Under Madrid’s Cathedral (Catedral de la Almudena), we find the Crypt. It is an outing that 1) has no line, 2) is not expensive, and 3) is close to the other outings that we bailed on because they were expensive with long lines. It turns out that even better than the above, it is also blissfully cool. Therefore, we have landed under the Cathedral. It’s another fancy church where they bury people: impressive vaulted ceilings, lots of side chapels, big nave. I love exploring churches, so I’m glad we are here.
I have started collecting photos of the tops of things. The tops of train stations, the tops of monuments, the tops of lamp posts, the tops of fountains. The tops of things, all kinds of things, are pretty spectacularly ornate. So when we almost accidentally arrive in the crypt, it is a windfall for my Tops of Things collection. The claim to fame here is the crypt’s 500 columns, each with a unique capital. I am reminded of the gargoyles at the National Cathedral in Washington DC who warrant their own guided tours. Some are simply ornate. But soon the adventure begins. Who is this guy? What story does that one tell? What did that nun do? Is that the court jester? Flying horses and dragons?
That architecture is so amazing. It's hard to imagine the thought and talent that goes into designing it. And then to actually carve it in stone. Amazing.
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