The city of Guadalajara owes one of the best examples of late 19th century architecture to the patronage and philanthropy of María Diega Desmaissières, Duchess of Sevillano, Countess of La Vega del Pozo, one of the finest examples of 19th century Spanish architecture
Around 1881, the Duchess commissioned Ricardo Velázquez Bosco to build a vast complex of buildings to be used for charitable purposes and family mausoleum. They are in the southwest of the city, to one side of parque de San Roque.
The mausoleum, the glazed copula of which is one of the city’s landmarks, reflects the influence of northern Italian art and combines Western and Eastern elements to give the buildings a certain Byzantine appearance. It is built in the shape of a rigorously symmetrical Greek cross. Inside, the altar is particularly impressive and is presided over by an excellent Calvary scene painted by Alejandro Ferrán. The crypt holds a stunning sculpture by Angel García Díez depicting the Duchess’ funeral procession. Every detail of the mausoleum reveals the riches of the materials used and the perfection of the work. By contrast, the ribbed almost level crypt dome is a masterpiece of technique.
- Entry ticket: 1 € ( a partir de 10 personas).
- Wednesday free entry.
Accessibility
- Outside route without difficulties.
- There are three sets of stairways to access the mausoleum.