Church of Saint James the Great

Nestled in the charming city of Orihuela, Spain, the Church of Saint James the Great, known locally as Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. This majestic structure, declared a National Monument in 1933, weaves together elements of Gothic and Renaissance design, capturing the imagination of all who visit.

The Historical Tapestry

The Church of Saint James the Great is believed to be one of the oldest parishes in Orihuela, with roots tracing back to the Visigothic era. The site was originally occupied by a mosque, which was transformed into a church following the Reconquista. The current structure was primarily built in the 15th century, with significant expansions in the 16th and 18th centuries, reflecting the Mediterranean Gothic style with a single nave and chapels nestled between buttresses.

In the 16th century, the church underwent a remarkable transformation with the addition of the major chapel and sacristy, both exemplifying Renaissance style. These elements not only enhanced the church's architectural beauty but also added a unique character that sets it apart from other religious structures in the region.

Architectural Splendor

As you approach the Church of Saint James the Great, the first thing that captures your attention is its stunning main portal. Crafted in the Isabelline or Flamboyant Gothic style in the 15th century, the portal is adorned with intricate carvings of vegetal and animal motifs. The play of light and shadow created by these carvings is nothing short of mesmerizing. Above the tympanum, the coats of arms of the Catholic Monarchs are prominently displayed, while the central mullion features a large sculpture of the church's patron saint, Saint James, reconstructed in 1941 after its destruction in the Spanish Civil War.

The lateral portal, a Baroque masterpiece from the 18th century, provides access to the Communion Chapel. Its design, reminiscent of a two-tiered altarpiece, influenced other structures within the Orihuela-Alicante diocese. The upper tier, supported by Solomonic columns, is crowned by a statue of Faith, holding a monstrance with her eyes blindfolded.

The Tower and Bells

The church’s tower, with its prism-shaped structure, comprises three sections. The upper section, housing the bell tower, showcases Gothic elements and echoes the style of the cathedral tower, serving as a model for others in the region. Unlike the cathedral, this tower is seamlessly integrated into the church's façade, making it one of the finest bell towers in the Valencian Community. It also houses a rare tenebrous rattle, one of the few remaining in the country.

Interior Elegance

Inside, the church's single nave has undergone several renovations, the most significant in the 18th century, when a red and black marble base was installed. This renovation may have concealed the original Gothic structure beneath. The nave is crowned with a Gothic vault adorned with tercelets, with keystones featuring motifs alluding to the city and the Crown of Aragon. Notably, the last keystone depicts the earliest known representation of the Virgin of Montserrat, Orihuela's patroness.

At the foot of the nave, the entrance to the tower is located on the north side, while the entrance to the Communion Chapel is on the south. The baptismal font, crafted from red marble in the 18th century, is situated here, along with a pulpit designed by Italian architect Bernardino Rippa.

The Majestic Major Chapel

The Major Chapel is a Renaissance marvel with an elliptical plan, designed by Jerónimo Quijano. Construction began in 1551 and concluded in 1577 under the guidance of Quijano’s disciple, Joan Inglés. However, the final touches were not completed until 1603. This chapel, almost an autonomous entity within the church, is renowned for its monumental design, visible not only from within but also from the nearby San Miguel mountain.

The chapel's entrance is designed as a Roman triumphal arch, slightly offset from the Gothic nave's axis. Its interior is a masterclass in compositional and structural logic, evoking the Roman rotunda style with a Spanish twist. Quijano's design features a central square plan, expanded with elliptical exedras and niches in the corners, adorned with double Ionic columns and superimposed arches. This intricate play of chiaroscuro creates a captivating visual experience.

The Communion Chapel

In the Neoclassical style, the Communion Chapel is accessible from the church's rear through a Baroque portal. It was endowed in the 18th century by Bishop Juan Elías Gómez de Terán with a grand Baroque altarpiece dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola. The chapel's central space is covered with a vaulted ceiling adorned with paintings by Antonio de Villanueva, depicting the four Church Fathers.

Side Chapels

The side chapels, each with its own unique charm, include the Chapel of the Holy Family, featuring a 1765 sculpture by Francisco Salzillo. This late Gothic chapel underwent expansion and renovation in the 18th century, with its Gothic arches replaced by semicircular ones, and the vault covered with a barrel vault with lunettes. A Baroque altarpiece with Rococo decorations, carved by Ignasi Castell, houses the Holy Family sculpture and images of Saints Dominic, Louis Bertrand, and Vincent Ferrer.

The Church of Saint James the Great, with its rich history and architectural splendor, is a must-visit for anyone exploring Orihuela. Its walls tell stories of a bygone era, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur of this remarkable ecclesiastical treasure.