Sacra Capilla de Funeraria de El Salvador
One of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture, this church was designed by Diego de Siloé but the work was carried out by Vandelvira—his first major architectural project. It was built as a family chapel and mausoleum for Francisco de los Cobos, who was secretary to Emperor Carlos V. It’s still privately owned by his descendants. The richly embellished portal is mere window dressing for the wealth of decoration within. The altarpiece by Alonso Berruguete is a dazzling display of gilded wood representing the transfiguration of Christ. It is mostly a restoration, having been badly damaged in the Civil War. The sacristy, designed by Vandelvira, is even more impressive, filled with allegories of vice and virtue. The elaborately decorated door, representing the gates of Eden, is highly unusual as it is cut into the corner of the chapel. The ceiling is a mind-boggling piece of decoration by the French sculptor Esteban Jamete, who also carved the façade.
One of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture, this church was designed by Diego de Siloé but the work was carried out by Vandelvira—his first major architectural project. It was built as a family chapel and mausoleum for Francisco de los Cobos, who was secretary to Emperor Carlos V. It’s still privately owned by his descendants. The richly embellished portal is mere window dressing for the wealth of decoration within. The altarpiece by Alonso Berruguete is a dazzling display of gilded wood representing the transfiguration of Christ. It is mostly a restoration, having been badly damaged in the Civil War. The sacristy, designed by Vandelvira, is even more impressive, filled with allegories of vice and virtue. The elaborately decorated door, representing the gates of Eden, is highly unusual as it is cut into the corner of the chapel. The ceiling is a mind-boggling piece of decoration by the French sculptor Esteban Jamete, who also carved the façade.
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