Kiborion, the Heights of the Cathedral

The Kiborion is the 30-minute slot that goes up with a guide to the upper parts of Tarazona cathedral: the vaults, the terraces and the lantern tower. It is the way to see the church from above, over the naves, and to get close to the work that most catches the eye from the street, the great brick lantern over the crossing.

What You See from Above

The route passes above the vaults and comes out onto the terraces before the final climb to the lantern tower. According to the history of the cathedral published by the church itself, the lantern tower was begun in 1543 with money from the archdeacon Juan Gómez Muñoz. It was started by Juan Lucas Botero the Elder and, after his death two years later, finished by his son. It is 24 m tall and has on the outside four stages of decreasing size, of Mudéjar brick with green and purple glazed ceramic; in the last is the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Cimborrio. During the restoration, Renaissance sgraffito in white on a black background appeared on the second stage.

Inside, the star vault rests on a drum with a frieze of dragons and centaurs and eight niches with apostles and Saint John the Baptist. The grisailles were painted by Alonso González between 1546 and 1549. It is the other side of the normal visit: what you see from the nave many metres away, here you have closer.

Price and Hours

Entry to the cathedral with the Kiborion costs €10 (reduced €9); ages 7 to 12, €4. It includes entry to the church with audioguide, valid all day. With the "all-inclusive" ticket, at €12, you add the one-hour guided visit. On Saturdays and Sundays there are slots at 10:30, 12:00 and 17:00; Tuesday to Friday, at 10:45 and 16:15. On Mondays it is not open for individual visits, except public holidays.

The cathedral also closes on 1 and 6 January, 27 and 28 August, 5 October and 24, 25 and 31 December. Tickets are bought in the Fundación Tarazona Monumental online shop or on 976 64 17 89; it is best to arrive 10 minutes before the slot even if you have booked.

Who Can Go Up

The foundation does not allow the Kiborion for under-6s, for people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems, reduced mobility or vision, advanced pregnancy, or anyone with vertigo or claustrophobia. You must wear closed, well-fastened shoes. If someone in the group cannot go up, the basic ticket with audioguide (€6) lets them see the cathedral in the meantime.

The cathedral is in the lower district, beside the Queiles river. Afterwards you can cross over to the guided visit of the cathedral or climb to the upper town, to the Episcopal Palace.