The cathedral is famous for housing the 'Tablecloth of the Last Supper,' which the local tradition claims was used during the actual event.
The structure was built on the site of a former mosque, which had been converted into a Romanesque cathedral prior to the current Gothic construction.
It features a rare triangular ground plan, which is highly unusual for cathedrals of this period.
The cathedral tower was damaged by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, necessitating significant structural reinforcements.
The interior Plateresque altarpiece is crafted from polychrome wood and remains one of the most significant works of its type in the Extremadura region.
Coria Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, stands as a prominent example of Gothic architecture with Plateresque and Baroque influences. Construction began in 1498 atop a former mosque and previous Romanesque temple, continuing over several centuries until the 18th century. The building is defined by its massive stone tower and an intricate interior featuring a significant 16th-century Plateresque altarpiece. It houses a collection of religious art, including notable gold and silver work. The structure features a unique triangular floor plan, a rarity in cathedral architecture. It is situated within the historic walled center of Coria, overlooking the Alagón River valley. The cathedral complex includes an integrated museum that preserves liturgical vestments, manuscripts, and ecclesiastical artifacts.
From the adjacent Plaza de la Catedral, where the full scale of the tower and the main portal can be captured.
Ensure you visit the museum section, as it holds historical documents that are often overlooked by general visitors.
Check the terrace access if available during your visit for wide-ranging views of the surrounding Vega del Alagón plains.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the cathedral is accessed via the steep, cobblestone streets of the old town.
Avoid visiting on Mondays, as many historical sites in the area follow a standard closure pattern on this day.
Typically closed on Mondays; always verify for liturgical events or special religious holidays that may restrict tourist access.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Maintain a quiet tone as the space is an active place of worship.
