Subbetica

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Templo barroco de 1718 con cúpula decorada, fachada herreriana y retablo neoclásico. Destacan tallas como la imagen colonial de San Miguel.

This church was built in 1718 by Jerónimo Ramírez de Quero, based on the designs of the renowned Lucena-born artist Leonardo Antonio de Castro. The church has a rectangular floor plan with a distinct longitudinal orientation, comprising five bays covered by barrel vaults, except for the bay immediately adjacent to the chancel, which features a dome resting on pendentives decorated with foliage motifs surrounding the heraldic coats of arms of the founders. Externally, it features a ashlar façade, consisting of a rectangular wall crowned by a triangular pediment with an oculus, echoing designs inspired by Herrerian styles. The high altarpiece, presided over by the image of the Immaculate Conception, was created around 1800. It displays clear Neoclassical influences in its structure and is organised into the three traditional sections: the lower section, which is very high and includes the beautifully carved and gilded sacristy doors in a geometric style, as well as a tabernacle topped by a straight pediment; the main section; and the attic. Finally, it is worth noting the presence of several carvings, among which the image of Saint Michael, possibly of colonial origin, is particularly noteworthy.