What's the story behind the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned in Gibraltar?
Short answer
The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned was originally a mosque, converted into a church in 1462, and serves as the Roman Catholic Diocese seat in Gibraltar.
Detailed answer
The Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned in Gibraltar is a significant religious site with a rich history. Originally a mosque during the Moorish period, it was converted into a Roman Catholic church following the Spanish reconquest in 1462. After the British capture of Gibraltar in 1704, the building was damaged but later restored. Today, it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gibraltar and stands as a symbol of the territory's diverse cultural and religious history. The cathedral's architecture reflects its storied past, blending elements from its Islamic origins with later Christian modifications.