Iglesia del Convento del Carmen

In the heart of Requena's old town, the Church of the Carmelite Convent is tied to a convent of medieval origin and holds one of the most curious sets of Valencian tilework in the district. Its Gothic-Baroque character condenses centuries of history into a single building.

History

The church grew out of the Carmelite presence in the town, with roots reaching back to the medieval period. The main body of the building dates from the late 15th century and was transformed in the 18th century, when it received much of the Baroque ornamentation visible today. That layering of eras is exactly what makes the building interesting.

What to see

The highlight is its fine dado of Valencian tilework, where Carmelite saints in blue tones mingle with flowers, fruits, coats of arms and polychrome cherubs. Look out also for:

• The Gothic chapel of the Virgin of la Soterraña, a relic of the oldest phase of the complex.
• The 17th-century Baroque altarpiece, the centrepiece of the church.
• The contrast between the late-15th-century Gothic structure and its 18th-century overlay.

Visiting tips

• It sits in the centre, easy to pair with a stroll through Requena's historic quarter.
• Opening hours of small churches are often tied to services, so check before you go.
• Step up close to the tiled dado to appreciate the polychrome detail.