Ferrol Cathedral

Co-Cathedral of Saint Julian stands in the heart of Ferrol, a port city in Galicia, in north-western Spain. For many visitors it is the first stop when exploring the town — the building dominates the skyline of the old quarter and remains one of Ferrol's most recognisable landmarks.

Why was the co-cathedral built here?

Construction began in the final third of the 18th century, at a time when Ferrol was being transformed into one of Spain's main naval bases. The design came from engineer Julián Sánchez Bort, who based it on the plans of the Roman church of San Andrea Avellino. The building rose alongside the Military Arsenal and the royal shipyards, as the town expanded rapidly under the naval policies of the Spanish Enlightenment.

The church started out as a parish church. It only gained co-cathedral status in 1959, following a papal bull issued by John XXIII, becoming the second most important church of the Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol, alongside the cathedral in Mondoñedo itself.

What makes the building's architecture unusual?

The co-cathedral is neoclassical, but its floor plan breaks with convention: instead of the usual Latin cross, the building follows a Greek cross, with four arms of equal length — a layout rarely used in 18th-century Spanish church architecture.

The west-facing main façade is arranged in two superimposed levels separated by a cornice and topped by a triangular pediment. Twin towers flank the façade, each closed off by a domed cap, giving the building the symmetrical silhouette that stands out across Ferrol's skyline.

What can you see inside?

At the centre of the interior rises a hemispherical dome resting on four arches, crowned by a lantern and a small spherical cap. Because of how the roof is built, the dome cannot be seen from outside. The naves are covered by barrel vaults, while four corner chapels have their own groin vaults.

The main altar is dedicated to Saint Julian, the church's patron, whose image occupies the centre of the altarpiece. Other altarpieces from different periods and styles fill the side naves and chapels, ranging from Baroque work to later, more restrained pieces.

The high choir, above the main entrance, holds the space reserved for the organ. A local association of organ enthusiasts has spent years raising funds and support to endow the co-cathedral with an instrument worthy of its rank — a sign that the building's musical tradition is still very much alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Co-Cathedral of Saint Julian a full cathedral? No — it formally holds co-cathedral status, sharing that role with the cathedral in Mondoñedo within the same diocese. It received this status in 1959.

Who designed the building? Engineer Julián Sánchez Bort designed it in the final third of the 18th century, drawing on the Roman church of San Andrea Avellino.

Why is the floor plan unusual? The building was raised on a Greek cross plan, with four equal arms, rather than the Latin cross typical of churches from the same period.

Where is the co-cathedral located? It stands in central Ferrol, Galicia, near the port and the historic Military Arsenal.