Another Cathedral?? It never gets old.

You might think that being in yet another city with yet another several hundred year old Cathedral might get tiresome and boring. You might ask yourself “What’s the big deal? Seen one, then you’ve seen them all.”.

You might think that, but not us.

In fact, upon our arrival in Granada on Sunday evening, our first destination was the Cathedral so that we wouldn’t miss Sunday Mass. or so we thought.

We arrived just in time for the last (8pm) service. Even so, there was some confusion about Mass times up to the last minute because the official Cathedral website didn’t list an 8pm Mass, and yet there we were, attending the last Mass of the day in the beautiful Cathedral, or so we thought.

Looking back to Sunday evening the main doors were closed and the sign showed no listing for 8pm. So we just kept walking around the huge Renaissance building until we arrived at an open door with signs indicating that late service, so we just rushed right in.

Fast forward to today, Tuesday, when we learned that the “second door Cathedral”, was, in fact, not the Cathedral but merely another church that happens to adjoin the Cathedral. Think of it was an adjoining chapel, if that helps. Nonetheless, this smaller “chapel” would pass for one of the grandest and most elegant in the country if it was located in any US city. But here in Granada, it’s status is relegated to being “just” a chapel in its own city.

Such is the nature of Cathedrals in Europe, and most especially in Spain. The Cathedrals are usually constructed over the remains of Mosques which were torn down after the Reconquista and they remain today the geographic and economic centers of the city.

And yes, they are grand structures and architectural marvels containing tens of thousands of precious artifacts, sculptures, paintings and countless objects of religious significance. Which is why I never get tired of attending Mass when possible or at least taking advantage of being able to tour these awe inspiring wonders.

So this morning, when we thought we had all this figured out, we rushed over for 9am daily Mass - this time at the real Cathedral.

Which is why I was surprised to be greeted by the security guard who informed me that Mass was at 11am, at the “other” church. I questioned him and again explained that we were there for Mass (not just tourists). This time he understood, granted us entrance but directed us against photography during Mass (as if that needed to be said).

Besides, we had an afternoon tour already planned during which we could take all the photos that we wanted.

Upon entering it was immediately apparent how much more grand and dominating the real Cathedral was versus the adjoining chapel.

We concluded Mass and then returned this afternoon for the tour. Places like this never get old.

There’s something new to learn or experience and it’s actually quite a privilege to be able to worship in such wonderful and historically significant spaces dating back centuries to the days of Isabel and Ferdinand.