Church of Santa María de la Corte

In the heart of Oviedo, Spain, nestled amidst the historic charm of the city, stands the Church of Santa María de la Corte, a remarkable testament to the architectural and cultural legacy of the region. Known locally as Iglesia de Santa María de la Corte, this church invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich tapestry of history woven into its very stones.

The History of the Church of Santa María de la Corte

The origins of the Church of Santa María de la Corte date back to the mid-16th century. The initial designs were crafted by the Cantabrian master Juan de Cerecedo, also known as the old one. After his death in 1568, his nephew, Juan de Cerecedo the young, continued the work between 1570 and 1572. However, due to financial difficulties, construction was halted and later resumed in 1587 under the guidance of the Trasmeran architect Juan del Ribero Rada. It was Ribero Rada who infused the church with its definitive classicist character, leading to its consecration in 1592.

Following the ecclesiastical confiscations of 1836, the parish of Santa María de la Corte was established in the building in 1845, eventually acquiring ownership in 1859. This transition marked a new chapter in the church's storied history, cementing its place as a spiritual and cultural beacon in Oviedo.

Architectural Marvels

The Church of Santa María de la Corte exemplifies the architectural style of 16th-century monastic churches. Its design features a single, expansive nave with lateral chapel-niches, elegantly positioned between buttresses and opening into the transept through semi-circular arches. The cruciform layout includes a central square space and two rectangular arms, with a presbytery that may reflect Ribero's renovations.

The façade, though unfinished, conceals the entrance portico and choir, elevated above the portico and the nave's far end. It showcases a central section flanked by two towers, of which only the left was completed. The grand entrance is marked by a large, rounded arch with intricate impost capitals and jambs, inviting visitors into its sacred space.

Interior Elegance

Inside, the church's walls are adorned with slightly protruding fluted pilasters crowned with Ionic capitals, supporting a complete Ionic entablature. The ceilings feature barrel vaults with lunettes in the nave, groin vaults under the choir, and a dome on pendentives in the old sacristy, all embellished with geometric patterns.

The galleries or upper floors of the side naves, now serving as parish halls, overlook the transept through balconies with stone balustrades. The left gallery, adjacent to the monastery, was once used by the illustrious Father Feijóo to attend mass, connecting directly to his cell.

Sculptural Treasures

The main altarpiece, attributed to the Benedictine monk Fray Juan Andrés Ricci, was crafted between 1638 and 1641 by artists Luis Fernández de la Vega, Pedro García, and Francisco González. This Mannerist masterpiece, the only Asturian altarpiece composed of canvases, features depictions of Saint Vincent, Saint Scholastica, and Saint Benedict, painted in 1641 and later retouched in 1779.

Other notable sculptures include works by the Asturian Baroque sculptor Fernández de la Vega, such as the figures of Saint Anne with the Virgin Mary and the Virgin with Child. The church also houses a Rococo altarpiece of the Virgin, originally from the Jesuit College and relocated to the church in 1802.

A Visit to Remember

Visitors to the Church of Santa María de la Corte can also explore the sepulchers within the transept, including that of Fray Benito Jerónimo Feijoo, a prominent scholar and abbot of the San Vicente monastery, and Rodrigo Álvarez de las Asturias, a noble figure from the 14th century.

The church's organ, a Baroque piece from the late 17th century, is considered one of the finest in Asturias. In the sacristy, a collection of valuable silverware from the 16th to 19th centuries is displayed, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region.

In conclusion, the Church of Santa María de la Corte is more than a place of worship; it is a living museum of art, history, and spirituality. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, inviting all who enter to experience the beauty and serenity of this remarkable Oviedo landmark.