Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora

In the heart of Colmenar Viejo, Spain, stands the majestic Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, a beacon of Gothic splendor and Renaissance artistry. Known locally as Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, this historical edifice is more than just a place of worship; it’s a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and artistic endeavor.

The Architectural Grandeur

The Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora was constructed in the 15th century under the patronage of the influential Mendoza family, lords of Colmenar Viejo and El Real de Manzanares. The renowned architect Juan Guas, who served the Catholic Monarchs, was the mastermind behind its initial design. The basilica's towering presence is dominated by its impressive bell tower, a masterpiece by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, completed in 1530. Standing over 50 meters tall, the tower is a marvel of stone masonry, crowned with an octagonal limestone spire adorned with pinnacles and gargoyles at its corners.

As you approach the basilica, the grandeur of its southern tower immediately captures your attention. The tower’s regular stone blocks contrast with the rest of the building’s construction, creating a striking visual impact. The interior of the basilica is equally captivating, featuring ribbed vaults, a choir, and a staircase leading to it, all constructed in the late 16th century. These elements showcase the intricate craftsmanship and architectural prowess of the era.

The Renaissance Altarpiece

One of the basilica's crowning glories is its Renaissance altarpiece, crafted between 1563 and 1579. This magnificent piece is primarily made of gilded, polychromed, and estofado wood, with an alabaster altar frontal. The altarpiece's iconography centers around the Virgin Mary, prominently depicted in the central panel in her Assumption to the heavens.

The altarpiece is divided into three sections, adapted to the octagonal shape of the presbytery. It consists of a base, a sub-base, and three main bodies with three central streets and eight inter-streets, topped with an attic. The lower sections are adorned with reliefs of prophets, evangelists, church fathers, virtues, and scenes from the life of the Virgin. The lateral panels feature oil paintings on canvas and round sculptures, while the central panel is entirely sculptural, featuring a tabernacle in the form of a temple in the first body, the resurrected Christ in the second, and the Assumption of the Virgin in the third.

The altarpiece was commissioned in 1566 from the Toledo masters Juan de Tovar and his brother-in-law Francisco Linares. Tovar, who handled the architectural aspects, passed away around 1572 or 1573, leaving Linares to continue the work. The traditional attribution to Francisco Giralte, based solely on stylistic grounds, is disputed by scholars who argue that the altarpiece follows a common model in the Toledo archdiocese, with the only novelty being the superposition of orders.

The painting and gilding of the altarpiece were completed by Hernando de Ávila and Alonso Sánchez Coello, with the gilding and polychroming executed by Santos Pedril. The paintings, attributed to various artists including Diego de Urbina, Hernando de Ávila, Alonso Sánchez Coello, and Luis de Velasco, depict scenes such as the Annunciation, the Presentation of the Child in the Temple, Jesus among the Doctors, the Nativity, the Epiphany, and the Visitation. The intricate details and vibrant colors of these paintings add to the altarpiece's overall splendor.

The Sacred Art Museum

Within the basilica, visitors can also explore an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures, as well as Baroque and Rococo works, choir books, gargoyles, and other artifacts from the church itself. Since July 18, 2009, this collection has been housed in the Sacred Art Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's religious and artistic heritage.

A Hub of Cultural and Religious Life

In addition to its architectural and artistic beauty, the Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, making it an ideal venue for classical music concerts. The annual performances by local musical and vocal associations, such as the Colmenar Viejo Choir and the Colmenar Viejo Symphonic Band, are highlights of the town’s cultural calendar. The representation of the Auto de los Reyes Magos in early January has become a cherished tradition since the beginning of the 21st century.

The basilica has been at the center of Colmenar Viejo’s Catholic religious life for centuries, originally dedicated to Nuestra Señora Santa María before being rededicated to the Assumption of Our Lady in the late 16th century. Today, it holds the status of a basilica, reflecting its historical and spiritual significance.

Restorations and Preservation

The basilica has undergone several restorations throughout its history. In 1649, a lightning strike destroyed the spire, part of the tower, and other areas, leading to a restoration effort completed in 1656. More recent restorations include the tower's refurbishment between 1999 and 2000, which included replacing a lost rose window and rehabilitating the interior rooms, especially the clock room. The bell tower was restored between 2000 and 2001, and further work on the tower, including consolidating its structure and restoring some gargoyles and the cornice, was carried out in 2003.

In conclusion, the Basilica of la Asunción de Nuestra Señora is not just a historical monument but a living testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Colmenar Viejo. Its stunning architecture, exquisite altarpiece, and vibrant role in the community make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region.