Palencia Cathedral
The "Bella Desconocida" (Unknown Beauty): a grand Gothic church with a crypt of Visigothic origin and a surprising interior.
Area: Palencia capital
The Cathedral of San Antolín, known as the “Bella Desconocida” (the Unknown Beauty), is one of the great Gothic churches of Castilla y León and, despite its size and richness, remains less famous than other cathedrals in the region. That is its charm: you can visit it calmly and without crowds.
What to see
- The crypt of San Antolín, of Visigothic origin, the oldest corner of the building.
- The main altarpiece, the choir and the chapels, full of art from the 15th to 16th centuries.
- The surrounding monumental area, a short stroll from the city’s shopping streets.
Check visiting hours on the cathedral’s official website before you go.