Subbetica
Chapel of Our Father Jesus of Sorrows, El Calvario
A jewel of the Cordoba Baroque, considered one of the finest Baroque churches in the region and popularly known as ‘El Calvario’, it was designated a Site of Cultural Interest in the Monument category in 2005. The reconstruction of the church was initiated by Cristóbal de Santa Catalina.
Although construction was completed in 1729, the building did not take on its current form until the early 19th century.
A clear Lucentine influence can be seen throughout the church, due to the work of the architect Leonardo Antonio de Castro. Thus, following the guidelines of the Lucentine Baroque style, the church presents a striking contrast between its exterior, composed with great simplicity using masonry and brick, and its interior, decorated with a profusion of ornamentation typical of the Baroque style.
It has a Latin cross plan with a flat apse featuring a spacious niche, whilst the transept is covered by a semi-spherical dome resting on pendentives, richly decorated with stucco work.
Attributed to Francisco José Guerrero, the majestic high altarpiece is made of gilded wood against a green background and features decoration typical of the third quarter of the 18th century, dating back to around 1770. Furthermore, the altarpiece houses the image of the patron saint, Our Father Jesus of Sorrows, an ‘Ecce homo’ carved from papier-mâché in 1664.