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date: 17/05/2012 latest update: 15/05/2012
Alfonso X - The gothic church
General view of the apse chapels, built during the first gothic phase. These structures were built in two stages: the southern half first, followed later by the northern half.
1st Gothic Phase:1- Vault level
2- Ramparts walk level.
3. Lower level.
2nd Gothic Phase:1- Lower level.
2- Ramparts walk level.
3- Triforium level.
The building work began by Alfonso VIII underwent a drastic change during the reign of Alfonso X (1252-1284). This second construction, basically gothic in style, was built in two main phases on the site of the pre-existing structure, over a long period of time stretching from the second half of the twelve-hundreds to the end of the 14th century. It was during these two construction phases that the inside of the church took on the appearance it still retains today.
1st Gothic Phase
The first of these two construction periods (referred to from hereon as the first gothic phase) was initiated by Alfonso X, who began by adding a layer of ashlar stone to the inside walls, with the aim of ennobling the building constructed by Alfonso VIII. This was not the only modification carried out in this phase, however. Windows were added to the chapels in the apse and the rectangular chapels located next to them, the ceiling over the three apse chapels and the ambulatory was vaulted and work began on closing off the areas left unfinished by Alfonso VIII's project, namely the western wall of the south crossing and the left nave. The columns separating the naves were also partially raised to the second level. Santa María Church gradually grew larger.
We know the order of the activities listed above thanks to data uncovered by the archaeological excavations. The discovery of a number of similar coins, ten of which date from the time of Alfonso X, indicate that it was during his reign that much of the work carried out during the first gothic phase was completed.
2nd Gothic Phase
At one point, all construction work on the church ceased for a number of years. Although we do not know exactly how long this period of inactivity lasted, all indications suggest that it was not long. What is clear from the analysis of the building is the presence of new architects and new master builders, whose incorporation into the project resulted in a radical change in construction techniques during the period we have called the 2nd gothic phase. During this phase, different types of bonds appear, and the marks left by the stone-working instruments also change. This period saw the first mason's marks (hitherto non-existent in the church building), as well as the development of iconographic features with different decorative carvings from those favoured during the previous period.
The architects that participated in this second gothic phase were responsible (in general terms) for the cathedral's current appearance. They defined the perimeter of the building more or less as we see it today. They added the Santa Ana entranceway in the west wall of the southern crossing; extended the foot of the church to its current position by incorporating two new sections; built a magnificent main entranceway that is now sheltered by a portico; constructed the Santiago Chapel against the outer walls of the old church built by Alfonso VIII; and finally, raised the ceiling by building the triforium.
However, it is important to note that they did not build the triforium all the way around the perimeter of the cathedral, but rather focused on the central area, building the vaults in this section from timber. This is extremely important, since it played an important role in the church's subsequent structural development. The church remained unfinished, although open for worship, and the high vaulted ceiling was made from wood. The vaults at either end of the crossing had yet to be built, and these areas were covered instead with a simple, two-sided sloping roof.
