Gothic-Mudejar Church · Almonaster la Real

The Ermita de la Concepción, located in the former mosque, became too small to accommodate worship services, making it necessary to build a new church for the town. The new church was built in a location relatively far from the castle, which would make it a focal point around which the town’s urban expansion would coalesce. The church, with its highly complex architecture, is considered a unique monument within the Archdiocese of Seville, due to the pointed barrel vault used in its three naves and the uniqueness of the Portada del Perdón. Construction likely began in the early 14th century, following the Mudejar style. Later, throughout the 15th century, the church was gradually completed with a series of additions that blended seamlessly with the earlier structures, notably the Gospel and Epistle Doors, framed by buttresses and an alfiz. In the first third of the 16th century, the choir, the tower, and the Puerta del Perdón were built; the latter is an element of striking stylistic uniqueness in the religious architecture of the entire region. The Portada is a magnificent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, characteristic of the rural churches of the Alentejo. It must have been erected around 1530, since the coat of arms crowning it, according to Professor Pérez Embid, belonged to Cardinal Don Alonso Manrique de Lara, Archbishop of Seville from 1524 to 1538. It is built of local limestone. A large arch framed by two pinnacles shelters another ogee arch that provides access to the church. Its design and central decoration stand out, featuring motifs associated with both the Manueline and Gothic styles, such as tropical vegetation, marine motifs, animals in combat, anthropomorphic figures, and more. In the early 17th century, the small Mannerist portal leading to the sacristy was built, and in the same century, the current tabernacle was added. The 1755 earthquake significantly damaged the building, which was subsequently restored by the architect Pedro de Silva.