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Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned: Gibraltar's Enduring Heart

Discover Gibraltar's main Catholic cathedral, a historic site transformed from a mosque, with stunning architecture and tranquil gardens.

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The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, located on Main Street in Gibraltar, has evolved from a mosque in the 14th century to the principal Catholic church of the Diocese of Gibraltar. Its history reflects the changing cultural landscape of Gibraltar, withstanding sieges and transformations to remain a central landmark.

A brief summary to Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned

Local tips

  • Visit during a weekday morning to avoid crowds and appreciate the cathedral's serene atmosphere.
  • Take a moment in the patio to see the coat of arms and reflect on the site's Moorish past.
  • Check the schedule for religious services if you wish to attend a mass.
  • Note the statue of a soldier outside the cathedral, a gift from the Royal Engineers commemorating their formation in Gibraltar.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned is located on Main Street, in the heart of Gibraltar's city center. From Casemates Square, walk south along Main Street. The cathedral will be on your left, about a 5-minute walk. There are no costs involved in this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes stop near the Cathedral on Main Street. Use bus routes 2, 3, 4, 9, or 10. The bus fare is approximately £2.20 for a single journey. From the bus stop, the cathedral is a short walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. Ask the driver to take you to the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned on Main Street. A short taxi ride within the city center will likely cost around £7-£10. Taxi fares have a flag down rate of £3.00, and then £0.10 for each unit. Each unit comprises of 60 meters or 15 seconds.

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Discover more about Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned

The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned stands as a symbol of Gibraltar's layered history, originally established around 1342/50 as a mosque. Following the Christian reconquest in 1462, the building was converted into a church, marking a significant shift in its purpose and identity. Under the Catholic Monarchs, the mosque was demolished and a new Gothic-style church was erected. The cathedral's courtyard retains remnants of the Moorish court of the mosque. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous transformations. Severely damaged during the Great Siege of 1779-1783, it was later rebuilt in 1790, with a portion of its land used to straighten Main Street. The clock tower was added in 1820, and further restoration in 1931 led to the construction of the current west facade. The interior features wooden altars, stained glass windows, and frescoes. A crypt beneath the statue of Our Lady of Europe holds the remains of bishops, a tradition since the 1800s. Today, the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned serves as the primary center of Catholic worship in Gibraltar. It welcomes visitors to admire its architecture and learn about its past. The tranquil chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, located in the patio, offers a peaceful retreat. The cathedral's enduring presence reflects its importance to the religious and cultural life of Gibraltar.

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