It serves as a co-seat of the Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol alongside the cathedral in Mondoñedo. The building underwent significant restoration in the early 21st century to preserve its stone masonry and interior features.
From the center of the Rúa Igrexa, capturing the full symmetry of the Neoclassical stone facade.
Visit during the early morning to experience the church at its quietest before local services begin.
Walk the surrounding narrow streets of Ferrol Vello to see the contrast between the Neoclassical church and the traditional maritime residential architecture.
Look for the maritime-themed votive offerings often left by local families with ties to the naval dockyards.
Do not attempt to take photos of worshippers during Mass; avoid entering through the altar area.
Closed to tourism during daily Mass and liturgical celebrations; reduced access on major religious holidays.
Maintain silence and refrain from photography during active religious services; cover shoulders and knees.
