Church of Puríssima Concepció

Nestled in the charming town of Manises, Spain, the Church of Puríssima Concepció (Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción) stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. This exquisite Baroque-style church, constructed in the late 17th century, is a beacon of architectural beauty and spiritual significance, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe.

The Architectural Marvel of Church of Puríssima Concepció

The Church of Puríssima Concepció is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, characterized by its single nave design interspersed with chapels nestled between robust buttresses. As you step inside, the central nave reveals a continuous barrel vault, a hallmark of the period’s architectural ingenuity. The absence of a transept or dome gives the interior a unique and open feel, with the presbytery subtly marked by a triumphal arch connecting it to the nave.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the church is the narthex at the foot of the temple. This design, prevalent among conventual churches in the Kingdom of Valencia, allowed for a more spacious choir area. The transition from the nave to the choir is marked by an arch adorned with intricate stucco carvings, with the year 1691 inscribed, hinting at the church’s storied past.

An Ode to Baroque Ornamentation

The interior walls of the Church of Puríssima Concepció are a study in Baroque elegance. Composite order pilasters with ornate capitals separate the semi-circular arches leading into the chapels. Above these pilasters, a continuous entablature runs around the perimeter, with windows framed by stucco carvings opening above it. This composite order, favored in Valencian architecture during the 17th to 18th centuries, combines Corinthian acanthus leaves with Ionic volutes, creating a rich visual tapestry.

The church’s bell tower, in contrast, follows a more restrained Doric order, typical of late 17th-century Valencian ecclesiastical towers. It features a square temple and a polygonal structure atop the bell floor, reinforced by diagonal buttresses that provide both structural support and an elegant transition between the tower’s diminishing tiers.

The Communion Chapel: A Jewel Within

Distinct from the rest of the church, the Communion Chapel opens perpendicularly from the back of one of the side chapels. This rectangular, single-nave construction, designed by Vicente Gascó, features three sections separated by transverse arches and covered by a semi-circular barrel vault. The semi-circular apse, covered by a quarter-sphere, houses the altar with a Crucifix and the Eucharistic tabernacle.

The chapel’s walls are adorned with pilasters of the Michelangelesque Ionic order, featuring angular volutes and floral garlands. Above the entablature, semicircular lunettes open in the vault, differing from the church’s nave windows. Within the niches between the pilasters, statues of saints such as Saint Thomas of Villanueva and Saint Vincent Ferrer stand in solemn grace.

Symbolism and Decorative Splendor

The Communion Chapel is a treasure trove of symbolic art. The eaves are adorned with symbols of the Passion, including a lamb over the entrance, anagrams of Christ and Mary, and a series of gilded bas-reliefs depicting the instruments of the Passion. The retable, supported by Ionic columns, features a segmental pediment richly decorated with noble materials and golden accents, culminating in two angels adoring the Eucharistic chalice.

The chapel’s dazzling effect is achieved through the use of faux marble in gray and pink tones, combined with white stucco and contrasting gold. Floral garlands are intricately woven between the capitals and spill forth from shells above the windows, creating an opulent visual feast.

Visiting the Church of Puríssima Concepció

A visit to the Church of Puríssima Concepció is a journey through time, offering glimpses into the artistic and spiritual fervor of the Baroque era. As you wander through its sacred halls, the interplay of light and shadow, the meticulous craftsmanship, and the serene atmosphere invite reflection and admiration.

Whether you are an aficionado of architecture, a history enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, the Church of Puríssima Concepció in Manises offers a captivating experience. Its walls whisper stories of devotion and artistry, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Spain.