Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor
This Romanesque-Gothic structure is the town’s largest and most important church. It was built atop a former mosque in honor of the Virgin Mary, who was credited with helping the Christian reconquest of the town in 1232. The undoubted highlight is its altarpiece (retablo) featuring 25 panels of the lives of Mary and Christ painted by Fernando Gallego and his workshop in the late 15th century. You’ll also see the tomb of a local celebrity. Diego García de Paredes, the so-called Samson of Extremadura, reputedly defended a bridge single-handedly against 200 French soldiers in the 16th century. Cervantes cites him in Don Quijote as an example of a real-life hero, rather than ones you read about in chivalry books. A climb up the bell tower is repaid with terrific views across the rooftops and Plaza Mayor.
To reach the church, go through the gate of Plaza Mayor at Puerta de San Andrés and take Calle de las Palomas through the Old Town.
This Romanesque-Gothic structure is the town’s largest and most important church. It was built atop a former mosque in honor of the Virgin Mary, who was credited with helping the Christian reconquest of the town in 1232. The undoubted highlight is its altarpiece (retablo) featuring 25 panels of the lives of Mary and Christ painted by Fernando Gallego and his workshop in the late 15th century. You’ll also see the tomb of a local celebrity. Diego García de Paredes, the so-called Samson of Extremadura, reputedly defended a bridge single-handedly against 200 French soldiers in the 16th century. Cervantes cites him in Don Quijote as an example of a real-life hero, rather than ones you read about in chivalry books. A climb up the bell tower is repaid with terrific views across the rooftops and Plaza Mayor.
To reach the church, go through the gate of Plaza Mayor at Puerta de San Andrés and take Calle de las Palomas through the Old Town.
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