CHURCH OF ST. MARY MAJOR

This church was built onto the remains of the previous Arab mosque, as reflected in its floor plan. It is a mixture of styles, between late Gothic and Renaissance. The late Gothic naves were built during the 16th century, whist the transept and the sacristy were added in the 17th century, in Renaissance style.

The tall belfry comprises three floors, each with a different style - Moorish, late Gothic and Renaissance. The magnificent choir stalls are also Renaissance.

 The Arab origins of the church's structure are also evident from its high cast iron arch, whilst on entering by the belfry door the remains of the Mihrab of the previous mosque can be seen, decorated with inscriptions dating from the Nazarite caliphate. The mosque was built between the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th. century.

 The church was consecrated in 1485, the year of the reconquest, by the Catholic Monarchs.

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