Cathedral

Yesterday I went to revisit the cathedral. Built in the 1760s, it was a time when a lot of wealth flowed into Jerez. It is heavily decorated and quite bulky, and the ceilings are especially carved all over. The bell tower is separate from the main building and at the moment can't be seen at all as it is covered in scaffolding and sheeting for repair and restoration. The organ is new since the last time we were here, and although it looks and sounds like a traditional organ, in fact It is digital. The big pipes are at the back of the building, and the smaller ones at the front, which we found rather confusing as all the sound comes out of two huge speakers at the front. The keyboard has a big touch-screen with the music on it, and all the stops are all digital touch-screens too. It works well though and the sound is really good.

Like all the other churches here, the cathedral is getting ready for the huge Easter events, getting out and preparing the big heavy platforms that gangs of men will carry through the streets.Read more