Templo de Santa María

In the heart of the Barrio de La Villa, the historic quarter of Requena, the Templo de Santa María is one of the great jewels of the region's medieval heritage. Declared a National Monument in 1931, the church is celebrated for a doorway regarded as one of the masterpieces of flamboyant Gothic in the Valencia region.

History

Santa María was one of the three medieval parishes of the Barrio de la Villa and is documented from 1333, placing it among the oldest surviving traces of Christian Requena. Built into the tangle of narrow streets of the old town, it forms part of an urban ensemble that still preserves the character and original layout of the medieval town.

What to see

The church's great highlight is its splendid doorway, carved in the early 16th century in the Isabelline flamboyant Gothic style. Three archivolts are packed with musician angels, virgins and cherubs, while the scene of the Annunciation crowns the tympanum. It is worth pausing to take in the sculptural detail, which is unusually rich.

Tips for your visit

• Walk in through the streets of the Barrio de la Villa; the stroll is part of the experience.
• Study the doorway slowly and, if you can, in good light to appreciate the reliefs.
• Combine your visit with other corners of the historic centre of Requena and its surroundings.