Palacio Episcopal de Orihuela

The Palacio Episcopal de Orihuela stands as a magnificent testament to the Baroque architecture of the 18th century in the heart of Orihuela, Spain. This splendid building, once the residence of the bishop of Orihuela, now houses the Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro, a museum that boasts an impressive collection of sacred art including works by Velázquez and Nicolás de Bussy. Declared a National Monument in 1975, the palace continues to be a beacon of cultural and historical significance.

The Historical Evolution of the Palace

The site on which the palace stands has a rich history, dating back to the 15th century when it was home to the Hospital del Corpus. This Gothic-style hospital served the needy and was managed by the Cathedral chapter with the help of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament. In the 16th century, the hospital was relocated, and the bishop of Orihuela sought to acquire the premises for his residence. Despite opposition from the cathedral chapter, who wanted to establish a house for canons, the bishop eventually succeeded, leading to the construction of the Renaissance-style building that preceded the current palace.

By the 18th century, many canons had built their own residences, leaving the old building vacant. The bishop seized this opportunity to construct a new palace adjacent to the Santa Iglesia Catedral, incorporating elements from the previous structure, such as the red marble staircase covered by a Renaissance dome.

The Grand Facade

The palace boasts two facades: the main northern facade on Calle Mayor and the southern facade along the Segura River. The main facade is divided into three sections, each with its unique architectural features. The first section includes the Chapel of Loreto, which was transformed into the bishop’s private chapel, showcasing Baroque decorations with moldings and pilasters.

The central section was constructed under Bishop Flores Osorio in the 18th century. It features a beautifully adorned main entrance with the bishop's crest prominently displayed above. Adjacent to this, the Renaissance-style Curia entrance, marked by Bishop Almeida de Cartagena’s crest, leads to a square courtyard with a split stone staircase. The facade’s intricate ironwork and Valencian tilework from the 18th century add to its charm.

The third section, known as the Palacio de Campo Salinas, connects the Episcopal Palace with the Palace of the Counts of Campo Salinas. This section is relatively unadorned, except for its elaborate ironwork, reminiscent of the Church of Santiago’s Communion Chapel.

Exploring the Interior

The interior of the palace is equally captivating, with its two main floors and a ground floor. The noble floor served as the bishop’s residence, featuring the most prestigious rooms, including the audience hall, throne room, main staircase, chapel, and the Gallery of Bishops. The second floor housed other priests and servants, while the ground floor contained servant quarters, kitchens, stables, garages, and the main courtyard.

The Baroque Claustro

One of the palace’s highlights is its small yet exquisite Baroque classical cloister, adorned with large pilasters. The noble floor’s windows are richly decorated in a Rococo style, adding to the cloister’s elegance.

The Bishop’s Private Chapel

Constructed in the 18th century above the Chapel of Loreto, the bishop’s private chapel was originally the candle factory of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament. This square Baroque space is adorned with pilasters and composite capitals, once home to Velázquez’s Saint Thomas, now housed in the Orihuela Cathedral.

The Majestic Main Staircase

Accessed via the cloister, the main staircase leads to the noble floor. Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance masterpiece features red marble steps and a beautifully forged handrail. The staircase culminates in a semi-circular Renaissance dome with an octagonal drum, adorned with sgraffito and glazed tiles, allowing light to flood the space.

The Gallery and Views

The palace’s galleries, designed for the bishop’s promenade and to connect various rooms, offer stunning views of the river and Orihuela city. The gallery above the cloister once housed the diocese’s episcopal records, now located in the San Miguel Diocesan Seminary.

In conclusion, the Palacio Episcopal de Orihuela is not just an architectural marvel but a window into the rich religious and cultural history of Orihuela. Its walls echo stories of the past, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting this historic city. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history buff, the palace promises a journey through time, filled with beauty and intrigue.