The 13th-Century Protogothic Portal of San Miguel Church

The 13th-Century Protogothic Portal of San Miguel Church

Photo: ConcepcionBecerril / Wikimedia Commons , CC BY-SA 3.0 , resized

Look closely at the base of the facade to find a 13th-century portal.

The church of San Miguel in Mahamud demands a steady eye to appreciate its five-century narrative. While Juan de Hernaltes transformed the main facade in 1774, the western side preserves the old protogothic portal of the 13th century. We invite you to examine the two asymmetrical towers and the bases that appear hollowed by deep pointed arches.

Step inside to observe the scale of the central nave, where complex ribbed vaulting becomes increasingly decorative toward the sanctuary. A primary point of study is the great altarpiece, executed between 1566 and 1573 by Domingo de Amberes. This work, along with others, offers a clear look at the transition from late styles to the ornamental aesthetics of the era.

Continue your exploration by observing the mudéjar-style pulpit and its intricate plasterwork. The building houses various tombs, including burials from the late 15th century and monuments for merchant families. Although some linear funeral ceiling paintings were moved to a museum in Barcelona in the early 20th century, the church remains a dense archive of artistic evolution.

As a site of national interest, this monument is maintained for its historical-artistic significance, waiting for those who wish to explore its many layers.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

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