Iglesia de San Esteban in Los Balbases

Iglesia de San Esteban, in Los Balbases, Provincia de Burgos, is an imposing construction dedicated to San Esteban, patron of the parish. It is of Gothic style, dating from the middle of the 13th century, as is the main portal, which features a large 'abocinado' and sculptural sobriety. The church is of a Latin cross shape, notable for the height of its Gothic vaults and the large dimensions of its three naves and transept, similar to a cathedral. It also preserves Romanesque remains on its exterior and interior.

The church is accessed by a large stone staircase with three aisles and two handrails, work by the Hernaltes family and Francisco Bocos from the second half of the 18th century. Inside, the main altar features a retablo by José Carcedo, built between 1787 and 1790. This Baroque architecture frames hispano-flamencas panels from the end of the 15th century (1480-1500), by the "Maestro de Los Balbases," depicting scenes from the life of San Esteban and the transfer of his remains.

Inside the church, one can see a 13th-century image of Christ, and images of Cristo crucificado, la Dolorosa, and San Juan forming a calvario gótico from the second half of the 13th century. There is also a Cristo Yacente from the escuela castellana, along with various retablos from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The ancient sacristy, with an 18th-century aguamanil by the artists Hernaltes and Peña, is richly decorated. It contains a cajonería, sillería, and armario-ropero made of walnut and cherry wood. Part of the Museo Parroquial, with silverwork and painting, is also located within this framework.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons