Iglesia Arciprestal de Santiago

The Iglesia Arciprestal de Santiago in Villena, Spain, stands as a monumental testament to Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Located in the picturesque Plaza de Santiago, this church is not only the largest and most significant in Villena but also one of the most important Gothic-Renaissance complexes in the Valencian Community. Its intricate design and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or art.

The Architectural Marvel

The church's construction began in the 14th century, although its current appearance dates back to the 16th century. The three-nave design and twisted columns are characteristic of Gothic architecture but take on a more monumental form here. These columns are some of the oldest constructed in a religious building and were later imitated by the Orihuela Cathedral. The interior layout resembles that of the Seo de Manresa, likely serving as inspiration for the church's architect.

A Journey Through Time

By the mid-15th century, a smaller, narrower temple dedicated to Santiago already existed. However, it was not until shortly before 1492, under the patronage of the illustrious Medina family of Villena, that the first phase of the church's expansion began, concluding around 1510. During this period, the church was shorter and lacked a sacristy and communion chapel. It also had an adjoining garden and houses attached to its walls, which were demolished in 1741.

The original main altar's altarpiece came from the Cathedral of Murcia and was acquired on January 17, 1513, for 34,375 maravedís. The 16th-century expansion introduced prominent Renaissance elements, such as the sacristy access door, the chapter room, the baptismal font, and the two windows on the first floor of the tower. These elements, attributed to Jacobo Florentino and Jerónimo Quijano, reflect the Murcian tradition. The remains of an iron grille crafted in Rome in 1543 can be seen at the foot of the altar.

Historical Significance

By 1575, the church had been extended to its current dimensions to include a choir and a retrochoir, and the main altar was covered with marble slabs. Numerous benefactors contributed to the church's development, as detailed in a report sent to King Philip II in 1575. The church also housed several heraldic shields, which were destroyed during the Spanish Civil War and restored in 2007.

Between 1576 and 1581, the composer Ambrosio Cotes served as the church's chapel master. A new organ was acquired in 1656 for the considerable sum of 143,915 maravedís, although it was destroyed during the Civil War. The 18th century saw numerous renovations, including whitening the church walls, adding pilasters with floral decorations to the church's entrance door facing the plaza, gilding the new altarpiece acquired in 1728, and adorning the windows with balconies, lattices, and stained glass.

War and Restoration

The Spanish Civil War inflicted significant damage on the church. The main altar's grille was mutilated, the organ was destroyed, and all images, paintings, ornaments, and objects of worship were lost. Almost all chapter books, parish records, and the musical archive were also lost. The stone coats of arms adorning the wall on Ramón y Cajal Street were chipped away but were restored in 2007. In the 1950s, the choir was removed, and the choir platform was demolished. However, several chapels and the pulpit were reconstructed.

In 1931, the church was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.

The Bells and Clock

There is little information about the bells before the 17th century. However, records show that in 1623, the tongue of the median bell was repaired, and in 1650, two bells were cast and repaired. The Segundilla bell was repaired in 1662, and a new bell was installed in 1686. The triple bell was repaired in 1703, and one of the old bells was recast in 1742. The second bell dates to 1750, and the third to 1727.

It is assumed that a clock existed in the 18th century, given the reputation of Villena's clockmakers during that time and part of the following century. The current clock dates to 1888, and its dials were refurbished in 1951.

Curiosities and Symbols

On the exterior wall of the apse, two marks correspond to the measurement of the tahúlla, a traditional land measurement unit. Above the entrance door from Plaza de Santiago, a sundial bears the inscription BREVES DIES HOMINIS SVNT (The days of men are few), reminding visitors of the fleeting nature of time.

The Iglesia Arciprestal de Santiago is not just a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and architecture. Its walls tell the story of centuries of devotion, conflict, and restoration, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Villena.