The height of the Iglesia de San Miguel was once destined to surpass that of the royal church of Santa María Mayor. However, because the latter was the royal church, no other structure in the city was permitted to be taller. This resulted in the tower being truncated and finished with a brick cap.
The building has origins dating back to the 12th century and was established by the Montalvo lineage. As primary figures in the region's repopulation, their legacy remains visible in the family tombs and the archives inside the church. The structure reflects the Mudéjar style and underwent profound reforms during the 16th century.
Inside, the church houses a magnificent retablo painted by the master Marcos Pinilla between 1507 and 1508. This work is composed of thirteen panels organized into five streets and three bodies. The predella features saints grouped in pairs, while the main bodies depict scenes from the passion and death of Christ.
Since 1911, the church has been closed to worship. Today, the interior is used for concerts and cultural events. It remains a space where the history of the Montalvo family and the 16th-century artwork provide a backdrop for modern gatherings.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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