Antigua Iglesia de Jesús, María y José

In the heart of Puerto Real, a charming town in the province of Cádiz, Spain, stands the Antigua Iglesia de Jesús, María y José. This historic church, commonly known as the Iglesia de San José, is a testament to the town's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Built in the late 18th century, this neoclassical gem has been a silent witness to the passage of time and the evolution of the community it serves.

The History of Antigua Iglesia de Jesús

The construction of the Antigua Iglesia de Jesús began in 1770, driven by the need to replace the deteriorating hermitage of San Andrés. The Hermandad de San José del Gremio de los Carpinteros, a local brotherhood of carpenters, took on the financial responsibility for this ambitious project. The land was generously provided by the town council, highlighting the community's collective effort in bringing this vision to life.

The renowned architect Torcuato Cayón de la Vega initially spearheaded the construction. Upon his death, his disciple and godson, Torcuato Benjumeda, continued the work, ensuring that the project adhered to the original vision. By 1794, the church was completed and christened as the Iglesia de Jesús, María y José. During the Spanish Civil War, the church played a crucial role, temporarily serving as the parish church of the town while the Iglesia Prioral de San Sebastián underwent restoration following a devastating fire and looting in 1936.

In 1981, the church was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Interest Site) in the category of Monument, reflecting its historical and architectural significance. Seven years later, in 1988, an agreement between the town council and the Diocese led to the church being handed over to the town in exchange for three plots of land. This transfer marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church. In 1992, restoration work commenced to transform the building into a cultural center, a role it continues to fulfill today.

Architectural Marvels

The Antigua Iglesia de Jesús is a fine example of neoclassical architecture, characterized by its understated elegance and harmonious proportions. The church features a hall-style layout with three naves, a dome at the crossing, and a crypt beneath the presbytery. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault with lunettes, punctuated by rectangular openings topped with shallow arches. These sections are separated by unadorned transverse arches supported by pilasters with Ionic capitals adorned with garlands.

The side naves are covered by groin vaults, above which are galleries that open onto the central nave through rectangular openings protected by railings. The crossing is crowned by a dome on pendentives, covered by an octagonal lantern adorned with eight rays, each containing openings topped with shallow arches.

The church's exterior is equally impressive, constructed from oyster stone coated with plaster and whitewash. The main facade features a sober decoration with a double-height structure adorned with four Tuscan pilasters, the two central ones being double. These pilasters rest on tall pedestals and define the three symmetrical openings that make up the main facade. The central opening houses the main door, devoid of any decoration, with a lintel resolved by a shallow arch of oyster stone voussoirs. The identical side openings feature balconies corresponding to the upper side galleries. The facade is crowned by a mixtilinear pediment with Baroque reminiscences, at the center of which is an opening topped with a very shallow arch.

The lateral facade is even more austere, organized around seven giant Tuscan pilasters with pedestals, two of which are double. Above these pilasters runs the same double cornice with a frieze as the main facade, and above the cornice rises a structure that spans two openings corresponding to the crossing, topped by a slight molding and featuring a rectangular opening with a shallow arch in the center.

The octagonal lantern is topped by a cornice, above which rises a slightly curved tiled roof with eight slopes. Each vertical opening features a rectangular beveled opening topped with a shallow arch. The bell tower consists of two superimposed sections topped by cornices and covered by a bulbous spire. The upper section has openings for bells on each side, flanked by a pair of pilasters and another pair of Doric columns at the corners. Above its cornice is a light parapet with battlements at the corners, ending in square-based pyramids.

Transformation into a Cultural Center

Today, the Antigua Iglesia de Jesús serves as a vibrant cultural center and exhibition space, breathing new life into the historic structure. The transformation from a place of worship to a cultural hub has allowed the building to continue serving the community in a different capacity. Visitors can now explore the church's architectural beauty while engaging with various cultural and artistic events hosted within its walls.

In conclusion, the Antigua Iglesia de Jesús, María y José in Puerto Real is more than just a historic church; it is a symbol of the town's enduring spirit and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this remarkable site promises to be a rewarding and enriching experience.