Catedral

A cathedral, from the Latin cathedra meaning chair, is the principal church of a diocese or archdiocese, where the bishop's seat (cathedra) is located. The term signifies ecclesiastical status within the hierarchy rather than a measure of size or grandeur.

In many Christian traditions, cathedrals serve as the central venue for diocesan liturgies, ordinations, and administrative governance. They often act as symbols of the church’s presence in a city and host major rites and ceremonies that involve the wider Christian community.

Architecturally, cathedrals vary widely but commonly feature elements such as a nave, transepts, a choir, and an apse. Construction can span generations, resulting in an array of styles from Romanesque and Gothic to Renaissance, Baroque, and modern. Their design frequently prioritizes acoustics, sightlines, and the procession of liturgical acts.

Notable examples around the world include Seville Cathedral in Spain, York Minster in the United Kingdom, Milan Cathedral in Italy, Notre-Dame de Paris in France, and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. Cathedrals are often among a city’s most important architectural and cultural landmarks, housing art, sculpture, and historical relics that reflect local religious and social history.