Subbetica
Church of Our Lady of the Dawn
The former chapel of San Nicasio dates back to the 15th century. It was renovated in the 18th century by Juan de Dios Santaella. It has a rectangular floor plan, with a vault comprising five barrel-vaulted sections featuring windows; the high choir is situated in the first section, and at the apse there is a half-dome resting on pendentives. The segments of the vault project down to the floor via pilasters, on which are placed plaster carvings of Saint Peter, Saint Paul and the Evangelists. Inside, it is difficult to find any uncluttered space due to the exuberant Baroque decoration, which covers the dome and vault and is also distributed around the windows. It features a mixture of geometric mouldings, plant motifs and an abundance of half-length angels, all highlighted by a blue border. The high altarpiece consists of a base, a central section and an attic, and is divided into three sections by intricate pilasters. In the attic is the niche housing the image of Saint Nicasio, topped by two large volutes.