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Audio Guide Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
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Crypt
Situated beneath the cathedral's presbytery, the crypt is a remarkably spacious chamber. Following its renovation between 1949 and 1953, it now serves as the parish sacristy. You can visit this historic underground space to see what to see in this important part of San Sebastián's cathedral complex.
Bell Tower
The bell tower of the Catedral del Buen Pastor rises 75 metres above its entrance portico and dominates the skyline across much of San Sebastián. Designed with clear inspiration from the spires of Cologne Cathedral, it was completed in 1899 under architect Ramón Cortázar's direction, two years after the cathedral's inauguration. What to see: the tower remains one of the city's most distinctive landmarks.
Organ
The organ in the Catedral del Buen Pastor, inaugurated on 19 January 1954 in the choir gallery, is the largest neoclassical organ on the Iberian Peninsula and among Europe's most impressive. Built by Organería Española of Azpeitia, this imposing instrument combines tin, wood, copper and zinc, weighing 30 tonnes and housing over ten thousand pipes. What to see in San Sebastián includes this remarkable musical masterpiece.
Stained Glass of the Apse
The stained-glass windows of the apse form the most significant glazing ensemble in the Cathedral of Buen Pastor, filling seven double windows in the pentagonal chancel with depictions of the twelve apostles and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Designed by architect and designer Juan Bautista Lázaro, they were crafted by the workshops Bolinaga y Cía. of León and Pujol of Barcelona. What to see: this striking collection of ecclesiastical glasswork represents a notable achievement of early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Transept Rose Windows
The transept rose windows are two large circular windows set into the end walls of the cathedral's transverse arms, flooding the interior with remarkable light. Each opens above a gilded Neo-Gothic altarpiece positioned in the lower section of the wall. These striking architectural features are what to see when visiting the cathedral, as they exemplify the interplay between medieval and 19th-century design elements that characterise San Sebastián's religious architecture.
Retable of the Immaculate Conception
The Retablo de la Inmaculada Concepción is one of two striking gilt neogothic altarpieces flanking the transept of the cathedral, positioned beneath one of the crossing's rose windows. It occupies the space where architect Manuel Echave's original design had called for a doorway, which was ultimately replaced by this ornate retable.
Baptistry
The Baptistry is a dedicated space within the Cathedral of Buen Pastor, distinguished by its own figurative stained glass windows. Historically, it served as the location for baptism ceremonies, though the baptismal font has since been relocated to the foot of the main altar, positioned beside the left-hand column. This area offers insight into the cathedral's liturgical practices and architectural heritage.
- 1.Crypt
- 2.Bell Tower
- 3.Organ
- 4.Stained Glass of the Apse
- 5.Transept Rose Windows
- 6.Retable of the Immaculate Conception
- 7.Baptistry
Kids audio available
Kids version available with adapted and fun language for the little ones (17 min)
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