IGLESIA MAYOR PRIORAL
Cultural attractions / El Puerto de Santa María
Plaza de España, s/n, El Puerto de Santa María
+34 956 851 716
Description
The church was built in the higher part of town in 1486, coinciding with a surge of construction fostered by the Duke and Duchess of Medinaceli.The church was later rebuilt in the 17th century, following the indications of several architects but preserving many of its original Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassic elements.
Just as in many other builidngs in the area and the Cathedral of Seville, it was built using sandstone from quarries in the nearby Sierra de San Cristóbal.
Inside, the church has three rib-vaulted naves—the central nave being of a greater height and width than the lateral ones. Originally of Gothic style, remnants of that era can be found in the part known as the Puerta del Perdón, or the Door of Forgiveness, which seems to have been left unfinished, reflecting the late Gothic style, as well as the apse and church walls.
From the late 16th century onwards, work began on adding the side chapels, such as the all-important Patron Saint or Sacramental Chapel, refurbished in the 18th century, or the Valera or Benavides chapels, just to name a few.
The second stage of reforms included the lateral entrance known as the Puerta del Sol which is an interesting example of a façade-altarpiece richly decorated with Plateresque and Baroque elements.