Iglesia de Santa María Magdalena

The Church of Santa María Magdalena is a Catholic temple in Olivenza (Badajoz), located in the homonymous square, and one of the main heritage landmarks of the town. Its location coincides with the historic center of Olivenza, at coordinates 38.68603, -7.10039. It was built in the first half of the 16th century and erected to serve as a temple for the residence of the bishops of Ceuta in Olivenza. Its architecture is ascribed to the Manueline Gothic style, typical of the Portuguese area, with later Renaissance additions to the main doorway. In the interior the torsas or twisted columns stand out, with a strong decorative effect, as well as a remarkable set of altarpieces. The tourist sources of the Diputación de Badajoz indicate six Baroque altarpieces of gilded carving and three of marble, located in the transition from Baroque to Neoclassical, in addition to abundant tilework historicized in several chapels. Due to its chronology, its link to the old bishopric of Ceuta and the quality of its decoration, the church is one of the most representative samples of the Portuguese artistic legacy preserved in Olivenza.