2.1 - CHURCH OF EL SALVADOR: HISTORY, ART AND DEVOTION

    

SCHEDULE:

- Mondays to Saturdays: from 10:15 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)

- Sundays: Closed.

TICKET PURCHASE

The city of Seville, with its rich historical heritage and impressive architecture, houses a gem that stands out among the wonders of Andalusia: the Church of El Divino Salvador. This church, with its history dating back to Roman times and its splendid Baroque architecture, is a testament to the city's evolution over the centuries. In this entry, we invite you to explore the history, architecture, and artistic treasures that make the Church of El Divino Salvador a unique place in Seville.

The history of the Church of El Divino Salvador is a fascinating journey through the ages. Originally, there was a building on the site dating back to Roman times. However, the building we know today began to take shape in the 9th century when the Mosque of Ibn Adabbás was constructed, becoming the largest mosque in the city until 1182. After the conquest of Seville in 1248 by Ferdinand III of Castile, the major mosque was transformed into Seville's cathedral, and the Mosque of Ibn Adabbás was Christianized under the invocation of the Divine Savior of the World.

Over the years, the church has undergone significant transformations. In the 16th century, work was carried out to change the orientation of the temple, install a high altar, create a chapel for the Virgin of the Waters, and build a chapter choir. During the 17th century, due to deterioration, it was demolished, and its reconstruction began in 1671, with a façade design by José Granados de la Barrera and execution by Francisco Gómez Septién and Leonardo de Figueroa. The works were completed in 1712. The church's bell tower, consisting of three sections, includes the old minaret, a part from the 14th century, and an upper part created by Leonardo de Figueroa between 1718 and 1719.

In the 19th century, in 1852, the church ceased to be a collegiate church and became a parish, although it retained the name of the collegiate.

In 2003, the church underwent an extensive restoration led by the architect Fernando Mendoza Castells, which concluded in 2008. This restoration restored some of its original splendor to the Church of El Divino Salvador.

The Church of El Divino Salvador features Baroque architecture with Mannerist influences on its main façade. Inside, it presents itself as a spacious rectangular hall with tall pillars supporting vaults. It stands out as the only church in the region with these characteristics. The columns at the head of the central nave are adorned with tracery that includes Eucharistic symbols, castles, lions, and golden capitals. The dome, with a drum and octagonal plan, has windows at the base and a lantern at the top.

Inside the church, there are 14 altarpieces that house an impressive collection of religious artworks. Among them, the Main Altarpiece, in the Baroque style, is a masterpiece created by Cayetano de Acosta in the 18th century. Also noteworthy are the Altarpiece of Christ of the Afflicted, the Altarpiece of Christ of Love, and the Altarpiece of the Virgin of the Waters, each with its own history and beauty.

The Church of El Divino Salvador in Seville is a historical, architectural, and artistic treasure that reflects the city's rich history. From its Roman roots to its transformation over the centuries, this place offers a window into Seville's evolution and its significance in culture and faith. When visiting the Church of El Divino Salvador, travelers can explore not only history but also the beauty and spirituality that this unique church has to offer. It's a place where the past and present intertwine in an unforgettable experience.