The giant wooden box behind the door
Stepping inside the monumental Cathedral of Málaga brings you face to face with an extraordinary piece of internal architecture. Standing right behind one of the heavy main portals is a massive wooden porch structure. In Spanish this monumental indoor vestibule is known as a cancela or contrapuerta.
It is essentially a giant carved wooden box built inside the church entrance. While many casual tourists march right past it without a second glance it is a masterpiece of historical craftsmanship. It looks like a miniature dark wood palace nested right inside a giant stone temple.
Keeping the drafts and noise out
This monumental structure was not built just to impress visitors with heavy timber. It serves a very practical purpose for daily cathedral life. It acts as an acoustic thermal and visual buffer between the quiet sacred interior and the noisy street outside.
Whenever the giant outer doors swing open for worshipers the cancela blocks sudden gusts of wind and harsh Andalusian sunlight. It also muffles the sound of chatter and traffic from the bustling city center. Without this clever draft screen the candles inside the cathedral would blow out every time a tour group entered.
Corinthian columns and delicate carving
The design of the cancela is truly breathtaking in its scale and decorative detail. Crafted entirely from rich dark carved wood it displays a grand official aesthetic. Fluted Corinthian columns frame the central doorway giving the structure an imposing classical look.
The surface of the wood is covered with intricate rosettes and precise geometrical paneling. The skilled carpenters who built it treated the timber with the same care usually reserved for fine furniture. It matches the incredible artistic standards set by the cathedral legendary wooden choir stalls.
A coat of arms topping the cornice
Sitting proudly right at the very top of the wooden cornice is a grand heraldic feature. An elaborate carved and painted coat of arms looks down on everyone who steps through the doorway. It features rich painted details and classical ecclesiastical symbols.
This heraldic emblem symbolizes the high authority and patronage of the church. It reminds every visitor that they are entering the seat of the Diocese of Málaga. This is just the entrance to this majestic building. Check out my other posts to discover it further.
