Madre de Dios Convent Church
The Madre de Dios Convent Church, in the heart of the Almedina, is a clear example of 16th-century religious architecture. It was founded in 1510 by the third Count of Cabra, with its first prioress being Doña Juana de la Cerda, the founder’s daughter.
Its original structure features a polygonal apse made of stone and masonry, a relic from the Romanesque period. The main nave, transept, and nearby chapels have elegant barrel vaults with lunettes. There are two main entrances to the atrium: one from the time of the Catholic Monarchs and the other, in a classical style, added in the 17th century.
The most impressive part of the church is the vault of the main chapel, which is said to have been designed by Ruiz El Joven under the direction of Diego de Siloé. This polygonal vault is decorated with vertical ornamental stripes and figures of apostles, angels, and cherubs.
The main altarpiece consists of sixty-four paintings, some of which are notable works from the Bassano workshop, depicting the Epiphany and the Adoration of the Shepherds.
The choir, in a Plateresque style, features 16th-century carved choir stalls, separated by balustrade columns and Ionic capitals, and is topped by a cresting with busts of apostles, saints, and church fathers.
On the walls and floor of the church, there are interesting remains of 16th-century Cuenca tiles, adding more historical and artistic richness to this venerable place of worship.
Plaza de Palacio, 3
957 671 757
(Not all temples are open to visitors)
