In the heart of Andújar, a charming town in the province of Jaén, Spain, stands the Iglesia de Santa Marina, an architectural gem with a rich historical tapestry. This former Catholic church, now a cultural landmark, offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its unique blend of Gothic and Mudéjar styles, telling the story of centuries of transformation and devotion.
The origins of Iglesia de Santa Marina date back to the 13th century when it was consecrated on the site of an ancient mosque, reflecting the region's transition from Islamic to Christian rule. As the oldest church in Andújar dedicated to Christian worship, it holds a special place in the town's history. The church was initially constructed in the Gothic style, characterized by its pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
Significant transformations occurred in the 17th century, starting in 1646 under the direction of Juan de Aranda Salazar, the master builder of the Bishopric of Jaén. These renovations, commissioned by Bishop Baltasar Moscoso y Sandoval, added the main chapel and sacristy, infusing the original Gothic structure with Mudéjar elements, a style that blends Christian and Islamic architectural features. This harmonious combination of styles is evident in the church's exterior and interior, creating a visually captivating experience for visitors.
In 1843, a governmental decree led to the suppression of Santa Marina as a parish, transferring its assets to the parish of Santa María in the same town. Since then, the church has been closed to regular worship, opening only for special occasions and festivities. From 1994 to 2004, it served as a cultural space until structural issues necessitated its closure for repairs. Restoration efforts began in 2016, aiming to preserve this historical monument for future generations.
The Iglesia de Santa Marina is a testament to the architectural prowess of its time. The church's layout consists of three longitudinal naves with a flat-headed apse, a typical feature of Gothic architecture. The central nave, larger than the lateral ones, is covered by a barrel vault with lunettes, divided into five sections by transverse arches. The delicate ochre-colored plaster moldings that adorn the edges of the lunettes, arches, and impost lines add a touch of elegance to the structure. The lunettes' keystones feature eight-pointed stars and rhombuses, enhancing the decorative appeal.
The lateral naves, separated from the central nave by semicircular arches resting on square pillars, showcase the original Gothic cross vaults with ogival ribs in the ante-presbytery area. The remaining sections of the lateral naves are covered with simple groin vaults, maintaining the Gothic essence of the church.
The presbytery, elevated on steps, is enclosed by a 19th-century wrought iron grille and separated from the rest of the building by a triumphal arch. It is covered by a hemispherical dome on pendentives, adorned with four heraldic shields of the Pérez de Vargas and Palomino Pérez de Santa Marina and Cobo families, who were the patrons behind the 17th-century renovations. The sacristy, accessible from the Gospel side of the main chapel, is a cubic space added to the original building. It features a coffered ceiling supported by beams resting on intricately carved corbels with acanthus motifs, and a slender Tuscan column on a pedestal stands at the center, supporting the entire structure.
The exterior of Iglesia de Santa Marina is equally captivating, with its square volume augmented by a belfry and west portal added in the 17th century. The main portal, slightly off-center due to the presence of the belfry, consists of a semicircular arch on Tuscan pilasters, topped by a cornice with a shell-shaped niche and a triangular pediment flanked by pilasters. Decorative pinnacles adorn the cornice ends, and a semicircular window above the portal allows light to filter into the interior.
The belfry, despite its austere appearance, is one of the most iconic structures in Andújar. It features a two-tiered design: the lower section made of rough masonry and the upper section divided into two floors. The first floor has two semicircular arches, while the second floor, or gable, has a single semicircular opening in the center, all topped by a triangular pediment.
The Iglesia de Santa Marina is not just an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure. It was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Property of Cultural Interest) in 2010, ensuring its protection under the Andalusian Historical Heritage Law. This designation underscores the church's historical and cultural significance, making it a must-visit site for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.
Recent restoration efforts have focused on preserving the church's structural integrity while maintaining its historical authenticity. These efforts aim to restore the church to its former glory, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical importance fully.
In conclusion, a visit to Iglesia de Santa Marina in Andújar offers a journey through time, showcasing the rich history and architectural evolution of this remarkable church. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Iglesia de Santa Marina promises an unforgettable experience, blending the past with the present in a truly unique way.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
