Madrid, Spain: Almudena Cathedral

The Almudena Cathedral, the seat of the Catholic Church in Madrid, is located right next door to the Royal Palace. Maybe someone thought it was a good idea having some religious leaders close to the ruling powers. That might cut down on some mischief. 

The Cathedral was a mere 110 years in the making - fast by medieval standards but not too fast for something that was completed in 1993. Paul John Paul II consecrated it then. 

The problem with construction really dates back to when the capital of Spain was moved from Toledo to Madrid. The plan always was to put up a new cathedral, but the Spanish were building up their empire and the cathedral was put on the so-called back burner. Then when construction finally started, the Spanish Civil War popped up and everything came to a halt. Work resumed in 1950 with some redesigns, and it took almost 40 more years to finish.

Several Kings, Queens and other members of Royalty are buried here.