Church of San Antón

The Church of San Antón, or Iglesia de San Antón as it is known locally, stands as a beacon of history and architectural splendor in the heart of Bilbao's Old Town. Dedicated to Anthony the Great, this iconic church, alongside the San Antón Bridge, graces the city's coat of arms, symbolizing its deep-rooted historical significance. Nestled by the estuary of Bilbao, the Church of San Antón is not just a place of worship but a testament to the city's resilience and architectural evolution.

The History of the Church of San Antón

The origins of the Church of San Antón date back to the late 15th century, constructed on a plot that had been home to a warehouse for three centuries. The church was consecrated in 1433, initially featuring a single nave with a rectangular floor and a vaulted roof. Over time, the congregation grew, necessitating a significant enlargement project in 1478, which was completed in the early 16th century. This expansion introduced the Gothic style, evident in features such as rib vaults and pointed arches, which remain visible despite subsequent reconstructions.

The church's history is marked by adversity, having suffered damage from multiple sources, including flooding from the Nervión River and wartime bombings. The most recent flood in 1983 caused extensive damage to the church's interior. Additionally, during the Carlist War, the church was repurposed for military logistics, leading to its temporary closure. The structure was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1984, recognizing its cultural significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Exploring the Gothic Art in Biscay

Gothic art, which originated in France in the 13th century, made its way to Biscay in the 14th century, influenced by the region's growing population and economy. Unlike the monumental Gothic structures found elsewhere, Biscay's Gothic buildings, including the Church of San Antón, are characterized by their smaller scale and simpler designs. This local interpretation of Gothic architecture is exemplified by the church's rib vaults and pointed arches, which lend a sense of grandeur to its otherwise modest size.

Notable examples of Gothic architecture in Biscay include Santiago's Cathedral in Bilbao and the Basilica of Begoña. These structures, along with the Church of San Antón, highlight the region's unique approach to Gothic design, blending traditional elements with local architectural styles.

The Chapels of San Antón

The Church of San Antón houses three distinct chapels, each with its own historical and architectural significance.

Chapel of Provost

Built in 1530, the Chapel of Provost is the largest of the three chapels and showcases the late Gothic style. The entrance features a large ogival arch, adorned with the coat of arms of the Lezama-Leguizamón family, the chapel's founders. Inside, visitors can admire a wood-carved sculpture of the Inmaculada and several paintings. Historically, this chapel served as a passageway linking the church to the Lezama-Leguizamón family's tower house.

Chapel of Piety

The Chapel of Piety, smaller than the Chapel of Provost but larger than the Chapel of San Roque, shares similar Gothic features, including a rib-vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. The entrance is marked by an older grille bearing the coat of arms of the Recalde family, along with Latin inscriptions. In 1919, this chapel was connected to the Chapel of Provost via a Gothic arch, enhancing the church's communion rail.

Chapel of San Roque

The smallest of the three, the Chapel of San Roque, features a rib-vaulted ceiling and a small blinded Gothic arch. Initially serving as the church's main entrance, it was transformed into an artistic mausoleum by the Ibiceta family, who added pious sculptures and decorative elements. The chapel houses a sculpture of San Roque, flanked by statues of Saint Lucy and Saint Sebastian.

The Renaissance Façade

While the Church of San Antón predominantly features Gothic architecture, its façade is a stunning example of 16th-century Renaissance design. Built in 1548, the façade boasts rich decorations and generous proportions characteristic of the Renaissance. The entrance arches, round in shape, reflect Romanesque influences, while the rib vaults inside the nave highlight the Gothic style.

The façade is adorned with small sculptures in low relief, including angelic heads and a central keystone featuring the year 1548. Corinthian columns flank the entrance, showcasing intricate carvings of plants and human figures. The façade also includes two niches, which were filled with sculptures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul during a reconstruction in 1892.

The Belfry Tower

In 1774, Gabriel de Capelastegui began constructing the current Belfry Tower, replacing an earlier structure. The tower features a quadrangular body topped by a dome and lantern, exemplifying the Baroque style. The belfry houses a bell inscribed with IHS. San Antonio Abad. Ora pro nobis, Antonio de la Hoza me Hizo. 1829, and an exterior clock with bronze spheres and golden numbers.

The tower is accessible via 106 limestone stairs, with an additional 32 wooden steps leading to the lantern. The belfry's geometric precision and architectural beauty make it one of the finest examples of Baroque design in the Basque Country.

In conclusion, the Church of San Antón is a remarkable blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Bilbao. Its chapels, façade, and belfry tower offer visitors a glimpse into the city's past, while its resilience in the face of adversity stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Bilbao. A visit to this iconic church is a must for anyone seeking to explore the historical and architectural treasures of the Basque Country.