Información

Church of the Immaculate Conception (Santa María La Blanca)

This sacred building has witnessed centuries of history and remains a significant landmark for both locals and visitors. Its origins date back to the fifteenth century, with the earliest known document mentioning the church found in the will of Lazaro Sanchez Escribano, steward of the nearby Charity Hospital, in 1461. Some theories suggest that an earlier mosque may have stood on the same site before the construction of the original church.

The current structure dates from 1627 when the original building was reconstructed due to its deteriorating state. The new church was designed with a single nave, a flat apse, a choir at the rear, and a barrel vault with lunettes. The exterior features two classical Baroque-style entrances that add to its architectural beauty. In 1752, the church underwent another renovation, though no significant structural changes were made. During the same century, the dedication of the church changed to its current name, the Immaculate Conception.

One of the most remarkable features of the church interior was a stunning Baroque altarpiece attributed to the workshop of Alonso Cano. Unfortunately, this masterpiece, along with several religious images, was lost in a devastating fire that engulfed the building in 1991. Despite this tragedy, some significant sculptures remain. Among them are the images of Saint Joseph and Our Lady of the Rosary, which were preserved as they were housed in another temple at the time of the fire. The church also holds processional sculptures, including the image of Jesus the Nazarene, a cedar wood carving created in 1991 by Miguel Angel Gonzalez Jurado, and the image of the Christ of the True Cross, sculpted by Miguel Arjona in 1993.

The church remains an important cultural and religious site, welcoming visitors outside of worship hours. Guided group tours can be arranged through the Visitor Center of the Guadalquivir Valley, providing an opportunity to explore the church interior and appreciate its historical and artistic significance. The blend of architectural elegance, religious heritage, and artistic treasures makes the Church of Santa Maria la Blanca a must-visit destination for those interested in history, culture, and spirituality.


Prices

Adults

Free

Children (3-7years)

Free

-2 years

Free

C/ Nombre de la calle nº0 0000, Población, Ciudad