Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas

CO-CATHEDRAL OF SAN NICOLAS DE BARI: A RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE JEWEL IN ALICANTE

The Co-Cathedral of San Nicolas de Bari, located in the heart of Alicante’s historic old town, is one of the city’s most prominent religious landmarks. Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, this majestic structure blends the austerity of late Renaissance design with the early influences of the Baroque style. Designed by architect Agustin Bernardino, a disciple of Juan de Herrera, the co-cathedral stands on the remains of an ancient mosque and an earlier Gothic temple, whose elements can still be seen in the cloister.
Inside, visitors can marvel at the Communion Chapel, regarded as one of the finest examples of Spanish Baroque, and admire valuable works of art, including the altarpiece of San Juan de Nepomuceno created by Agustin Espinosa in the 18th century. The dome, designed by Alicante-born architect Miguel del Real, is one of the building’s most remarkable features, soaring to nearly 45 meters in height and crowned with an oculus that bathes the interior in natural light, creating an atmosphere of serenity and solemnity.
One of the co-cathedral’s greatest treasures is its organ, dating back to the 16th century. It is the oldest in the Valencian Community and one of the oldest in Spain, with immense historical and musical value.