He architectural heritage of our country is fabulous, and the Baroque style It is one of the protagonists of its temples, obligatory visits in those places where they are located. Majestic constructions perfect for photographing and ideal to see first-hand.
So that you don’t miss any of the most beautiful baroque churches in Spain, this is a selection of some of the essential ones. If you are passing through the towns where they are located, be sure to visit them.
Church of San Bartolomé (Jerez de los Caballeros)
One of the most beautiful baroque temples in Spain is the St. Bartholomew’s Church (C. Llano San Bartolomé, 8), in Jerez de los Caballeros, in the Extremaduran province of Badajoz. Cataloged as Asset of Cultural Interest since 2013, legend says that its origins are in the Reconquista, but the current construction began in the 15th century and was subject to renovations between the 16th and 17th centuries. For this reason, it still preserves Gothic elements.
Don’t forget to access its interior, where the Funerary monument which houses the sculptures of Don Vasco Yáñez de Jerez, the commander of Piedrabuena and knight of the order of Alcántara, and his wife Beatriz Brazo. Both were the founders of Jerez.
Church of San Sebastián de Reinosa (Cantabria)
In Reinosa (Cantabria), the church of San Sebastian (Pl. Juan XXIII, 39200 Reinosa, Cantabria), next to Plaza Juan XXIII. This impressive baroque temple, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, houses inside baroque altarpiecesSolomonic columns and a silver custody of the 18th century. According to legend, the stones with which it was built came from the Roman ruins of Julióbriga.
Church of Santos Juanes (Valencia)
The church of the Santos Juanes (Pl. del Mercat, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46001 Valencia) is in an exceptional location in the city of ValenciaNext to the Silk market and the Central Market. Although at first it was a Gothic temple, the successive rehabilitations after the construction fires gave it its original appearance. 17th century baroque that we can admire today.
You will be surprised inside by the 13 plaster statues with the representation of Jacob and the Twelve Tribes of Israelas well as the preserved remains of the frescoes by Antonio Palomino.
Church of San Bartolome (Pontevedra)
One of the samples of italian baroque in Galicia is the St. Bartholomew’s Church (Calle Padre Sarmiento, 51, 36002 Pontevedra), in the city of Pontevedra. Built between 1696 and 1714, its façade stands out with columns and heraldic symbols. Inside it houses numerous baroque altarpieces and the image of the city’s patron saint: the Virgin of the O. Next to the temple is the Sarmiento buildingthe old College of the Company of Jesus, which currently houses one of the headquarters of the Pontevedra Museum.
Church of San Luis de los Franceses (Seville)
The province of Seville (Andalusia) houses the church of San Luis de los Franceses (San Luis, 37, 41003 Sevilla), one of the best examples of full baroque. It is in the historic center of the city, and is the work of architect Leonardo de Figueroa. It was built between 1699 and 1731 at the request of the Jesus company. He monumental complex which forms part of the former Jesuit novitiate of San Luis de los Franceses and is currently property of the Provincial Council of Seville and can be visited. They are offered Guided visits.
Basilica of San Ignacio de Loyola (Guipuzkoa)
The Basilica of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Loiola Auzoa, 16 20730 Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa) was built in baroque style between the 16th and 17th centuries, with enormous blocks of marble that were extracted from Mount Izarraitz. The first thing that stands out in this imposing temple is its Dome, with 20 meters in diameter and 50 meters high. Nearby is the Loyola House-Tower, where Saint Ignatius was born in 1491. You can visit the complex daily throughout the year.
Cathedral-basilica of Our Lady of Pilar (Zaragoza)
The cathedral-basilica of Our Lady of Pilar (Plaza del Pilar, s/n, Zaragoza) is an authentic baroque jewel in our country. It was built between the 17th and 18th centuries, and it is worth calmly admiring its exterior and visiting its interior in advance. It houses the Holy Chapel with a picture of the Virgin of the PilarBesides of Main Altarpiece of alabaster, a Renaissance choir and two large frescoes by Francisco de Goya: The worship of the name of God and Regina Martirum. Don’t forget to visit the Pilarist Museumgo up to panoramic elevator and make a night visit.
