The tower that outdid the church

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the principal temple of the city of Yecla, in the Region of Murcia, Spain. It was built between 1775 and 1868 following a Neoclassical style. The basilica in Yecla is also known as Iglesia Nueva. The venerated image of the patrona is housed in the basilica during the Fiestas de la Virgen. The basilica has a Latin cross plan with three large naves separated by semi-circular arches. A dome with a spiral exterior decoration is the most representative element of the basilica.

But what truly sets Yecla’s church apart is the bell tower, located in the northwest corner. It is in the neomudéjar style, a stark contrast to the rest of the building. Despite the contrast in architecture, the tower is not a statuesque addition to the basilica, but rather, a seamless extension. The tower’s construction is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the time, with the exterior blending perfectly with the rest of the bell tower.

This deliberate juxtaposition of architectural styles is what turns the tower from a mere structure into a conversation piece, leaving visitors in awe.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons