Built in 1525, this hybrid cathedral-fortress, with its thick stone walls, corner towers and small windows, was designed as both a place of worship and to shelter the city’s residents from attacks by North African pirates. Though the exterior of the fortified basilica is relatively austere, the Gothic-Renaissance-style interior, with three naves and three side chapels, has soaring arches, ribbed ceilings and ornate carved-walnut choir stalls from the 16th century. Baroque and neoclassical elements were added during later renovations. There are lovely sculptures and paintings throughout the cathedral, among them Murillo’s Immaculate Conception and the Annunciation by Alonso Cano.
