Santa Barbara Chapel

The cult of relics promoted by the Counter-Reformation led Bishop Bernardo Caballero de Paredes (1642-1661) to propose to the Cathedral chapter the transfer of the relics preserved in the Holy Chamber to a new, more modern building that, in addition, would make the times of pantheon for his family. In the Cathedral, the capitulars were fully aware that the Gothic temple did not meet the needs of the Counter-Reformation and, therefore, an ambulatory had already been built for the circulation of pilgrims, just as a pilgrimage temple required. The possibility of expanding the Holy Chamber was also contemplated, but the canons never welcomed the transfer of the relics to a new location, as Caballero de Paredes proposed with the construction of this space.

This chapel, called at the time "San Miguel" or "New Holy Chamber", was contracted to the architect Ignacio de Cajigal and was built between 1660 and 1663. It describes a rectangular plan divided into two sections: the nave is covered with a dome on pendentives illuminated by a lantern, while the presbytery is closed with a vault with lunettes. Behind the altar, Gregorio de la Roza built a sacristy between 1688 and 1689. The plant decoration runs through the pendentives and the dome, while the articulation of the walls is done through pilasters, balconies and niches for the family tombs. of the bishop

The altarpiece-reliquary, finished in 1663, was carried out by Luis Fernández de la Vega (1601-1675). It was the first Baroque altarpiece that was made in Asturias and it fits perfectly to the front of the chapel. The images of those saints whose relics were kept in the Holy Chamber were carved in the niches, since each of these sculptures is equipped with a small lipsanoteca to guard them. The image of the attic stands out, the Archangel Saint Michael, to whom this chapel was originally dedicated. The central temple is crowned by an Immaculate Conception by Luis Fernández de la Vega, while the central image, the work of Antonio Borja (1660-1730) in 1713, represents Santa Bárbara, to whom this chapel was finally dedicated after the resounding refusal. of the members of the council to transfer here the relics of the Holy Chamber.

Bishop Bernardo Caballero de Paredes, who died in 1661, is buried at the entrance to this chapel, so that all those who entered would step on his tomb, just as he had left in writing in his will.

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