The alabaster high altar was commissioned in 1520 and took over a decade to complete.
The cathedral serves as the seat of the Diocese of Huesca.
The transition from Romanesque to Gothic style is clearly visible in the evolution of its architecture.
The main facade features a monumental doorway with sculptural details that survived centuries of weathering.
It is built on the foundations of the ancient Mosque of Misleida.
The Cathedral Museum collection includes 15th-century tapestries and gold-work pieces.
Some of the cathedral's structural elements incorporate mudéjar influences common to the region.
The Catedral de Huesca, formally known as the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, is a primary example of Gothic architecture in Aragon. Its construction began in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque. The cathedral is most recognized for its alabaster high altar, a masterwork of Renaissance sculpture carved by Damián Forment in the 16th century. The building features a triple-nave layout and a floor plan based on a Latin cross. The main portal contains fourteen archivolts adorned with intricate stone sculptures representing various biblical figures. An attached Diocesan Museum houses a collection of religious art, including Romanesque and Gothic paintings. The cathedral's tower offers a vantage point overlooking the historic city center of Huesca. The structure was declared a National Monument in 1931.
The central nave looking toward the high altar captures the scale of the Renaissance sculpture.
Combine your cathedral visit with a walk through the adjacent Diocesan Museum to see the full collection.
Check the upper gallery levels, as they provide an excellent perspective of the nave's height.
Ask at the entrance if a guided tour is available, as the historical context of the altar is extensive.
Do not attempt to photograph during ongoing religious services or ceremonies.
The cathedral and museum may have reduced visiting hours on public holidays or during special religious celebrations.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected; silence is mandatory during active worship services.
